The Ten Rules for Writers meme

[pbray]

There are indeed ten (and only ten) rules for being a successful writer. Unfortunately, as soon as you discover all ten, they have to kill you.

Thus for self-preservation and to ensure your website doesn't describe you as "a brilliant talent whose life was tragically cut short just as she was coming into her prime" I suggest that you stop trying to figure out the ten rules.

It's better just to bumble along and make do, like the rest of us. There's no harm in having a few maxims to follow--I'm fond of the sages:

If it's not fun, why do it? --Ben & Jerry

Do, or do not. There is no try. --Yoda

But please, do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Stop collecting rules. It's safer that way.