Stephen King’s 20 Rules for Writers
| Rule Number | Rule Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Write for yourself first. During rewrites, remove anything that isn’t essential to the story. |
| 2 | Avoid passive voice. Passive voice is safe, but it’s not engaging. |
| 3 | Limit adverbs. Adverbs aren’t your friends. |
| 4 | Avoid using adverbs after “he said” and “she said.” |
| 5 | If you don’t read, you lack the tools to write. I read a lot. |
| 6 | Fear is often the root of bad writing. Believe in yourself. |
| 7 | Your writing space should be free from phones, TVs, and video games. Eliminate distractions. |
| 8 | Writing truthfully might not always please everyone. Be authentic. |
| 9 | Avoid TV, especially during work hours. Limit distractions. |
| 10 | The first draft should be completed in no more than three months. Set deadlines. |
| 11 | King attributes his success to staying healthy and maintaining his marriage. Stay healthy and committed. |
| 12 | Every piece of writing is built one word at a time. Write one word at a time. |
| 13 | Your writing space should be free from phones, TVs, and videogames. Eliminate distractions. |
| 14 | Don’t try to imitate other writers. Stay true to your style. |
| 15 | Stories are like relics waiting to be discovered. Dig deep. |
| 16 | Revisiting your work after a break can offer a fresh perspective. Take breaks. |
| 17 | Remove boring parts and “kill your darlings.” Be ruthless in editing. |
| 18 | Research should support the story, not overshadow it. Keep research in the background. |
| 19 | The best way to learn is by reading and writing a lot. Practice makes perfect. |
| 20 | Writing is about joy and magic, not fame or money. Find joy in writing. |
The article is “Stephen King’s 20 Rules for Writers.“