My Favorite Writing Rules (All of which can be broken)

1. Come in late and get out early

This is my all-time favorite because of its simplicity and the aha moment you have when you realize its truth.

This rule is born from the idea to respect your reader. They don’t need backstory. If your scene has four parts in your mind, leave part one off the page. Jump into the scene at part two. Your reader will catch on and thank you for it.

It’s the same on the back end of your scene. You don’t need a denouement for every scene. Who wants to keep typing denouement anyway? Get part three in and then abruptly end things. Leave your reader panting for more.

‘Nuff said. Get back to writing.