My husband, my biggest booster rivaled only by my beloved writing group, recently sent me two great articles from the Guardian newspaper (UK) that offered pearls of wisdom from successful authors, Ten Rules for Writing by Elmore Leonard and Ten Rules for Writing (part two). While I appreciate the insight and information these authors so generously shared with the unpublished, I wonder about the dangers inherent in seeking and accepting too much writing advice. There is the danger of spending too much time being taught and not enough time learning - as if reading about writing you can make you a great writer. My husband, who is a college professor, says to students hoping to learn by osmosis, “I can teach you but I can’t learn you.” In other words, to learn requires your participation, not just your attention. You have to do and you have to experience what you wish to master. If you’re spending a lot of time reading you are probably not writing. If you're not writing then you're not a writer.
Another danger is trying to write by the rules. There’s no shortage of advice and information out there for writers or would-be writers. My book shelves are dense with volumes on writing and my files are full of articles and quotes on writing. Any book or article offering advice on writing never fails to get my attention. Writers and teachers - some good, some bad, some benign - readily share tips, tactics, techniques and words of wisdom about their writing and experience. Because I am writing more these days and reading less about writing, I’ve become more discriminating about the advice I take to heart. By doing, I’ve learned what works for me and what’s working for my book. I’m writing every day and every day I learn more about writing. I still judiciously seek the wisdom of the masters; but I know there is only one hard and fast rule to becoming a writer – you must write.
Despite reservations, I enjoyed reading Ten Rules for Writing – Parts I and II - and I hope you will too. The articles offer several gems but the one rule I have taken to heart was offered by British author Helen Simpson. On a Post-it note on the wall in front of her desk is a quote from the 19th century French writer, Gustave Flaubert. It reads, “Faire et se taire,” which Simpson translates as “Shut up and get on with it.”
Amen.
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