Writers are often concerned about knowing and following writing rules. It’s true, writing does have many rules, and communication is typically smoother when you adhere to them. However, don’t let the rules stop you from expressing yourself. Here are some more tips for establishing an appropriate regard for the writing rules:
Don’t Try to Memorize Every Rule
DO keep a good reference manual handy. The Chicago Manual of Style is generally considered the default style manual and has rules for everything from where to place a comma to how to capitalize the name of a ship. Another great resource is The Gregg Reference Manual, which includes guidance on grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as tips for formatting and other business writing tasks. For quick hints, do online searches for the issues you’re trying to resolve. And, be sure to follow any internal guidelines that your company provides.
The One Writing Rule You Really Need to Know
Of all the writing rules, the one you should remember is, keep it simple. Strive for simplicity in wording, and walk your readers through your ideas, guiding them with analogies, smooth transitions, and connections to their concerns.
Ignore the Rules in Your First Draft
In your first draft, just work on getting your ideas down in a way that makes sense to you. Don’t worry too much about being “correct.” You can always come back and clean up later on.
Once You Know the Rules, It’s OK to Break Them
You know how it is: When you learn how to drive, you adhere strictly to every rule, coming to a complete stop at stop signs, never going above the speed limit. But, as you get the feel of driving, and come to understand more about “what works,” you bend the rules when it’s appropriate. The same is true for writing. Once you know the rules, and get a feel for using them, you’ll know when it’s OK to write outside the lines.
“But I Don’t Wanna.”
If you don’t want to be bothered with the rules of writing, don’t despair. There are English majors, word nerds, and editors out there who can’t wait to dive into your messy text. Do the best you can, then hand your work off to someone who can clean it up for you. Call the English department at a nearby college or university to find students to edit your work. Try a friend or coworker who reads style manuals for fun. Or, contact a professional editor (you know, those red-pen-crazed walking dictionaries). How closely do you follow the rules of writing? Tell us in the comments. Need a red-pen-crazed walking dictionary to follow the rules for you? I can help! Click here for contact info.
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Great advice Karen. I particularly like that you give me permission to just get my ideas down in the first draft and then worry about all the other stuff later.
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Karen Marcus Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Thanks, Debra. Writers need to remember that we have to create our raw material before we can shape it. Unlike sculptors, who have a piece of clay, we must generate something to mold. That’s where the lousy first draft comes in, with unlimited drafts to follow.
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