I know I break the rules in my first drafts all the time, but then in revision, I get so hung up about them I think I waste a lot of time on things that would be fine if I left them alone… especially since some rules were made to be broken!

As an example, I’m currently reading Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Mistborn’. Brandon is an excellent writer, but in this particular novel, I’m noticing several things: lots of adverbs, instances of telling (or repeating the same information 3 pages later), several scenes where characters simply discuss things that might not be central to the plot (but are interesting nonetheless)… but you know what? I *love* the book. I can’t put it down. Last night I stayed up reading and fell asleep with the book in my hand… because Sanderson’s voice and storytelling are what makes the story what it is. Rules schmooles. Just tell the story

[Reply]

By Faith on 09.10.09 2:31 pm | Permalink

I’m with Faith, first draft, there are no rules. Well, not many anyway.

But second and so on, I try to follow the:

show not tell

Kill the go nowhere say nothing scenes

and make sure I don’t say JUST, THAT, SO, WENT, and so on all the time. If the adverb isn’t necessary, then it goes too. I’m better on first drafts now too.

Major thing for me, it’s all about the voice of my character, if it fits, it fits.

[Reply]

By Sarah on 09.10.09 7:21 pm | Permalink

I’ve heard that once you know the rules, you can break them.

I totally agree with it, because then you are breaking the rules for a purpose…not because you don’t know better.

[Reply]

By Joyce on 09.10.09 8:11 pm | Permalink

I am a big-time rule breaker!

I’ve found that the things I write that I’ve tweaked to be ‘how they should be,’ get less of a response than when I just write and don’t care about ‘rules.’ Or they may get a response, but not as good of one.
When I just let the words come out and don’t worry about how I should be writing, that’s when I do my best. I believe that’s why I always come up with my better work late at night. My filter is kind of gone and words just flow out. I’m most definitely not worried about grammar at 2 am!!!

The only rule I now abide by that I never used to is that I don’t split infinitives. I used to think it wasn’t a big deal, but now it bothers me if I see one during a revision…
Other than that, pretty much anything goes. Bring on the fragments, ellipses, and whatever else they say you shouldn’t use!!!! =D

[Reply]

By Eden on 09.11.09 10:47 am | Permalink

Eden, I just had to go look up what a split infinitive was.

How funny is that.?!

[Reply]

By suzanne on 09.11.09 12:05 pm | Permalink

haha!
I found myself correcting one in a personal email yesterday — that’s how much I’ve grown to dislike them.
I used to have a line that said ‘to simply think’ & I got comments on it that it was wrong, but I thought it sounded just fine. I’ve since changed it and like it better now..
There are sooo many rules, it’s hard to know them all!!

But, another thing about the rules, like others have said, once you know them, THEN you can break them. I believe that wholeheartedly. If you’re aware of why and how you’re doing something, then it makes it all right, IMO.. ;

[Reply]

By Eden on 09.11.09 12:15 pm | Permalink

Cool share it is really. My friend has been waiting for this update.

[Reply]

By jenny Shield on 07.24.11 2:25 am | Permalink