Writers' Rules for Life

 Today's poster offers 8 Rules for Life. I read through them and thought that we could use the same rules for those who write, whether a hobbyist writer, a newbie, or a very experienced one. Let's take them one by one.

See failure as a beginning, not an end. This one tells me that we should not sink into depression when a rejection arrives. It's not the end of the world. Instead, look at it as a learning moment. Once you get past the hurt or anger, or both, look carefully at that rejected piece of writing. Learn from it. What should you have done differently? What parts are good? 

If you don't go after it, you won't have it. This one is pretty clear. You can't sit and wait for success to arrive at your doorstep. You have to make some effort, often a great deal of effort. No one ever said being a writer was a cinch job. Hard work is involved as is the desire to achieve. 

Always do more than is expected of you. It never hurts to give more than expected. If an editor gives you a deadline, submit your work ahead of time. It will be appreciated. Editors work on deadlines, too. Each extra step you take will work to your advantage. 

Teach others what you know.  This is the reason I started this blog. I wanted to share what I knew with others, and in doing so, I have sometimes been the recipient of the sharing of other writers' knowledge. It's a two-way street. If you're asked to teach a workshop at a conference, do it willingly to help others.

Assume nothing and question everything. This one makes me think about the importance of checking facts and doing research. Never write about something you merely heard. Get it verified. It could come back and bite you if you're not careful.

Make peace with the past or you'll pay for it. Writers hold a mixed bag when it comes to the good things that happen on their journey and the ones they'd like to erase entirely. Don't let those negatives rule your writing life. Dwelling on the misery can only get worse. Make peace with whatever it was and move on.

Stop thinking so much and start acting. Have you ever known someone in a writers group who spends all his/her time talking about writing but never actually doing it? They love the idea of writing but are either afraid to pursue the act or prefer to dream about being a writer. Thinking is fine up to a point, then it is time to act.

Never compare yourself to others. This one is pretty clear. You are an individual. There is no other writer exactly like you. Admire other writers, but don't compare yourself to them. You're the only you there is. You're the only one who writes your way. 

These 8 rules are advice for writers in a nutshell. A full article could be written on each one. Instead, I've only added a very few thoughts on these rules for life (for writers).