The Guardian asked 29 writers to list their rules for writing, and it’s pretty freaking wonderful.
Like …
Jonathan Franzen’s No. 4: Write in the third person unless a ­really distinctive first-person voice ­offers itself irresistibly.
And 5: When information becomes free and universally accessible, voluminous research for a novel is devalued along with it.
And 9: Interesting verbs are seldom very interesting.
Esther Freud’s No. 2: A story needs rhythm. Read it aloud to yourself. If it doesn’t spin a bit of magic, it’s missing something.
And 3: Editing is everything. Cut until you can cut no more. What is left often springs into life.
David Hare’s No. 3: Style is the art of getting yourself out of the way, not putting yourself in it.
Zadie Smith’s No. 10: Tell the truth through whichever veil comes to hand – but tell it. Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never ­being satisfied.
What are your rules?
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