Robert Heinlein's Rules of Writing

I found this and having given where credit is due, I think it's worth reposting (not riposting) these here.

1. You must write.

Maybe this is a no-brainer, but since starting this blog I've found that the amount of writing I've done about writing has actually decreased, and my production has gone up. Sometimes the best you can do is slam your fingers into a keyboard and watch the wordcount for the day increase one at a time - and other times it's truly the inspired stuff you wanted to write in the first place. Write. Write some more. Then Write a bit after that.

2. You must finish what you write.


Now this is the tough part. I tend to write very short and concise scenes. I don't know why I got into the habit of doing this, but now my habit is to write something in very lean prose, have something weird happen, and that's the end of it. The scenes conclude, but it's not really over - and that's easy. It is a pain in the ass following up on something and continuing to work within its continuity in the hopes of creating a decent and coherent narrative. But, if you want to be a writer, you had damn well better finish what you write.


3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.

I'm assuming he's talking about to excess. There comes a point when you've done the work, written the thing - and now its time to submit it. I was very lucky that my first published thing required no rewriting. It was short enough and weird enough that it stood on its own well enough.


4. You must put the work on the market.

Rejection letters have become slightly monotonous, and I'm still only starting out. Putting something out there for the would-be publisher to read is a bit intimidating. I guess the best thing to do is bite the bullet and do it - and don't take it personally until they accept something.


5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.

I've been shopping one story around for five months now, and I am seriously considering taking it and rewriting it or doing something to make it more palatable. Heinlein sez don't. I am but an egg.