Rules for Writers

So, you've decided writings your game and you're not sure how to go about it. You've got a killer idea and no craft, or a funky style and no idea.

If you don't have an idea, you're not ready to write. Not that you won't be, but that I will have to get to in another Hub.

If you do have an idea and have no clue how to translate your masterpiece into mega millions, listen up: this Hub's for you.

1. Show, don't tell. This is the cardinal rule of writing. Readers want to feel involved in a story, not like they're at a lecture. They also have a funny way about drawing their own conclusions. When a writer says "Timmy was wicked sad" it's giving your reader a foregone conclusion. When a writer changes this to, "Timmy's chin fell to his chest and he didn't look up at his mum because of the tears burning in his eyes," not only do you have visual imagery--we can all picture Timmy now--but you have the chance to develop tension.

2. Tension is why we read a story. Facts are cold, hard, incontrovertible. But lurking around the facts are delicious little tools like motivation, emotion, feeling, instincts, senses. The more involved we are with a character, the more we, with our protagonist, hear the creaking floor over head and feel the hair raising on our skin and jump at every flickering shadow the more invested we become. The more we MUST KNOW what happens. And ultimately, isn't that what we all want? A must read.

3. Assume the worst. Ha. Sounds rough, doesn't it? I had a grade school teacher once tell me that my art wasn't awful, it just wasn't done yet, and this is ultimately true of writing at most stages. It just isn't done yet. And if you write a first draft and feel this grand elation and pride (which you should it's a great accomplishment), be prepared to pass it on to your first editorial eye and have it slashed. Burned. Used for kindling or cigarette rolling. Just prepare yourself. Which leads me too....

4. Take every single criticism as an opportunity for you to express yourself better. Writing is basically you trying to communicate this little piece of your soul out, and if people don't like it, it's not that your soul sucks--its that you haven't communicated properly. Because whether or not it calls to you, when writing is good it's undeniable. We all remember the old game of telephone, and though it may seem impossible, your end goal is just to get whatever you whisper in your bff's ear to come out the same on the other end. Speak clearly!

5. Never give up. Writing (or publishing, really) is a dismal business, where kind rejections seem close to glory. You are now on the better side of the Vegas equation--you are the house. And given enough time, the house will always win. So hang in there, and keep trying. Just keep it in mind that it isn't done yet, and you can always learn, grow, and improve.

Ultimately, a writer is a person on whom nothing is wasted. That includes rejection, criticism, and naturally gross amounts of caffeinated beverages.

Happy Penning