The Rules are Simple - Writing Tip

I wanted to come in here and write something profound and memorable, 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 good. 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 un-expert opinion, which I’ve earned the right to express because of the copious amounts of new 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 in dialogue is definitely flexible - it should match the characters. Real people don't talk with perfect grammar. I love dialect. It’s spicy, real, and it can carry a weak plot. Dialect speaks with incorrect grammar. Get over it!

Traditional, correct sentence structure won’t guarantee a great story 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 mannequin? Boring?

Once you consider yourself a writer, and you know the rules, you are entitled to write your own story. Errors are out, 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 wordy, small, filler or connecting words will only cause a reader to become bored. Now that is the number one rule that should never be broken! Never Bore your Readers.

The more I read and study 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 both 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 the writer changing the work too much; using suggestions given as rules. Because the reviewer did not consider the context, the life was taken right out of it. I’ve read plenty of How-To books while searching 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 a good thing. Just hold on to your common sense and remember that advice isn't the same as rules that must be followed.

I’ve finally decided the Basic Rules are not mysterious. They are learned in English class and by keeping a copy of Strunk and White's, 'Elements of Style' handy and reading it. http://www.bartleby.com/141/

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 encourage in that direction. 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 rising from your heart to your throat as you read the final draft. It will bring a smile to your face. Write it your way, but write it intelligently.

The best and most reliable teacher is a good book. Read plenty and pay attention. Find the best writers and read them. Emulate them by writing lots of short scenes in their style. Don't worry about your own style, you don't have one yet. Really, you don't.

Beginning a sentence with ‘But’ and ‘And’ is frowned upon, but why? I know, there's a rule to be quoted, I saw it somewhere; 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.

Doing it your way does not mean sloppy and anything goes. If no one can understand the scene 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 not in narration.

Learn the Basic Rules, then write your story your way. Believe me, readers will know if you are bending the rules or just don’t know them. 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.

Keep the dictionary handy. Learn the basics of spelling, punctuation and grammar, then study them again. They are important!

Step one: Learn the basic rules of English,

Step two: Then you may break them.

Step three: You can't skip the first step - it just ain't gonna work.

The key line is Once you know the rules, you are entitled to write your story your way.

This takes time, lots of time. First, we have to learn the correct rules of writing, then we advance to the craft of writing. Eventually, we learn to arrange the words in a pleasing order to write well. Lastly, your style will begin to show itself.

Finally, we get to the fun part of writing - rewriting!

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

Happy writing!