Well, the first thing you must know is that there are no rules for creating a good story, no matter what some people say. No single standard or model can guarantee a perfect text, and many wonderful stories were written outside of established patterns.

In the past, there were no theories to guide storytellers on how to practice their craft, yet many of their stories are still relevant today.

Every time you write, you need new GPS instructions because the coordinates from a previous trip cannot take you to a different place. The seven seas are constantly changing and even those who navigated them before need to adjust course to reach their destination. A lot in life is like that. Some instruments are exactly what you need for one work, but are useless for another. Every situation is distinct, and unless you’re fine with always writing the same kind of story – many famous authors do, this is no judgment.

Since there’s an exception to every rule, let’s present two exceptions to the ‘no rules for creating a good story’: to get your hands dirty with ink or keyboard dust and feel good about it. Usually, writing blocks happen because people are afraid to be judged or don’t believe they’re capable of completing something worthwhile. But you can.

Most children, if asked, will affirm beyond the shadow of a doubt that they can write a beautiful story. Adults, on the other hand, will give a nervous grin, look down, and turn their heads. It’s a lot about self-doubt, but there might be something else.

Sometimes, the blocks come because writing forces us to plunge into our deepest emotions, and, for some, this process is difficult or unpleasant. However, if you cross this desert, your reward can go beyond your characters’ arc – it may include your own growth as well.

So, relax and have fun.

To produce a strong piece, you just need to pour your imagination and knowledge onto the paper or computer and be aware of what’s happening around you. The first means tapping into what’s already inside of you; the second means learning how to observe, listen, read, and be receptive to the outer world to replenish your inner world.

If you try to establish rules for writing – especially very early in the process – you risk limiting yourself, because writing is not always linear, and there’s usually more than one truth to any story.

You can follow some steps, though.

The first step is to practice. We develop skills through repetition. Writing well involves rewriting until you’re happy with the result. We are athletes of words. But don’t try to control your writing – unlike professional sports, you will never be too old to be a writer. However, it’s common to have such high expectations at the beginning that we freeze. Just let your thoughts flow onto the screen or page, even if they look confused.

Don’t place roadblocks in your own way.

That means writing without judging what comes out. Don’t try to fix mistakes in the early stages. Look at your work with the same compassion and pride a loving parent would see their children’s artwork.

Writing exercises give you opportunities to practice the challenging skill of not judging yourself and to trust your creative capacity. To make it even more effective, it’s useful to commit to practicing with a deadline that you can establish and respect. How long it will take is up to you.

Things Nobody Tells You About Writing a Book

To write a novel, the author needs preparation beyond just the desire to write. You’ll need discipline, determination, and the ability to project images into the reader’s mind.

Three skills can help you achieve that:

• Know your reader.
• Master the topic you’re writing about.
• Apply writing techniques.

Nobody has trouble writing a message to a friend because we know the reader, the topic, and the rules of text messaging. The same principles apply when writing a book.

Many successful authors, however, never wrote with an ideal reader in mind. They write the story they want to read or that inspires them. Some argue that those writers’ ideal readers are reflections of themselves — that they still write for the audience they’re most intimate with, like Frida Kahlo, who painted herself because she was the subject she knew best. But the truth is, those authors are not concerned about readers when they’re creating, they are concerned about giving birth to their ideas.

Also, other authors prefer not to dominate everything before starting to write. They either do the research on the go or after they finish the first draft. They believe too much research may hinder the process or stall creativity.

Lastly, not all professional writers are masters of the language, especially when it comes to grammar. Mastering the craft in fiction is more about expressing ideas clearly than producing a perfectly polished text. We are led to believe we need to write in impeccable English (or whatever language you use), but editors and proofreaders are often responsible for making best-sellers read as flawlessly as they do.

There is still one more thing to consider: how you plan to publish your book. If you intend to pursue traditional publishing and achieve commercial or literary goals – like popularity or awards, I’m sorry, but a lot of what I told here may not apply to you. The publishing market and the academy have numerous and rather rigid rules for accepting manuscripts.

To be traditionally published and build a commercial career you must identify your  target audience and know them intimately before you begin writing. You must apply all the conventions in the genre you’re writing in, as well. It’s not really an option. For those seeking academic appraisal, mastery is essential –– both in writing techniques and subject matter.

Having said that, it is true that from time to time, someone who breaks those rules pulls it off beautifully. They can even set a new standard. This person can be you; the only problem is that you can’t count on it.

If you want more freedom (or just can’t get traditional publishers’ attention), it’s easy to self-publish. It doesn’t mean authors can afford to be sloppy, as the indie industry is already oversaturated and extremely competitive. The freedom it offers is more about choice, but it is just as hard to spark readers’ interest and sell your work.

Think of your story as a tourist destination and your reader as the visitor. Show them all the exciting and important attractions, in a strategic order, with the most engaging pace. This way they will be invested during the whole visit, and finish it wishing for more.

The acclaimed Portuguese author José Saramago once said that we are all writers: the difference is that some write and others don’t.

You can choose which group you belong to.