The Ten Rules Of Writing

1. Keep your focus on plot.

Learn from BtVS and Angel episodes – Character development is most effective

when it takes place within the context of a strong story.

2. Actions speak louder than words.

Make your characters do things instead of just telling. It's a stronger way

of conveying these ideas.

3. Find a balance between dialogue and description.

Try not to overload your story with one or the other.

4. Make effective use of details.

Adding precise details about the little things gives your story depth and

texture.

5. Know where you are going.

Make sure your fic is working towards something - know the climax as you

write.

(It’s always good to know what you are trying to tell in a particular

fiction, but don’t be ridged about your story line. If it modifies itself

in the process of writing the fiction, let it do so.)

6. Write the scenes as they come to you.

Work in pieces, and piece them together when you're finished. Don't worry

about writing in order.

( Let me make a statement regarding this rule. This works well for some

people but not for everyone. If you work best in a logical order, from start

to finish, this is the way you should approach your work.)

7. Walk away when you're blocked.

If you're trying to write and it isn't coming through, then walk away from

it. Work on it when you're inspired, and don't try to force it.

8. Keep the characters.

Make sure what you write is consistent with the characters we see on the

show. If you're doing something drastic with the character, make it a

natural progression from the character we see on the show.

9. Find a unique way of describing things.

Work to find imagery that is not commonly used, describe things in words that

aren't commonly used, look at things from different perspectives.

( Who are YOUR favorite published authors? Why? Look at their work to see how

they describe things, how detailed do they get? Use what you like best as a

guideline for where you want to go with your own work.)

10. Give your story resolution.

Once you've hit the climax, don't leave it there. Give us a feel of where the

characters might be going afterwards.