Neil Gaiman's 8 Rules for Writing

Neil Gaiman, the renowned British author (and our big time fave) shared his eight insightful rules for writing with The Guardian, in 2010. They're as relevant in 2023 as they were back then. These rules are more than mere guidelines for aspiring writers—they offer a window into the creative process of one of our time's most imaginative and successful authors.

1. Write

The first and most fundamental rule is simply to write. It sounds obvious, but it's a piece of advice that many overlook. Gaiman emphasizes the importance of doing the work rather than merely dreaming or talking about it. The act of writing is a skill that can only be honed with practice and dedication. Just as a musician must play their instrument and a painter must paint, a writer must write.

2. Put one word after another. Find the right word, put it down.

Crafting a story is a process of building, one word at a time. Gaiman encourages writers to focus on finding the right word and putting it down. This rule underlines the importance of carefully selecting words and their power in crafting narratives. Each word is a brick in the edifice of a story, and the right word can make all the difference.

3. Finish what you're writing. Whatever you have to do to finish it, finish it.

The creative process is often littered with unfinished projects, and Gaiman urges writers to see their work through to the end. Finishing a piece of writing, no matter the challenges or doubts that set in is a crucial part of the process. It builds discipline, provides a sense of accomplishment, and allows one to reflect on completed work.

4. Put it aside. Read it pretending you've never read it before. Show it to friends whose opinion you respect and who like the kind of thing that this is.

Once a piece is finished, Gaiman suggests stepping away from it and returning with fresh eyes. This distancing allows a writer to see their work from a new perspective, simulating the experience of a first-time reader. Seeking feedback from trusted peers is also invaluable. Their perspectives can reveal blind spots and provide encouragement or critique, which can be essential for growth.

5. Remember: when people tell you something's wrong or don't work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.

Criticism is a part of the creative process, and Gaiman's fifth rule speaks to this reality. While it's crucial to consider feedback about what isn't working, the solutions offered may only sometimes align with the writer's vision. As the creator, it's ultimately up to the writer to determine the best way to address the issues raised.

6. Fix it. Remember that, sooner or later, before it ever reaches perfection, you will have to let it go and move on and start to write the next thing. Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep moving.

Perfection is a mirage in the realm of creative work. Gaiman advises writers to fix what they can and then let go, accepting that pursuing perfection can hinder them. Moving on to the next project is part of the creative journey, emphasizing the importance of productivity and continual growth over unattainable perfection.

7. Laugh at your own jokes.

Writing should be a joyous process, and Gaiman's seventh rule captures this sentiment perfectly. If a writer can't enjoy their own work, it's unlikely others will. Writers should find pleasure in their own creativity, humour, and wit. The energy, fun, and passion a writer feels while creating their story often translates onto the page and resonates with the reader.

8. The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like.

Gaiman's final rule is the most liberating one. He suggests that if writers approach their work with assurance and confidence, they can break free from the constraints of convention. This doesn't mean ignoring the fundamentals of good writing but emphasizes the importance of authenticity and voice in storytelling. It's about writing the story as it needs to be written honestly and to the best of one's ability.

Neil Gaiman's eight rules for writing serve as a powerful guide for writers navigating their creative journey. His rules highlight the importance of discipline, perseverance, authenticity, and joy in writing, and remind us that while creating can be challenging and sometimes frustrating, it can also be fulfilling and enriching. Remember, in Gaiman's own words, "The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like." And that, indeed, may be a rule for life as well!

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