Helpful Writing Advice from the Pros

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From Anne R. Allen’s Blog… with Ruth Harris:

“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” — Somerset Maugham

“Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.” — Truman Capote

“There are no laws for the novel. There never have been, nor can there ever be.” — Doris Lessing

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“A bad review may spoil your breakfast, but you shouldn’t allow it to spoil your lunch.”— Kingsley Amis

. . . .

“Remember: Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” — Ray Bradbury

. . . .

“The king died and then the queen died is a story. The king died, and then queen died of grief is a plot.” — E. M. Forster

Link to the rest at Anne R. Allen’s Blog… with Ruth Harris

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3 thoughts on “Helpful Writing Advice from the Pros”

  1. Here are the three rules to writing…

    1. Do what works – corollary you have to learn what works.
    2. Don’t do what doesn’t work – again one has to learn what doesn’t work.
    3. To be a writer one needs to read and write – reading is learning, writing is practice.

    The above is slightly tongue in cheek. Just saying.

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