Writing With Rules

English and literature can seem to be nothing but rules. Can't we just enjoy reading and writing without all the rules and analyzing? Yes and no. The "yes" answer is because you should never let rules and structure and format destroy your natural love for the written word. If you lose that, you've lost everything. Always read and write because you love to do it, not because you're expected to or you're being pressured to. You have ultimate control over how you experience these activities. Make sure it is always accomplished with joy. The "no" answer is because without the framework of rules and structure and format, your writing would be shapeless and ill-defined, a kind of literary glop that neither moves you nor moves readers. The rules are the internship you serve in writing before you progress into creativity. You must first be bound to the rules of writing before you can successfully break free from them. So learn to embrace the rules of writing. Become proficient at them until they are second nature to you. They will serve you well when you begin to fly solo into your own style. The rules you have taken the time to master will give lift to your natural literary talents and allow you to soar to new creative heights. You can "rule" your writing if you first learn the rules!