IWSG – Rules Made to Be Broken – by Me!

September 4th question – Since it’s back to school time, let’s talk English class. What’s a writing rule you learned in school that messed you up as a writer?
That’s an easy one! Complete sentences. (I love starting out with an example!) I discovered in elementary school that I was a writer. I LOVED playing with words. And as much as teachers encouraged my prose, they frowned on breaking the rules. Especially, that complete sentences one. (See what I did there?). By fifth grade, and up through my English with Writing Emphasis honors degree, my papers were used as examples of vivid writing – and dodging the rules. I blame Batman. Pow! Bam! Biff! Nothing like a short, punchy exclamation to elevate the heart rate. Even in college, as an English major, my work was used (anonymously!) as examples of quality prose, but also for its rule breaking. Newspapers, both local and university, always wanted me to do feature interviewing for them, but I was too shy to make the person-to-person connection. Page-to-Person, now that was altogether different.
When I first published, the incomplete sentence continued to haunt me. I love me a one-word sentence. Boom. Attention grabbed. Copy editors jumped on them, but by the time I built a track record (and garnered a few awards), they let them slip through. Warning: Short, punchy sentences need those flowing, expository sisters to hang out with them for balance and emphasis. And flavor.
What rules have you bent or broken?

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. The awesome co-hosts for the September 4th posting of the IWSG will be are are Beth Camp, Jean Davis, Yvonne Ventresca, and PJ Colando!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
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