10 Writing "Rules" We Wish More Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors Would Break

**The Backward OX** · 02-09-2012, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by LaughinJim

Given the bio of the author in question, do not assume that he is not writing works in more literary styles under pseudonyms.

I've heard of ghost writers but this would be a rather amazing feat given he died in 2008.

**Cadence** · 02-09-2012, 02:11 PM

I think I've broken almost all of them so far - and I've only been writing for a couple of years.

**LaughinJim** · 02-09-2012, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by KyleColorado

Oh, really? *slaps forehead*

I didn't even look at the blog. Now I feel silly.

Hi Kyle,
I was going to say the following until I read that:
Thank you for responding in an appropriate rational manner. In the past you have not done so, although you thought you may have done so. I did not misunderstand you, yet I posted as if I did. If I hadn’t read the entire thread, your post standing alone, would be ambiguous in the best possible light and otherwise derogatory.

The quote I have excerpted in my previous post is attributable to you, exactly as it stands right there. (out of context though it may be, but the context is apparent only within the entire thread) Be careful what you write is my point. Be careful of whom you write about. Last, be careful of your emotions when you approach the keyboard. Don’t write in anger, as you did when you referred to ‘someone’s ignorance,’ the antecedent of ‘someone’ being me.

I will leave you with this thought as I close. The difference between you and me is that you took offense after inferring a subtext; I, right here, excerpted what was written and responded as if I had taken offense. Don’t think that this site is in some kind of vacuum. Don’t assume that anyone lurking has time to delve into the thread to discern a context. Don’t step on toes accidentally. I hope you see what I mean. (Also, I noted in introductions that you took down you’re welcome post to me. That is a sign of extreme immaturity. If you can’t stand by your words, then you shouldn’t be writing.

Jim

**KyleColorado** · 02-09-2012, 09:28 PM

Off Topic:

Hello again Jim. To avoid slipping even further from this thread, I'll just say that I hear your wisdom, but I feel this is dredging up things from the past that I assumed we had already moved on from. Apparently it's not the case though, as you still have issues with me if you're bringing it up in other threads.

In the moment of referring to your ignorance, I agree, it was said out of annoyance. It was annoyance at JosephB, though, and I unintentionally slandered you in the process. If what you're seeking is an apology, then I absolutely, apologize for that. I am sorry if it rubbed you the wrong way, which it clearly has.

I would like to point out this, though:

Originally Posted by LaughinJim

Also, I noted in introductions that you took down you’re welcome post to me. That is a sign of extreme immaturity. If you can’t stand by your words, then you shouldn’t be writing.

And say I have no idea what you're referring to here. Which post did I take down?

I can't help but point out the irony that you took down your own post in this thread, though that's just my sense of humor kicking in.

**Rustgold** · 02-09-2012, 10:11 PM

People, it's not worth going around and declaring internet enemies for life.

Originally Posted by KyleColorado

Oh, really? *slaps forehead*

I didn't even look at the blog. Now I feel silly.

I've installed a steel plate in my head for that type of thing.

**Eliot_Twist** · 02-13-2012, 10:41 AM

I am confused by #10. What is an unsympathetic character?

I can understand the issue with info-dumps - the closest I've done in terms of writing is screenplay, and have studied film structure. Exposition is awful in film. Of course it is not so in books, but I do find that some stories that have little to no info dump, if wonderfully written, can be quite engaging and allow the imagination to run wild rather than be guided step by step.