Saturday, 28 March 2020 10:01 pm
Writing Rules
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deckardcanineRobert Heinlein listed rules for author wannabes.
The first is “You must write”; it’s very plain but not a breeze.
The second rule tells writers they must finish what they start.
(It’s hard to reach an ending—more than other forms of art?)
The third rule says to hold off on rewriting for the nonce.
You’ll never stop unless you wait for editors’ response.
The fourth rule says you must submit the story to be sold.
Beginners find it difficult to try an act so bold.
The fifth rule says to resubmit until you have a sale.
Don’t let rejections make you think the story’s doomed to fail.
A supplemental rule I’ve seen says not to stop with one.
To be a true professional, don’t think you’re ever done.
The first is “You must write”; it’s very plain but not a breeze.
The second rule tells writers they must finish what they start.
(It’s hard to reach an ending—more than other forms of art?)
The third rule says to hold off on rewriting for the nonce.
You’ll never stop unless you wait for editors’ response.
The fourth rule says you must submit the story to be sold.
Beginners find it difficult to try an act so bold.
The fifth rule says to resubmit until you have a sale.
Don’t let rejections make you think the story’s doomed to fail.
A supplemental rule I’ve seen says not to stop with one.
To be a true professional, don’t think you’re ever done.