Many new writers research their craft. They buy all the books. They search for the rule that will make them successful. What they don’t understand is that there is no one rule that will make them successful.  Success comes from writing and writing a lot.

Now onto the rules…

Rule 1:  Write something every day. It doesn’t really matter what you write, but you have to write. The only way to develop your skill is to practice.

Rule 2:  Write about topics which you find interesting. You will write with more authority and will be more interested in doing any research that needs to be done if you do. Although, at the very beginning of your writing career the most important thing really is to just write.

Rule 3:  Know your audience.  The most interesting thing about this rule is that you are your audience.  That’s right. You are your audience.  If you write at a level that you understand, not above or below, you will not run into the problem of talking down to your audience or talking over their heads.

Rule 4:  Find your own voice.  When you hear the phrase “find your own voice” it means to find your own style of writing.  Don’t copy someone else’s style. Publishers already have the real Stephen King. They aren’t interested in a copy-cat.  After all, the copy is never as good as the original.  So be original.

Rule 5:  Don’t give up.  Every writer receives the dreaded rejection notice. It does not mean that you don’t write well. All it means is that you haven’t found the right editor or publisher.  Keep writing and keep submitting!

Follow these rules and you will be successful.

One more rule… Enjoy writing!