There are rules for everything!

April 11, 2007 | It's All About Writing

I have six short rules that I post in the spiral notebook for every book I write. During the course of my writing and edits I refer to the list to be sure that I’m following my own rules.

1 – Remember the tone of the characters and the book.
If it’s light and funny – keep it light and funny.
You can’t change the characters personalities mid-book.

2 – Keep the sexual tension high.
If you’re writing romance and/or erotica the couple has to WANT.

3 – The hero/heroine can not be apart for more then one chapter.
During the separation they must think about each other.

4 – Every scene must include the five senses.
As a reminder they are See, Hear, Taste, Smell, Touch

5 – Don’t bog down the plot with essentials.
Dribble in the back story.

6 – Toward the end of the book everything must be tighter and move faster.
The reader knows the story’s coming to an end. They can tell by the number of pages left to read and they want it all fast and furious. This is the time to wrap up the loose ends and have a slam bang finish.

Work up your own set of rules for your writing. The most important thing is to be sure you follow them.

Happy writing!
Sloane