Ten Rules for Writing Fiction

[Jonze]

I came across this yesterday and as I'm currently writing (and rewriting and rewriting) a short pa story, I thought I'd share it here.

They've asked a few famous authors to give ten rules for writing fiction, some responses are really interesting and a few of them had me saying "Oh my god, that's exactly the thing that's been annoying me!".

My favourite is from Philip Pullman:

My main rule is to say no to things like this, which tempt me away from my proper work.

Not exactly helpful, but pretty amusing

I found most of the rules really helpful, I hope somebody else does!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/fe ... n-part-one
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/fe ... n-part-two

[FALLEN101]

Good list, thanks for finding it and posting it.

I was a little disappointed that Robert A. Heinlein's 4 rules of writing that are guaranteed to get you published weren't on there. They look like they are the simplest of things but they are not.

1. You must write.
2. More importantly, you must finish what you write.
3. You must send your writing to be published.
4. You must keep sending your writing until it finally is published.

Simple but effective.

[Narine]

Thanks, I would like to add some more recommendations;
1. Always consider your audience
2. Take care to end up with an exciting culmination
3. Don't make it like a soap opera