Comments on: Writing Without Following the Rules Too Closely

By: Words Numbers

Words Numbers — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:53:07 +0000

Great reminder that the rules are there to be understood first. One small craft rule I always appreciated is the Chicago approach to numbers in prose — spelling out one through one hundred and using figures above that. It sounds fussy until you notice how jarring it is when a ransom note reads “one million dollars” in one scene and “$1,000,000” in the next, and suddenly your suspense hinges on credibility. For anything financial or legal in-story, writing amounts in words is what the real world does anyway — banks honor the words when figures and words disagree.

By: Patrick Tylee

Patrick Tylee — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:08:52 +0000

When I began writing my debut novel in 2013, I had zero formal training in creative writing. Since winning my first award for a short story in the 4th grade, I'd always just kind of winged it. Now, my little Irish grandmother had taught Spelling & Grammar in the 1930's, so I knew how not to get my mouth washed out with her lye soap...again. "Yes, Grannie, I understand that 'You should be eating, children.' is not the same as 'You should be eating children'." For that first novel, my main character was far in the future, telling the story of how he came to be, and all that transpired, and how an artificial person could become a father. I needed a prologue and an epilogue for that. And EVERYONE told me, No no no, do NOT. That nobody uses prologues and epilogues anymore. That was old-school. Just tell the story. Well...as it turns out, the prologue worked perfectly as the hook, while maintaining that 'second to last chapter' placement at the start of the story. The epilogue delivered the Big Surprise Ending, while transporting the reader far into the future again, and preparing the way for the sequel. The folks at IPPY liked it, awarding it for Excellence in Independent Publishing, SciFi, in 2015. By the time I started writing my third, I had formally learned The Rules. The writing is better, yes. But, the road to freedom now has curbs.

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:32:10 +0000

In reply to Suzy Wimer.

LOL
Nothing wrong with picking a few nits.

Tolkien was a wonder!

By: Suzy Wimer

Suzy Wimer — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:50:58 +0000

I too, am enthralled by J.R.R.Tolkien's linguistic genius, but I feel compelled to point out that the correct word choice for the above sentence should be "J.R.R. Tolkien, whose Elvish is my favorite invented language, is said to have developed languages for fun." (rather than "who's") Apologies for nitpicking...lol.

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:09:47 +0000

In reply to Miffie Seideman. Hi Miffie, You bring up an important point. Breaking rules for effect. There should be a reason to break those writing rules. I'm glad that you enjoyed the post!

By: Miffie Seideman

Miffie Seideman — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:55:25 +0000

This is well said. I agree- know the rules before you break them. But break them when you need! In The Grim Reader, I broke some sentence structure rules for effect. In my current fantasy WIP, I’m breaking with several traditional structures to create my MC’s voice and to add tension to scenes.
Thanks for this post!

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:51:19 +0000

In reply to Lisa Norman. Oh, Lisa! I'll bet that was super annoying. All that hard work wasn't for nothing though. Best to know the rules before ya bend or break 'em. Cheers!

By: Ellen Buikema

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:47:53 +0000

In reply to Kris. Thanks, Kris! I'm also a fan of creating alternative endings.

By: Lisa Norman

Lisa Norman — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:16:15 +0000

I was in college getting my degree in writing. I'd worked so hard to learn ALL the rules. Finally got to an advanced fiction writing class. I remember: we were sitting in the hallowed halls of academia, in a room that had literally been built AROUND the long antique table that we all shared for the class. The teacher explained that breaking the rules was a stylistic choice and a sign of advanced writing. I remember slamming my pencil on the desk in frustration. (Yes, it was that long ago...) I'd worked for years to learn the rules... only to be told that it was good to break them.

Of course, now I understand how stylistic that is and how critical it is to break them appropriately. LOL

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:16:41 +0000

Hi Ellen,

These are great ways to get unstuck as a writer as well. Thanks for the ideas to inspire my writing. Creating alternative endings is always a fun exercise!

Kris