- Write every day - Sure, I do writing related things every day, but even before there was revising and blogging to be done I didn't write every day. Sometimes you need time to think, too.
- Write what you know- Yawn. I'm a researchaholic and I like to write things I don't know just so I can research them. I'm also easily distracted, so if what I'm writing feels too familiar, I can't do it.
- Don't read what you write- Um, but I'm supposed to write what I want to read. And keep reading while I'm writing. They aren't mutually exclusive! I'm sorry, but every chance I get I'm reading Harry Potter and you can't stop me. I think my book is better for it -- it reminds me to stay fresh and original.
- Lower your expectations- No. No freaking way. My expectations are what fuel my drive.
- Pay for an editor- Psh, please. That's what crit partners are for. They're amazing people that evaluate your novel for no monetary fee, they just want you to evaluate their own. Now, I'd pay someone if I were going to self publish, but I'm not.
Those are just my own that I purposefully ignore. What about you all? Do you have any writing "rules" you like to break?
Speaking of rule breakers...one of these would do the trick. I'll take one!
Neon Smurf- Blueberry Schnapps
- Blue Curacao Liqueur
- 7-Up® Soda
- Sweet
- Sour Mix
4 comments:
Neon smurf! That looks amazing.
I break a lot of those rules myself. But who on earth is telling you to lower expectations?! Never!
Hmmm. I think these rules are like reverse psychology or something. Sort of like my husband gets me to do something by telling me I'll hate it or never it's something I would never do. Then I have to prove him wrong. These rules are like that -- we have to prove them wrong...
Er, I hope so at least because I'm breaking 'em all too!
Sarah - I've seen that on several lists and it always baffles me. I guess they mean lower expectations of your writing, but still - no way! lol
Susan - We WILL prove them wrong!
I"m glad I'm not the only one who doesn't follow all the rules. Although paying an editor might not be bad thing. I have a learning disability and it makes it nearly impossible for me to see mistakes. It sucks. I hate being a burden on friends and family... a part of me thinks it's not a bad idea to pay an expert. I wish they weren't so expensive.
Great post. Damn the Man, Save the empire.
Post a Comment