Fiction-writing rules from various authors.

[simsinthecity]

This is what I'm talking about. It's a list of rules for writing fiction (usually ten per author but sometimes less) from some (somewhat?) well-known authors. I figured I'd share here in case anyone wanted some input or advice from more people than just the folks here at SWC

Comments

[simtarts]

I think a lot of these are good, especially for someone who is starting out or doesn't have a lot of confidence in their writing ability. I do think, however, that any rule can be successfully "broken" by a skilled enough writer.

I will say, however, that I find it intensely annoying when people get too creative with their dialogue tags. "Said" works just fine, folks.

I find the rule about not using detail to describe people and places to be a little odd, too. The pleasures of language are part of the reason I read, after all. This rule and many of the others only point out the growing trend of stripping all writing down to something very manageable and concise in order to keep the attention of an increasingly ADHD culture.

[simsinthecity]

That's very true. Good writers probably wouldn't need to follow the rules if they're already content with what they've done, whether or not they follow those rules.

Sometimes I eschew dialogue verbs entirely, if it's clear as to who is speaking. (That's easier when I'm writing with pictures, as my Sims stuff, though.) I don't write much about details with my Sims stuff, either, because the pictures do enough there. Even when I'm writing pieces without pictures, I don't do much describing, because honestly, that's not what I want to focus on xD

[julessims]

To be honest, I dislike any type of rules for writing other than the rules of grammar and spelling. Everyone writes differently, and one thing that worked for someone doesn't always work for someone else.

I only skimmed the 'rules', and I did see some that I agree with for myself, but a lot I disagree with. The one that really stuck out to me was Elmore Leonard's number three. I completely disagree with it. I'm not saying that writing that a character said something is wrong, but it can get repetitive (like anything) and boring. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with writing 'he/she lied' or 'he/she grumbled' or even doing the exact opposite of his number four.

I do love Neil Gaiman's eighth 'rule', though, especially the latter part of it.

[simsinthecity]

I guess they're written mostly for people who might need guidelines, like people who have the desire to be writers but don't have the innate talent for it. After all, writers who know what they're doing and have found their styles work well, don't really even need to look at a list like that.

[madame_ugly]

I'm with you on disliking writing "rules".

But this list is less RULES and more writers poking fun at rules (like Atwood's list).

[peasant007]

I think the kids on the Exchange *really* need to read these particular rules

[infinitygoddess]

I know of folks over at FF.net who could use some of those rules too. It's one of the reasons why I rarely read fanfics, unless they're done by reputable writers, such as the ones on my friends list.

[simsinthecity]

I agree with this so much. I tend to stick with those same rules you listed, except one. I'm such a sucker for first person writing. I think it's a good way to relate to the main character and get inside their thoughts.

[peasant007]

"Blah blah blah," so and so thought is equally effective AND you can get into more than one characters head. :)

[infinitygoddess]

I have a problem with the rule in regards to prologues, but only because prologues can be useful in fiction, such as when you're trying to set the stage for the rest of the story.

[simsinthecity]

When I read the rule, I'm kind of confused as to whether he's saying that that's the only appropriate way to use one, or that they're unnecessary because you can say the same thing anywhere so it doesn't matter. Either way, I agree with you, and that's the only way I use it. If it's just like all the other chapters and it doesn't really establish a backstory as much as the characters and conflict and setting, it's called "chapter one."

[medleymisty]

Rules are made to be broken