Development - Rules of Writing

28 June 2012, Development -  Rules of Writing

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Some writers claim there are no rules in writing--or to write well you should break the rules there are.  There definitely are rules in writing.  For example, grammar is one of the hard rules of writing.  Punctuation is another rule of writing.  Language is another rule of writing.  If you aren't writing using language properly, grammar properly, and punctuation properly, no one will be able to understand you.  My four rules for writing follow:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

The first rule applies to language, grammar, and punctuation (as well as other more complex topics).  If you confuse your readers (because they can't understand your writing), you have failed as a writer.  It is impossible for writing not to have a strong foundation of basic rules.  Likewise, it is impossible to write well unless you are well grounded in these basics. 

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers.  I'll write about that tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.