You guys are catching me in a funny place. I just finished an edit on my latest manuscript and I’m feeling all sorts of strange about telling folks how to write books.

Writing books is hard.

As I went through my manuscript, I found many, many places where I broke the rules. Where I did exactly what I tell you all not to do. And my editor was all for it.

And while I’m glad my instincts led me right, I find myself sympathetic to young writers trying to pin down the dos and don’ts of novel writing.

Here’s the thing: there’s no one way to write a novel. There just isn’t. And yet, I think sitting under good writing teachers is incredibly valuable. Not because good teachers tell you how to write a novel, but because they’ve been in your seat and they’ve tried their hand at the tools available and they’ve made some of them work.

Perhaps that’s what I want you to know today: Writing rules don’t exist to hamstring your creativity, but to provide a reliable jumping off point so you can soar to new heights

So let’s talk about this for a minute.

What are the rules?

When I say “rules” I’m talking about broad spectrum writing advice you get from industry professionals and those more experienced than you. Things like:

Show don’t tell

Adverbs are evil

Beware the prologue

Head-hopping is bad

Avoid info dumps

Or how about the rules that dictate how and when you should write. Rules like:

Write everyday

Go to at least one conference a year

Find a critique partner

Build a platform

Outline first

All of these things have value and can strengthen your writing foundation, but the truth is, we don’t read books because they’re solidly written.

We read books because they move us. We read books that make us feel. Books that teach our soul something new. We read books to escape our world or to be fully immersed in another. We read books to experience life through someone else’s eyes.

And while the rules can provide a backbone for your story, they cannot give it wings.

Only you can do that. And sometimes the very best choice for the story you’re writing is to break all the rules. Sometimes the only way to write is to do it your way and not the “right way.”

So why learn the rules if breaking them is acceptable?

Following the rules isn’t nearly as important as understanding why they exist. Writing rules exist because the publishing industry has been around long enough for the number crunchers to track trends. Those numbers tell us what kinds of books have a tendency to make money and what kinds don’t.

The rules grew up around those numbers. And it’s a wise person who sees the importance of that. It’s good to know the expectations of an industry you’re hoping to be involved in, but too much rigidity makes for a dull book. It is perfectly acceptable to bend and break rules. Just do it from an educated place and be willing to discuss those choices with any industry professional you’d like to work with.

While there isn’t a comprehensive list anywhere, you can pick up on widely touted writing rules by reading writing blogs and craft books. You can take classes or go to conferences. And while you should absolutely soak it all in and try your hand at applying all the tips and tricks, you should do so with Elizabeth Swan’s words ringing loudly in your ears:

Make the decisions that are right for your story. And don’t let the well-intentioned sermonizing of the more experienced intimidate you out of the writing chair.

Tell me, do you ever feel overwhelmed by ALL THE RULES? Do you feel you know the rules well enough to break them with intention?

Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. Its sequel, Rebel, Brave and Brutal is due out January 10, 2023.

Shannon’s stories feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.

It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.

To that end, Shannon takes great joy in working with young writers, both in person and online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a “101 Best Websites for Writers” selection.

For more about Shannon and her books, please visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.