9 Comments
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Amadou Mouctar's avatar

Thank you so much. It is really helpful

Laura Lollar's avatar

Excellent rules to help us take our writing to the next level. Thank you!

Stephen  Mauris's avatar

I am the lead analyst in a section of military analysts, as the only civilian. I use these daily to help them write better. Sadly, they have not been well educated by government schools before they enlist. And officers? Worse education, because there's more of it.

Anthony Freda's avatar

That first rule is key. I try to create metaphors that are so unexpected that they almost don't make sense except in a lyrical, poetic or visceral manner. The further I push into the unexplored, the more liberated my writing becomes. I would add one more rule. Never talk down to your reader. Thank you for the post.

Ben L.'s avatar

"Outright barbarous" works. Orwellian crafted "1984" and its warnings fell on deaf ears.

Mita Lupa :: Various Writings's avatar

Example of the opposite sort of writing: (an invitation - GO)

Blast from the Past Bookshelf's avatar

I wonder how these compare to Stephen King’s rules for writing? Lol

inthebookwoods2's avatar

This is a great recommendation...going to read the essay now but thank you for analysing it in your own voice. Loved it.

Laura's avatar

Never sway from the truth