Some Good Rules For Writers

I like these Rules for LIFE. They can be applied to all parts of our lives but at this blog, we're concerned about your writing LIFE. Let's see how the eight rules can relate to that. 

1. See failure as a beginning, not an end.  When things go awry on our writing journey--and they often do--we feel ready to give up. Thoughts like Whatever made me think I could write? and This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. go through our minds. When we're feeling down, it's pretty easy to talk ourselves into digging deeper and feeling even worse. If you look at the failure as step one in a new part of your journey, you'll reap the benefits. 

2.  If you don't go after it, you won't have it.  My first thought here was a quote by Jack London, the novelist. He said  “You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” It's common sense that we cannot sit in a chair and wait for what we hope will happen. Writing is hard work, finding the will to write and the inspiration can be tough, too. It's up to us to 'go after it.' 

3.  Always do more than is expected of you.  With the thousands of submissions an editor sees, we need to put something extra into our writing if we're to be noticed. An old cliche comes to mind here--reach for the stars. Don't be satisfied with just completing an assignment or a project. Add a little more. 

4.  Teach others what you know. If you have the knowledge, it is a kindness to share with others. Most writers are happy to help other writers by giving workshops, one on one critiques, or mentoring a new writer. 

Tomorrow, I'll address the last four Rules of LIFE. One more thing before closing today. I ran across a great poster that refers to yesterday's topic of procrastination.