writing rules – Jean's Writing

Do you feel like rules stifle your creativity?

That too many rules, like cooks, ruin the outcome?

Well, following the rules need not be confusing. Thanks to Barbara Delinsky boils down the rules of writing to 5 easy to understand and follow.

Homework.
- Research will help you write about everything. Thank goodness for Google. Personally, I love researching a new topic. Too bad I get lost in all the cool info.
Likable characters.
- Everyone loves to cheer on the heroine and boo the villain. Don’t overdo their attributes.
Scene purpose.
- Write scenes that don’t distract or slow down your story.
Move it, move it.
- Keep the pace moving forward. Readers prefer heart-stopping speed to eloquent prose.
Edit, and edit some more.
- Edit everything. Edit typos, flow, context, inconsistencies, repetition, and boredom.

There you have it, my take on How to Write Like Delinsky: Five Rules Of Writing by Barbara Delinsky

Head over and read Barbara’s post and let me know what you think.

Do you follow her rules?

Have one of your own to add?

Are you a rule breaker or follower?

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Do we throw them out?

Or do we realize some rules are made to be broken?

Hooray! At last, a common sense post about what to do about hard and fast rules that make no sense in this day and time.

6 Old Grammar Rules That Are Finally Going Out of Style by KELLY GURNETT

I felt a kinship with Kelly and you will too. You may enjoy the workarounds she provides unless of course, you are one of the few Grammar Police left in the world. I hope you’ll set aside that red marker and reconsider after reading her post.

Here is my take on her 6 rules:

Ending sentences with a preposition.
- Guilty, but I didn’t know this rule was attributed to Winston Churchill
Starting sentences with a conjunction.
- Oh yes, guilty. This gem was apparently courtesy of teachers in the 19th century.
Sentence fragments.
- Now honestly, I write like I talk. And well…
Split infinities.
- This one drives me nuts. But what a relief, Kelly gives us permission to use as needed and explains why.
Who vs Whom
- I love her suggestions. Just avoid if unsure. But realize the word “whom” is for formal writing.
Pronouns.
- What about “they?” Turns out it’s not one but what else is a writer to use?