Writing – We Don’t Need No Stinking Rules!

I am fascinated and troubled by many posts I see from new/aspiring/beginner writers on some of the writing social media sites I frequent.  There is a recurring theme of “What are the rules for…?”.  How many words in a chapter, how many chapters in a novel,  what’s the “right way” to write such and such.

It just makes me shake my head.

So, after first stating that I am a journeyman author myself but a veteran reader, let me say this clearly:

There are no rules.

Every English teacher, every grammarian, and a great many authors just had their heads explode.  So let me explain.

Certainly, there are “rules” when it comes to things like grammar and usage in any language.  Knowing those rules is a solid foundation for any writer.  A foundation that I absolutely support.  Learn the rules.

Then toss them over the side as needed.

You will see me say this over and over and over on this blog – the only things that matter is the story.  If, in the pursuit of your story, you need to use non=standard English, do it.  If, in the pursuit of your story, your chapters are five words long or five thousand words long, do it.  Ignore the classic plot diagram of introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution if they get in the way of your story.

Great stories have been told that ignored the rules.  Great stories have been told that adhered to every rule.

It’s not about the rules.  It’s always about the story.

Looking for “the rules” is a belief that there’s a magic formula for writing.  Once you know the proper “spell” you will become a great/popular/best-selling author.  It just isn’t so.  If it were that easy, there would be a lot more best-selling authors out there.  Sadly, there are people who claim to sell exactly that.  Without even looking at their product or ideas, I say stay away.  There is no easy checklist of rules for success.

Learn your craft.  Learn how great writers have done it for centuries.  Watch as some of the greatest simply do their own thing.  Watch them tell their story.

Then do likewise.

Peace

JD