12/11/2023 0 Comments Rule 1 to avoid bad storywritingThe more you write, the better you’ll get at crafting stories, and the less revision will be needed in the long run. Once you’ve finished those rounds-even if the product isn’t as good as you’d like-move on to the next story. Set a limit on how many revision rounds you’ll do, and stick to it. Their stories need revision. So I’ve got a couple of amendments for this rule. They have blind spots and areas of weakness. Too much revision can also result in you killing your character’s voice as you fiddle and fuss with the text.Įven so, the vast majority of writers don’t start off writing perfectly crafted stories. It starts to feel overworked, and we get sick of our own work, which is never great for the creative process. Many authors get stuck in the revision stage, spending months going over a story and making changes. Not all feedback should be applied to your story Too much revision = not enough writing (see Rule #1)ģ. But there are a few principles here that we shouldn’t ignore:Ģ. Along with anyone who reads those stories. I shudder to think of what my stories would look like after only one round of revision. Or they give it one or two revision passes at most. They write the story then move on to the next one. The Heinlein’s Rules devotees I’ve spoken to are able to adhere pretty strictly to this rule. Refrain from Rewriting (Except to Editorial Demand)Īck. And, honestly, those of us who want to make a career out of writing need to get in the habit of finishing. The more we struggle and persevere, the more we learn and improve. But I’d say it’s generally a good idea at some point to return to that first story and get ‘er done because the writing itself is the best teacher. That can be exactly what you need when you’re stuck. Granted, sometimes it’s smart to take a break from a story and work on something else. It’s also a good rule of thumb for anyone who’s easily distracted by Shiny New Ideas and has more partial works than completed ones. This rule is necessary because it forces the writer to not give up when things get tough, to see the story through to its end. Acknowledging this can keep us from getting derailed and help us maintain focus on what really matters. All of these are important, but writers can get so caught up in everything else that they spend very little time doing the one habit that’s non-negotiable. Not researching, or editing, attending conferences, marketing, etc. If we want to grow into great writers, the bulk of our time must be spent writing. So if you’re looking for a new process, a kick in the pants, or even a friendly debate about what works and what doesn’t, allow me to expend a few extra words today to share how I believe Heinlein’s Rules can help you.Īnd if you love Heinlein’s Rules as they are, forgive me for the liberties I’m about to take ). Personally, I don’t agree with every rule, but each one contains a nugget of wisdom- principles that can help any writer accelerate their journey toward authorial success. The way we’re taught to write in school, the availability of self-publishing options, the vast array of writing resources on the market (of varying quality)-these are just a few of the things that have changed for writers since Heinlein’s day, and I believe changes like these have made it harder for most people in 2021 to follow Heinlein’s process. To a certain degree, they’re not wrong.īut I’d also suggest that the writing world is different today than it was in 1947. And some of Heinlein’s devotees would say this is exactly the problem-that we’ve educated ourselves out of the creative process that allows our brains to generate ideas and transfer them to paper in story form. But some of it flies in the face of what many of us have learned. They look so simple, and most of them make a lot of sense. You must keep it on the market until sold.“.You must refrain from rewriting (except to editorial demand).Therefore I shall chuck in as a bonus a group of practical, tested rules, which, if followed meticulously, will prove rewarding to any writer. I have a guilty feeling that all of the above may have been more for my amusement than for your edification. “I’m told that these articles are supposed to be some use to the reader. Heinlein first outlined his rules in Of Worlds Beyond: The Science of Science Fiction Writing (1947). In his contribution to the compilation, he wrote the following, largely as an afterthought to his article: We’re talking authors like Dean Wesley Smith, with 150 novels and hundreds of short stories written while following the rules. They’re prolific, successful, and happy with their work. Writers who ascribe to his process swear by it on a Crossfit/Natural Oils level. Heinlein-aeronautical engineer and pioneering science fiction author. If this is new to you, it’s a framework for writing success that consists of 5 rules established by Robert A. I want to talk today about a topic I’ve been pondering for years.
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