Not normal...but lots of fun.

Monday, December 26, 2011

The Rules




Hazel left a comment on my last blog post, mentioning she didn't know there were so many rules in writing. Quite frankly, when I began, I didn't think there were so many rules, either. But you reminded me of the most important rule of all, Hazel.

In writing, there are no rules. Other than, you have to actually write on occasion, preferably daily.  However, knowing the "rules" other people have set brings us a higher perception of our and others' work. We can decide to break the "rules", but we also know the risk we're taking: people may hate it. But there is a difference between knowledgeably breaking the rules, and ignorant mistakes. If you know what you're doing "wrong", you're more likely to weigh the pros and cons of such a choice.




At least, that's the commonly held opinion in the writing world. But sometimes being ignorant holds its own naive charm. Don't be afraid to make ignorant mistakes, even while you seek out knowledge. Keep writing despite your mistakes and you'll continue to grow in skill. Don't let the fear of failing freeze you from trying. This is something I struggle with regularly. I read a particularly piercing article about writing, and I wonder: "How can I ever manage to write something people will want to read, if these are the expectations?"

The biggest thing I have to remember (and it's difficult sometimes) is that making mistakes will make me a better writer. At least, they will if I am determined to learn from them.

Anyway, that's all for today's writing post! Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments, and especially to you, Hazel, for today's inspiration! Have a great day, everyone, and happy writing!

12 comments:

  1. Lol I'm glad I could inspire an entire blog post!

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  2. I didn't think there were that many rules either. Like you said as long as you're willing to learn, rules are nothing really.

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    1. A willingness to learn is key to the enjoyment of life and great for the writer's soul. It's all about perspective, anyway. In one person's perspective, you should or shouldn't write a certain way. That doesn't make them right or wrong, but it is something to take under advisement.

      Thanks for the comment!

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  3. Blah, I'm that person who won't write for fear of failure. It's quite annoying. I don't quite think of them as rules. I prefer "guidelines". :D

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    1. Guidelines, rules, whatever the label, they are still meaningless in the long-run. I can totally understand the fear of failure, but the only true failure in life is not trying. If you want to write, you should!

      How do you struggle past this problem?

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  4. happy writing to you too! and Happy New Year!

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    1. Thanks! I hope your new year has been good, too!

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  5. I just wrote a post about this very same thing! I break the rules ALL the time, but I know them {fairly well, I think}. And let me say that pushing the boundaries and experimenting WILL bring criticism, but I have found that it is helping me shape my voice and leading me to solidifying my style and writing intentionally. The slang and grammar slights I made ARE intentional. Not everyone will "get" me or "like" me, but I don't want to be a pasty, lukewarm writer. I want to exude passion and flamboyance and uniqueness. I was SO glad to read your post today. I feel like it was meant for me.

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    1. I'm so glad it could be of help to you. I read your latest blog post, and I have to say, I like your style! Thanks for dropping by and the great publicity you've given me, both on FB and Twitter. I really appreciate it! You gave me some of the oomph I needed to write again, and I am deeply grateful for that, too. This came at the perfect time for me.

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  6. Oh, and I'm a totally sharing this on my FB page!

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