AR advice on the Rules of Writing:
On giving writers advice, offering “rules.” I’m asked a lot about this, and people bring great lists of rules for writers to the page all the time. What do I think? I can’t say it loud enough. There are NO RULES for all writers! And never let anyone tell you that there are. Writers are individuals; we each do it in our own way. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re not a “real” writer because you don’t follow their rules! I can’t tell you how much harm was done to me early in life by others judging me in that way. I was told in college I wasn’t a “real” writer because I composed on a typewriter; I was condemned later on in damn near apocalyptic terms for “not writing every day.” “Real writers” are those who become “real writers.” That’s all there is to it. And again, we each do it in our own way. For me, stubbornness has been as important as any talent I might possess. I ultimately ignored the people who condemned me, ridiculed me and sought to discourage me. I laughed or cried over it in secret; and went right on writing what I wanted to write, the way I wanted to write it. I knew of no other way to become the writer of my dreams. If you want to be a writer, go for it. Critics are a dime a dozen, and people who would love to see you fail are everywhere. Just keep on going; keep doing what works for you. Keep believing in yourself.
Unless you fanfic my stuff and then I’ll sue you
Or give me bad reviews then I’ll attempt to put in legislature that says you can’t be mean to me
Also critics are dime a dozen and they never affect me that’s why I cracked the shits and only let my son beta everything I have.
Oh, Anne Rice, I will never not remember how mad she got about fanfic existing.
She lets her son beta her stuff? Wow. This is news to me. I did hear somewhere that he is going to “inherit” all her series, he has her permission to continue them after she’s kicked her holy bucket.
