tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post3882736946236047028..comments2024-03-04T03:40:11.172-05:00Comments on No rules. Just write.: Please don't tell me how to write betterBrenda Coulterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-15737607727673002112008-08-15T22:31:00.000-04:002008-08-15T22:31:00.000-04:00But when unpublished writers *are* being turned do...<I>But when unpublished writers *are* being turned down because of 'editing' issues or 'grammar' issues....</I><BR/><BR/>I don't agree that those are the reasons works by unpublished authors are rejected. Those things are fixable. Good voice and good story are just about everything. If a writer uses Swifties ("she said mysteriously"), those can be cut. And bad grammar can be corrected.<BR/><BR/>My point wasn't that rules are bad, but that many writers are zeroing in on silly little things like the use of semicolons, italics, and adverbs and losing sight of the fact that writing a good novel begins with voice and story. If you don't have those, it doesn't matter how "clean" your manuscript is, you won't sell it.<BR/><BR/>And I'm not suggesting that writers just do their own thing and never look to others for new ideas and techniques. I'm saying they should carefully chose whom they emulate. Swallowing everything you're taught at a writing workshop given by a "multi-published"* author is foolish if you are unfamiliar with or not a fan of that person's novels.<BR/><BR/><BR/>* How I detest that term! I think I'll blog about it this week.<BR/>;-)Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-68184180656692021652008-08-15T10:23:00.000-04:002008-08-15T10:23:00.000-04:00I agree...to a point. But when unpublished writers...I agree...to a point. But when unpublished writers *are* being turned down because of 'editing' issues or 'grammar' issues, could it possibly be these are the reasons why? And how do you then determine which parts of your book to fix if you aren't supposed to listen to these 'rules'?<BR/><BR/>Where do you cut off the advice and NOT take it to heart? You can't create in a vacuum and hope to find success based on your determination alone. <BR/><BR/>Taking advice, incorporating what you see as valuable...that is how you grow as a writer. So I could point out just the opposite...that taking NO advice will limit your growth as a writer. <BR/><BR/>I must say, after working with an editor, I have found that, yes, some of those 'rules' are valid. As for why other authors 'get away with it,' I am sure most of them are not first-time writers with a debut novel.K J Gillenwaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12023089365553324315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-79499616137045889072008-08-12T12:18:00.000-04:002008-08-12T12:18:00.000-04:00New writers are often told their best chance of pu...New writers are often told their best chance of publication is to follow the rules. But editors always say they're looking for "fresh" voices and "unique" storytelling. I've yet to hear an <I>editor</I> tell an unpublished writer to follow the conventions. It's always <I>other writers</I> giving that advice.Brenda Coulterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13528691681455659296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-80730981134445936502008-08-12T00:51:00.000-04:002008-08-12T00:51:00.000-04:00I find I am very susceptible to "rules."My mind is...I find I am very susceptible to "rules."<BR/><BR/>My mind is one of those that is a net for minutia, and as long as the rule came with a reason attached I tend to accept it on its own terms.<BR/><BR/>The difficulty comes when I sit down to write (or revise) and find the rules create a very fine mesh to filter through everything I try to put on the page.<BR/><BR/>I can still make word count on a good night, but afterward (or especially in that moment trying to organize) pitting what I "know" against what I would feel sloppy to try... sort of squeezes the joy out.<BR/><BR/>Add to that my current "stuck" of feeling like I'm writing the wrong story... (and all my advisers are telling me to finish it anyway). I've been rather avoiding my work lately.<BR/><BR/>*sigh*<BR/><BR/>I guess admitting that finally means I'll be pecking at it tonight.Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17781603642364189037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-16899039715672069522008-08-12T00:37:00.000-04:002008-08-12T00:37:00.000-04:00That whole "invisible said" thing really bugs me. ...That whole "invisible said" thing really bugs me. I find said, said, said, terribly boring after a while. I like language and want to see it used creatively, so if somebody says something menacingly, I don't mind that being part of the dialog tag along with thoughtfully, cheekily, affectionately, sarcastically, etc.<BR/><BR/>I'm not published yet, but I've started to bump into things people claim I shouldn't have in my writing because there are these <B>RULES</B> out there. I'm willing to admit that my writing is not perfect, but when I inquire why a certain rule is in place I am more often than not told "It's just not done." I follow with "why" and they look at me like I'm a newbie who just fell off the turnip truck, but they offer no explanations. <BR/><BR/>I believe that there are two sets of rules out ther. One set (rigid and inflexible) applies to the unpublished writers, and the other set (which is open, malleable, and changed on a whim) belongs to the published writers. I wonder if some people compensate for being unpublished by passing around sagacious rules. ;) However, I have discovered there is one very good reason for unpublished writers to heed the Rules: slush pile readers look for rules violations to make their job easier. <BR/><BR/>This means all my characters say "said" more often than not, even though it bores me.D.R. Cooteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17139544455838967475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-81489839596525817152008-08-11T18:51:00.000-04:002008-08-11T18:51:00.000-04:00I agree with you 100%. "And another thing," I sai...I agree with you 100%. "And another thing," I said brashly; and then moved on... ;-)<BR/>Seriously, each time I read an absolute rule, I end up finding some great author who has sold a billion books doing all these things that the 'experts' say is wrong. The most important part to me is to have an engaging story. Good writing technique is important, but I'm more inclined to keep reading a great story that has a few grammar issues than some technically perfect prose that puts me to sleep. In the end, if it doesn't entertain it might as well be stereo instructions.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02378547566593756176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-32990654312591419162008-08-11T16:17:00.000-04:002008-08-11T16:17:00.000-04:00You go girl! I'm with you.You go girl! I'm with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9791523.post-42361094881015915892008-08-11T16:14:00.000-04:002008-08-11T16:14:00.000-04:00Amen and Hallelujah!!!!Amen and Hallelujah!!!!Carol Spradlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09644867006375982719noreply@blogger.com