Erica Jong’s 20 Rules for Writers

Erica Jong’s 20 Rules for Writers

1. Have faith—not cynicism.
2. Dare to dream.
3. Take your mind off publication.
4. Write for joy.
5. Get the reader to turn the page.
6. Forget politics (let your real politics shine through).
7. Forget intellect.
8. Forget ego.
9. Be a beginner.
10. Accept change.
11. Don't think your mind needs altering.
12. Don't expect approval for telling the truth—parents, politicians, colleagues, friends, etc.
13. Use everything.
14. Remember that writing is Heroism.
15. Let Sex (The Body, the physical world) in!
16. Forget critics.
17. Tell your truth, not the world's.
18. Remember to be earth-bound.
19. Remember to be wild!
20. Write for the child (in yourself and others).