Jane Friedman writes a very valuable blog for Writer’s Digest, a highly respected sourcebook for professional writers. There are No Rules presents (with some irony) the “rules” for success in the writing trade–as well as the stories of successful authors who knew when to break those rules judiciously.
If I might interject a personal note here…
Growing up in Texas, I attended my fair share of rodeos. My dad insisted that the best cowboy out there was the rodeo clown–the guy who goofed around in baggy pants, waving a red bandanna to distract the bulls long enough for a thrown rider to high-tail it over the nearest fence. You have to understand what goes on in the arena very well before it’s safe to bend the rules without getting hurt!
If you are unpublished, now is probably the time to learn about the standard operating procedures in the writing and publishing world. That’s not to say that you have to write “like everybody else.” A unique story excellently presented in a strong, individual voice is sure to please, but save your more adventurous ideas until you’re more established.
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