The book writing world is teeming with arguable rules and guidelines not dissimilar to the controversy above on the right way to spell this December holiday. And because of this, we can find that, as authors and entrepreneurs, though we please the majority, there are always a few grammar zealots who just don’t get it.
They’ve lost their way (or never found it to begin with) as to their purpose when it comes to communicating with the written word.
Writing is CREATIVE in the greatest sense possible. Most rules of writing can only exist as “suggestions” of what to do, based on popularity and common expectations.
Granted, the further we stray as writers from “the norm”, the greater the chances of creating confusion, upset or other non-optimum reactions to more and more people. But, as with everything in life: the greater the risk, the higher the potential for creating greater positive outcomes.
Be True to Your Writing Vision
More importantly, we must be true to our creative vision and integrity and NEVER allow a rule to deter you from expressing yourself in the manner you desire.
RULE #1: FORGET THE RULES WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING IN A WAY THAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU!
But there is a need for balance. If you go too far, too quickly, you will lose your reading audience. You will alienate yourself by being too “out there,” beyond the boundaries of expectation to the extent that your writing becomes something that is too difficult to understand.
So, along with Creative License, there must also be the necessary aspect of understanding. Otherwise, your written material will not communicate.
RULE #2: COMMUNICATION—THE ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS BEING WRITTEN OR SPOKEN—MUST BE PRESENT IN ORDER TO GET YOUR WRITING TO CONVEY.
Here are the points to take away from this: 1) Don’t worry about the critics in how you present your creativity and 2) make sure that your creativity communicates (will be understood) to those who will be reading it.
Everybody has opinions. Don’t let the tiny angry mob of overly opinionated individuals sway you from writing what you want to write, in the way you want to write it, if it is very important to you. Otherwise, follow the etiquette of writing and the rules of the road.
In other words, follow the rules, but don’t be a slave to them.
Should it be Christmas or Xmas? You decide as the writer of your visions.
Just Imagine!
Robert Nahas, Founder/CEO
Writer Services, LLC
