<em>There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.</em>                          <strong>~W. Somerset Maugham</strong>

In spite of Maugham's quote, writing rules are everywhere.

<strong>Neil Gaiman</strong> offers what he considers the main rule:

<em>The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it’s definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it ­honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.</em>

<strong>Kurt Vonnegut </strong>suggests <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/04/03/kurt-vonnegut-on-writing-stories/">8 rules f</a><a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/04/03/kurt-vonnegut-on-writing-stories/">or a great story</a><a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/04/03/kurt-vonnegut-on-writing-stories/">,</a>

<strong>Henry Miller </strong>provides <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/02/22/henry-miller-on-writing/">11 commandments</a>

<strong>John Steinbeck </strong>gives <a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/03/12/john-steinbeck-six-tips-on-writing/">6 pointers</a>

A video hosted by Lycra Communications gives the ten top writing rules from famous writers.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLIGZEBmBUk?rel=0&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]

YOUR TURN: What are your writing rules?