What Writing Rules Should You Ignore?

A few years back, as a newbie to novel writing and publishing, I garnered wheelbarrows full of advice, both advice I sought and some well-meaning advice freely imparted without my appeal for it.

It's come from many sources, from the best of the best, and even those who don't actually have any notable writing credits. As a novice, I took it all in, and took it to heart.

Countless times I was told:

Put your butt in chair and write!
When it comes to show vs. tell, show, show, show. Telling is lazy writing.
The use of adverbs is a sign of weak writing.
To be taken seriously, you must write everyday! (Someone on Twitter went so far as to tell me to write 'until your fingers bleed.' Hey, I do love to write, but come on!)

Many other wisdoms have been conveyed to me, too many to go into, but it was with a huge sigh of validation when today I came across Author Catherine Egan's post on Writer's Digest: "7 Writing Rules You Can Ignore."

This post fits nicely in with my personal motto, "All things in moderation." Our lives are filled with many, many choices. A little restraint and purposeful action go a long way.

Be careful what advice you heed. Almost all of the often-repeated and praised 'truths of the craft,' can be disproved when a writer creates with deliberate intention.

7 Writing Rules You Can Ignore

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Marriage is NOT beautiful

I can't take the credit for this, but the words are so true I had to share.

The Art of Letting Go

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
If you’re like me, and most of the world, somewhere around the first of January, you made New Year’s resolutions, and set a few goals. Maybe yours was to get into shape, travel or get that promotion you always wanted. This year, I want to write my next novel and another immediately after that. Anyone serious about reaching a goal needs to have a strategy—because ideas without a plan of action are merely wishful thinking.
I had a plan, had it all mapped out, and revved up and ready to roll, I sat down to write. I wrote a few paragraphs, but suddenly I had no interest in telling the story I’d started. The next day I sat down to try a new story, but my protagonist, suitcase in hand, waved goodbye and sped off to the airport.
After a couple of weeks, I’d written nothing compelling. I literally felt empty, like I had nothing interesting or meaningful to share. Stressed and depressed, I started to throw darts at the whole idea of a writi…

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