The Rules are Simple - #203

The Rules are Simple

Hello again, Fellow Writers,

I wanted to come in here and write something profound and memorial, but alas, it ain’t gonna happen today. I hope what I do say speaks to you anyway.

I joined the site while I was fired up, excited and anxious to learn ‘the right way’ to write, you know -By The Rules. Most of you did too, I suspect. What I found was confusion. Do it this way - no, do it that way. This is Passive--bad. Take out all of the--was's--and this will be a great story! What? Sometimes, believe it or not, passive is called for. What are the rules? Has anyone made a list and promised, “Follow these rules and your writing will be perfect?“ I haven’t seen one, and believe me, I've looked everywhere.

In my unexpert opinion, which I earned the right to express because of the copious amounts of novice writer items I choose to read, I think the rules lie in the spelling, punctuation, grammar and common sense consistency in the storytelling. And the grammar is definitely flexible; it should match the characters. Real people don't always talk with perfect grammar. I love dialect. It’s spicy, real, and it can carry a weak plot. Dialect speaks with incorrect grammar.

Traditional, correct sentence structure won’t automatically make a story great either. Incomplete sentences are commonly spoken amongst us common folks. The writing may be perfect technically, but how’s the story? Does it live, or does it sit stiffly cold and proper as a manikin?

Once you consider yourself a writer, and you know the rules, you are entitled to write your own way. Errors jar, but good writers can occasionally break the rules for effect, if it fits the context of the story. Variety with clarity usually works. If you need to use the word --was-- use it! Like anything though - don't overdo. Using too many of these small, filler or connecting words will only cause a reader to become bored. That is bad.

The more I read and study public reviews of others, the more I realize I’ve also been aping the advice of ‘experts’ in my reviews. There are some ridiculous and damaging suggestions given to novice and experienced writers. The ones who know the rules can smile and ignore the bad advice, but the novices are left floundering.

I’ve sadly watched one particular work go from potentially good to definitely bad by using these ‘Rules’ given as suggestions, because the reviewer did not consider the context. The life was taken right out of it. I’ve read plenty of How-To articles on the web while I searched for the hidden, secret mysteries of writing well. The advice differs with each article because each writer speaks from his own viewpoint and style. They aren't bad especially; they all contain good advice and learning is always welcomed. Just keep your common sense and remember that the advice isn't strict rules that must be followed.

I’ve finally decided the Basic Rules are not mysterious. They are learned in English class.

There are lots of theories about how to construct plots; when and how to introduce elements like setting, description and action! When you can and can’t do certain things. I personally like to read stories that begin with action, so I advise on that element. But, that isn’t the only way, by any means. Listen and learn, then use your own common sense and write it your way. Do you like it? Is it good? You will know by the swelling sensation you feel inside as you read the final draft. It will bring a smile to your face. Write it your way.

The best and most reliable teacher is good books. Read plenty and pay attention. Find the best writers on this site and raid their ports. Emulate them with lots of practice. Your unique style is developed gradually over time.

Beginning a sentence with But and And is frowned upon, but why? I know, there's a rule to be quoted, I saw it. But if the line makes sense and fits the context, I use them. Is the story a flop because I began a sentence with But? I don't think so. Writing is not a static art. Nothing is set in stone. It's a lifelong learning adventure. If it is to be good, remain challenging and not be boring, it should be as refreshing and liberating as life itself.

Doing it your way does not mean sloppy and undisciplined writing. Writing is not just putting the words down on paper. If no one can understand what is being said except the author, then he hasn't learned the rules yet. Long, rambling sentences with incorrect punctuation are hard to read and the reader quickly becomes annoyed and gives up. Incomplete sentences have their place in dialog, but rarely in narration.

Learn the Basic Rules, then write your story your way. Believe me, readers will know if you are bending the rule or just plain don’t know it. There’s nothing wrong with inventing new words either, as long as the reader can guess exactly what is meant. Let’em is not the same as letem. Errors are errors, they are not style.

Don't forget there are also young, novice reviewers who haven't had the life experience to 'get' everything they read. It's not their fault nor is it the writers. Consider the audience. Take all advice with a grain of salt and keep the dictionary handy. Learn the basics of punctuation and grammar, then study it again. Write your story your way.

Step one: Learn the basic rules of English,
Step two: then you may break them.

You can't skip the first step - it just ain't going to work.

I know, I'm preaching to the choir with this column, but I hope a few novices are paying attention.

There were no submissions for this week's letter, but there was feedback! Thank you!

Subject: Another good one.

I was reading my quote in this one for the last newletter on moods. OOPS! I don't review on bad-tempered days. I write and keep everything private. LOL This was another good one. I agree with strong characters. Mine are more often then not true to life. Story content is important, however, without believeable, strong characters I find myself moving on to another story to read. daycare

I knew that's what you meant, Wendie.

Subject: Another outstanding article, esprit!

Both as a reader and a writer, I am more about the characters than the story itself. The story is important, but why should I care what is happening if I don't care about who it is happening "to"?

There is probably a little of me in all my characters to a certain point, but there are a few who truly hit close to home, and they are my favorite characters to write. From the feedback I get regarding them, readers also seem to connect heavily with these same characters and I believe that has a lot to do with what I put into them of myself. It does make them more 'real'.

BBINJC

Thanks, Starr! If I can feel what the character feels, I know he's real.

Subject: Pleasantly Surprised

I wanted to say thank you for featuring one of my pieces, Mantra, in the latest issue of the newsletter. It isn't really a mantra, but it was what I was thinking over and over as I was trying to come out of this slump I've been in for over a year.

I haven't written anything new in my port for a long while. I've been sort of blocked, so I don't even come onto the site as often as I once did. I received the last edition and decided to take a look, hoping to find some inspiration.

I read through the featured articles and was scrolling down through some of the featured work, and low and behold, ran right up on one of mine, although it was in the non-member section. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least about it. It was definitely the kind of boost that I needed!

I so appreciate your finding it worthy of inclusion.
thea marie

When you can't write, read. We all appreciate being read. It may help light the spark to get you writing again.

Thanks all, and again, Merry Christmas!

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