Rules for Writing and Storytelling

This is the handout I’ve prepared for the writing workshop today. Have I missed anything?

RULES FOR WRITING

Omit needless words

Write transparently

Show don’t tell

 

Therefore avoid these words in narrative:

Adverbs (usually end in -ly)

BE verbs (thus continuous tenses and passive voice)

Sense-words (see, hear, etc)

Bookisms  (sob, shout, request, etc.)

Parasites (really, certainly, pretty, um, etc)

!

Then

Begin/start

Which was, who was, that was.

 

RULES FOR STORYTELLING

Every scene should:

Make internal sense (the characters really would do that)

Furthers the plot (setting the scene for something important later)

Reinforce the theme (the robot is a symbol for democracy)

Be entertaining or interesting (or in some way make the reader keep reading)