Rules For Writers--Yes or No?

 

Today's photo poster has five words of good advice for writers. Nothing is Written In Stone is simple but strong. 

Along with many other writers, I offer tips on writing. I urge writers to read reference books about our craft. I prod with writing exercises. I highlight the mechanics of writing and urge writers to learn the correct way of using punctuation, grammar rules, and proper spelling. And more!

All that you read in books about writing, on blogs like this one, and online articles are worthwhile, but they are not written in stone. Things change over the years. One example is the number of spaces between sentences. Years ago, the norm was two spaces. When using a typewriter, we learned to tap the space bar twice. It became automatic. Then, computers came along and editors made a change. One space between sentences. It was a hard habit to break, but it can be done. Some stubborn people refused to switch to the new way, and their submissions were in danger of being tossed. The rule changed, and we had to change with it. 

Another reason we can say that Nothing is Written In Stone is that there are writers who want to write outside the box. It allows them to be unique which may appeal to some editors. Others will reject these kinds of submissions in a flash. 

Some of us follow rules while others rebel and want to write in their own way. There is no law saying you can't do so, but getting published could be a little more difficult for these writers. My thought here is that it's hard enough to get published without adding one more reason for an editor to reject your work. Still, take your chances and write the way that works best for you. 

The one place where Nothing is Written In Stone might not work is when you read but do not follow the publication's guidelines, or those of a contest. Those guidelines just might be written in stone. The editorial crew gave them to us for a reason. Refusing to follow the guidelines is the fastest way to being rejected that I know. 

Personally, I am happy to have some rules to follow, ones that will make my writing more clear and strong. It's why I read books/articles about writing and use them for a guide. This is one more choice writers have. Your decision!