Rules, Schmules

B2W always says there’s no rules to break, just risks to take in writing. However, there are numerous things we can do when learning and honing our craft … ‘best practices’ if you will.

These best practices can be thought of as ‘unwritten rules’ if you’re so inclined. I rounded up 15 of these so-called rules for us all. If you think you have missed any, feel free to add to the comments. Ready? Let’s go!

1) Know Who You’re Writing FOR!

Whenever I say to a writer they need to know their target reader or viewer, this is all that means. If we know who we’re writing for, we can ensure we tailor our tone, style and genre markers to suit their expectations … AND ensure we surprise them while doing so. MORE: 5 Things I Learned From Producer Iain Smith (Mad Max Fury Road)

2) Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of simply stating facts, use actions, dialogue, and sensory details to immerse the reader in the story. If you’re an author, take advantage of the five senses to do this. You can also think about psychic distance so you place your characters in the middle of things.

In contrast, screenwriting is about sight and sound, or ‘what you see is what you get’. Think about character behaviour here, instead of relying on dialogue to ‘break open’ characters’ emotions. I often think ‘show don’t tell’ is better as ‘DRAMATISE, don’t tell’!

3) Start AND Finish Strong

The opening line or scene must hook the reader. Don’t waste time; give them a reason to care by starting with something compelling. It can be anything, so don’t fall back on boring beginnings like a character waking up and getting ready for the day. Yawn!

Your ending should also resonate with the reader, whether it’s satisfying, surprising, or thought-provoking. Whatever genre you’re writing, your last chapters or scenes should be the ‘biggest’ of the whole story (whatever that means). Finish with a BANG, whether that’s literal or emotional or both.

4) Edit Ruthlessly

Literally NO writer writes a perfect draft the first time. First drafts are messy. Be prepared to cut or rewrite large sections to improve clarity and flow. Don’t beat yourself up about not achieving perfection straight away. That’s irrelevant and impossible. Instead, do the work.

5) Avoid ‘Top Heavy’ Drafts

Introduce backstory and world-building organically. Trust the reader to pick up details as the story unfolds. Make sure you introduce the characters AND situation hand-in-hand from page one. Avoid info dumps and over-explaining.

6) Read AND Watch What’s Gone Before In Your Genre

To master your craft, read and watch widely within your genre and analyse what works and what doesn’t. No, you won’t be accidentally influenced … the opposite is true. You are far more likely to accidentally regurgitate stuff that already exists if you don’t find out what’s gone before. Yes, really!

7) Remember K.I.SS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) 

Clarity is everything. If you’re an author, don’t be fancy-schmancy and use convoluted sentences to sound impressive. Simplicity is more prized, plus it is actually more difficult. The best authors write clearly and simply.

It is similar in screenwriting, but even more important. When you’re pitching, keep your logline concrete and avoid ‘intangibles’. In your actual screenplay, make sure we can follow your characters’ behaviour (even if we don’t approve of it!).

8) Kill Your Darlings

Yup, gotta be done I’m afraid … Let go of lines, characters, or scenes you love if they don’t serve the story. Yes, it’s tempting to keep the clever bits we love, but 9/10 they’re not needed.

9) Write First, Research Later (Yes, Really!)

Don’t let too much research derail your progress. If you discover you need extra info as you’re drafting, mark areas for follow-up and keep writing. (Same goes for editing by the way. If you’re worried you might forget something, make a note of it for later. Only ever edit when your draft is DONE!).

10) Use the ‘write’ tenses and POVs 

Screenwriters need to use the present simple tense. That’s it!

In contrast, authors have a lot more leeway. You can use the first or third-person POV in whatever tense you like … but make sure you use the active voice, NOT the passive voice.

(Not sure what the active voice or passive voice is, or how to spot it? CLICK HERE for a weird little trick to help you).

11) Use Dialogue Wisely

Too many writers – both screenwriters AND novelists – let dialogue run away with them. Every piece of dialogue should serve a purpose, just like any other part of the craft.

Dialogue must reveal character, move the plot, or build tension. If it doesn’t do these things, get rid.

12) Avoid Clichés Like The Plague (Arf)

People love tropes … they hate clichés. Learn the difference! Make sure you find fresh ways to express your ideas and avoid those overused elements. Check out sites like Tropedia and TVTropes and do your research.

13) Know Your Genre Inside Out!

You cannot write ANY genre by intuition alone. You need to study those all-important genre markers, otherwise you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall. So stop second-guessing and get studying who’s nailed your genre before you.

14) Take Breaks BEFORE Revising

Distance yourself from your work for a few days before revising. Fresh eyes will catch more errors. You’re not wasting time. Honest guvnor!

15) Don’t Give Up!

You must persevere. Rejections and critiques are part of the process. Keep writing, improving, and submitting. You will get there if you keep going. MORE: How To Get Over Fear Of Rejection

Which ‘unwritten rules’ of writing would you add to this list?

Share in the comments!