The Most Important Thing To Remember When Writing Your Novel

Introduction

1. Never start a sentence with "and" or "because".
2. Never write prologues, or epilogues.
3. Never start a novel with your main character waking up.
4. Never say "never" and always avoid "always". 
5. Bla bla, bla bla bla bla...

These are just a few of the so-called "rules" of writing. I'm sure they were created with good intentions for beginners, but they take away from the most important thing you need to remember when writing your novel, which is:

There are no rules in writing

People spend their entire lives trying to find the right way to write, or trying to find the "perfect" formula - but in that time all their passion for writing withers away. 

No book - no matter how powerfully or skilfully its written by someone else, will account for how well your story unfolds, or how well your characters are received by the world. No one can teach you how to write...you have to teach yourself by doing. 

There are no rules in writing. No one will be able to bring the same perspective or insight as you on any given topic. Past, present or future. Think about that for a moment. 

There are only 26 letters in the English alphabet, and you have the power to sculpt them, rearrange them, in a way that will touch another human being's soul. Potentially millions of souls!

There are no rules in writing. By all means, learn from others and listen to their opinions on what you should and shouldn't do. You have to know and understand the "rules" that others are abiding by so that one day you can be the exception to them.

There are no rules in writing. There are no limitations. Write your novel even if it's not what your dream publisher is looking for right now. Even if it's not in fashion at the moment, or even if it's so experimental you don't even have a name for it yet. Whatever, just write. 

You never know what the next big thing will be...but it won't ever be your thing unless you give yourself that chance. 

There are no rules in writing. You already have everything you need, within you, to create the work you want to bring into this world. So forget the rules, because there are none. 

Conclusion

When's the last time you wrote something without a single care in the world? 

When's the last time you spelt terribly, or swore a little, or just laid your emotions bare on the page?

If you can't remember the last time, I can help you reconnect with your wild, rebellious, inner creative. 

Let me know in the comments below!