Happy New Year!
Here's wishing us all a wonderful 2017.
The past couple of years have been trying, so my hope for 2017 is that it's a happy year for us all. My goal this year is to get out more. To explore, to hike, to bike ride, and of course to keep writing and to find a home for my finished novels. I have a couple that I'm extremely excited about and that I'd like to share with readers everywhere.
This month's question: What writing rule do you wish you'd never heard?
This is a hard one for me. When I started writing, I hadn't known the "rules". Then I joined a writing group and found out I broke several rules. I revised and tweaked to conform. Then learned that it's okay to break the rules if it's important to the story. So there isn't one rule that I wish I had never heard. I'm just glad I became comfortable enough in my writing abilities to break the ones that aren't working for a particular story.
How about you? Is there a rule you wish you never heard? Any goals for 2017?
This has been an Insecure Writer's Support Group post. It's where writers share their thoughts, insecurities, and encouraging words. Thanks to Alex Cavanaugh and our co-hosts for keeping IWSG going. If you would like to know more about the group, just follow the link above.
Hi Cherie, when I started writing I had never heard of any rules, later when I did, I spent a good amount of time trying to revise my manuscript, by removing all the errors I had overlooked :(
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing. I even revised to fit rules that weren't necessarily errors. I think the more we write, the more we learn when it's good to break the rules.
DeleteI didn't know many either and broke a lot. I've revised many early stories and novels, but the more I learn, the more times I could go back and revise again.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true!
DeleteHey Cherie, I had a similar evolution re: writing rules. Goals I have for 2017 include revising my debut novel (getting there!) and returning to a manuscript I started years ago. Happy 2017!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to revisit old ideas. I have one for an adult novel that I may go back to. Poor book has been at 15% done for years. (I know this from the word-count calculator on my sidebar.)
DeleteI agree that the rules I didn't know, I'm happy I learned. Even if they caused me pain or I decided it's okay to break them. There are still some that bug the you-know-what out of me, though. ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL. I think it's good to know the rules, but it's also fun to break them. Some of the best authors break the rules all the time.
DeleteWishing you great success with your writing, Cherie. I so admire your talent.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Feather. Wishing you all the best as well!
DeleteBeing comfortable in knowing which ones to break is a good place to be.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2017!
Happy 2017!
DeleteOne of the things I've learned is that much of a writer's voice is based on which rules they break and how often they break them. Back when I first started writing, I didn't know anything about the rules and boy did it show!
ReplyDeleteSo true about voice and which rules we break. And there are times your characters need you to break the rules for their voice to shine.
DeleteMy first introduction to the rules was a writer's group I joined. They knew lots of stuff so I'm glad I found them.
ReplyDeletewriting groups are wonderful. :)
DeleteI'm such a rule follower in other aspects of my life. In writing I keep all the have to's floating in my head, but only stick to the ones that make my story sing.
ReplyDeleteSmart idea!
DeleteAs I've been reading the answers to this month's question, it's become very clear that writers most definitely need to break the rules sometimes. But knowing them helps us know when it's necessary. It definitely takes a certain level of confidence in your writing to be able to break them.
ReplyDeleteI'm clinking virtual glasses with you (hopefully real glasses soon!) for a happy, healthy 2017.
Well said about the rules.
DeleteI'm clinking virtual glasses with you. Happy 2017!
Sometimes it does take courage to break those rules. But if it works for the story, then go for it.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you're in a great place with your writing.
ReplyDeleteI just really enjoy it. :)
DeleteI've read a number of excellent books where authors break rules. Perhaps it's better to think of these "writing rules" as merely suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI've also read several excellent books where the author broke the rules. Maybe we should think of them more as guidelines. :)
DeleteI agree with the others. Some of my favourite authors break the rules often. Their editor must have thought it was okay because the rules weren't instilled. The one that bugs me the most is Show Don't Tell. Telling has never stopped me from enjoying a good book. Stupid characters and author intrusion bother, but not telling. Turns out I'm not the only one that feels this way. I'm actually happy we had this question this month. Reinforced my position to a degree. Thanks so much for visiting my blog, Cherie. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying following the discussion too.
DeleteHappy 2017.
You know, most of what people are calling "rules" are actually just guidelines. Granted, the majority are very wise guidelines, but that's all they are. Success definitely isn't dictated by adhering to them.
ReplyDeleteVery true! Most successful authors have broken the rules at one time or another.
DeleteBecause they have a very healthy sense of "guideline" vs RULE. =)
DeleteI agree with Crystal, and with experience we learn how to filter advice and use what works best for us as creators. Happy writing!
ReplyDelete