The King's 10 Rules!

Writing a Bestseller requires discipline!

From Vladimir burn!

10 Rules Stephen King says so you can write a BESTSELLER.

King says every writer needs a toolbox with three levels:
1). Vocabulary: the source of writing.
2). Grammar: the basics of writing.
3). Style: the art of writing.

The 1st rule: Read!
If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Read widely, read constantly, and read critically. Read the good, the bad, and the ugly to learn what works and what doesn't.

The 2nd rule: Write!
Write every day. Not just when you feel like it. King suggests a daily quota (e.g., 2,000 words) and never stopping until you hit it. Consistency is the engine of creation.

The door must be shut! The first draft is for you alone! Write with the door shut, no distractions, no self-censorship, no outside opinions. This is where the story is born.

The door must be open! The second draft is for the reader. Write with the door open, be ready to accept criticism and make cuts. This is where the story is polished.

Adverbs are the Enemy!
King is famously against adverbs, especially those modifying dialogue tags (e.g., "he said quickly"). They are a sign of weak verbs. Use strong verbs instead.

The Power of Telepathy.
Writing is telepathy. Your job is to transfer the image in your mind to the reader's mind using only words. The simpler and clearer the language, the more powerful the transfer.

Story is found, not made.
King believes the stories are found fossils, you uncover them. Don't force a plot; let the characters and the situation dictate where the story goes.

Description& Dialogue!
Description should anchor the reader in reality, but not overwhelm them.
Dialogue should sound like real people talking, not just conveying information. Listen to how people actually speak.

The 10% Rule.

King's rule of thumb for revision: cut 10% of your first draft. This forces you to eliminate the fluff and focus on the core narrative. The ultimate takeaway: Talent is cheap. What separates the good from the great is persistence. If you want to be a writer, you must write.