Written in Stone: Writer Commandments

and the joy of (sometimes) breaking them

Jun 15, 2026

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” ~Pablo Picasso

Hi friends, this June newsletter is going out to all my subscribers. Thank you so much for your continued readership and support!

First, thanks to all the writers who turned up for the two sessions of Write Together on Friday! These are low-key, but focussed, paid subscriber events where we gather online and write to a prompt (provided by me) for 45 minutes, with some discussion and sharing of work afterwards. LOADS of fun. If you’re a free subscriber, consider upgrading to enjoy this and other amazing perks throughout the year, like weekly craft articles, Immersion Extravaganza workshops, and celebratory readings. Here are the dates/times for upcoming Write Together sessions:

FRIDAY, JULY 10TH 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. EASTERN TIME U.S.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14TH. 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. EASTERN TIME U.S.

Recently, I posted this on Notes:

If you want to be told the do’s and don’ts of writing, the internet will provide with all you need to last you to the end of time. Especially the don’ts. Never this and never that. Always this and always that.

Something in me recoils at these kinds of rules. Never? Really?

Good writing, great writing, is something to strive for. Beginners especially want guidance that’s delivered with confidence and authority. I did when I first started writing stories and flash fiction. To be honest, I still do.

For example, Elmore Leonard commanded: “Never use the words “suddenly” or “all hell broke loose”. This rule doesn’t require an explanation. I have noticed that writers who use “suddenly” tend to exercise less control in the application of exclamation points.”

There is the unspoken, unreasonable feeling that if you just follow these rules to the letter, your story will be “perfect” and publishable.

This art means so much to us. We want to get it right. Right?

If you are genuinely interested in learning and growing, of course you’re going to seek out any wisdom that’s out there. I am grateful to have been drilled in spelling and grammar as a student. I don’t regret the time spent diagramming sentences either. (I am not sure that’s even taught anymore.) I truly love that we have these tools. How grammar serves clarity, even beauty. I love my craft books. The most worn volume in my collection is the gospel according to Strunk & White.

But over time, my own preference has been for guidance over rules, suggestions over commandments. Show me examples of artful rule-breaking! Show me creativity run amok. Show me things artificial intelligence could never, would never come up with. Because AI can only draw on what’s already been done.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” ~Pablo Picasso

Artists of every kind do well to master the rules first before going about breaking them willy nilly. But today, because there’s not nearly enough lightheartedness, I am sharing a few lighthearted nuggets about writing and the writing life. Further down, you’ll find today’s prompt aimed at creative rule-bending, if not breaking.

Nick Arvin advised:

“If you put a gun on the mantel in the 1st act, then in the 2nd act, you must offer a glass of warm milk to help soothe everyone’s nerves.”

Joyce Carol Oates quipped:

“Keep in mind Oscar Wilde: ‘A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal.’”

Joy Williams noted:

“A novel wants to befriend you, a short story almost never.”

melissa broder said:

“the true “artist’s way” is just staring into space

Frederick Barthelme said:

“No characters named Brooke or Amber.”

Margaret Atwood scolded:

“Nobody is making you do this: you chose it, so don't whine.”

She also said:

“Take something to write on. Paper is good. In a pinch, pieces of wood or your arm will do.”

Taco Bell Quarterly said:

“Professional writing tip: The comma goes wherever you think it sounds nice.”

Roddy Doyle said:

“Do not place a photograph of your favourite author on your desk, especially if the author is one of the famous ones who committed suicide.”

Ann Enright said:

“Only bad writers think that their work is really good.”

She also said: “Have fun.”

Richard Ford said:

“Don't take any shit if you can possibly help it.”

Thomas A. Edison said:

“Hell, there are no rules here. We’re trying to accomplish something.”

When asked by The Guardian to provide Ten Rules for Writing, Philip Pullman said (and good on you, Mr. Pullman):

“My main rule is to say no to things like this, which tempt me away from my proper work.”

Zach Zimmerman gives arguably the best advice:

“when you sit down to write, always set a small goal, like winning a Pulitzer or unearthing the meaning of life”

YOUR PROMPT

"If you must break a rule, break it on purpose."~Josh Steimle
“If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.” ~Katharine Hepburn
“Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art.” ~Claude DeBussy

Choose a writing rule. Maybe one that gets repeated over and over again to the point where it’s become a commandment. Perhaps one that begins with “Never” or “Always.”
Now break it.
Write with abandon, singularly focused on breaking that rule.

Purpose of the prompt: An opportunity to write like a rebel.

What may happen: You either 1) create a piece that is surprising and that somehow…works or 2) you become an ardent believer in the rule and vow never to break it again.

Either way, you’ve thrown down some words, learned something, and you have a fresh draft you can revise however you wish. I once challenged myself to write a story completely out of fragments. It was published in Swamp Pink.

Happy rule-breaking, friends!

Kathy