Rules For Writing

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?