Three Writing Rules I Break on Purpose

(And Why I Don’t Feel Bad About It)

Writers love rules.

We need them, especially when we’re just starting out. Good writing principles help build structure, clarity, and consistency—they give us a foundation.

But once you understand the rules… you start to see which ones are holding you back.

Some rules are meant to be followed.

Others? Bent, stretched, and sometimes flat-out broken.

Here are three I break on purpose. Not carelessly—but intentionally:

1. I use adverbs. Happily. Regularly. Unapologetically.

Stephen King says, “The adverb is not your friend.” And I get it. Overused, they can be lazy. But sometimes, an adverb delivers exactly the tone or rhythm I’m going for. And occasionally, a well-placed suddenly or quietly just makes the sentence sing.

Used with purpose, they can be delightful. And I kind of like that.

2. I don’t always write in complete sentences.

Because sometimes a thought needs space to breathe.

And sometimes—just sometimes—sentence fragments create rhythm or emphasis that proper grammar can’t quite capture.

I’m not saying abandon clarity.

I’m just saying you don’t have to sound like a textbook.

3. I write how I talk.

I like prepositions at the end of sentences.

I start sentences with and or but.

And I’ll throw in a phrase like “gonna” if it fits the voice of the piece.

Why? Because it sounds like me.

At the end of the day, I want the words I put on paper to feel like sitting across the table from me—with a huge glass of slightly honey-sweetened iced tea and an extra dose of real life.

And you know what? That works for my audience.

It’s clear, it’s authentic, and it builds trust.

Bonus: I write in short paragraphs. (in case you haven’t noticed.)

Not because I hate long ones (I don’t), but because short ones are easier to read—especially online. They help the eye move down the page. They create rhythm. They give your thoughts room to land.

And let’s be honest—nobody wants to get stuck in a wall of text. Break it up. Let it flow.

Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series, once said: “Writing is an art. There’s no formula that fits every writer, every story, or every voice.”

Exactly.

We each get to figure it out as we go—with a pen in hand, purpose in our heart, and the freedom to sound like ourselves.

So yes, I break some rules.

But I do it on purpose.

And maybe you should too.

If the rules are holding you back, let them go.

You don’t need perfect grammar or a degree in English to tell a good story.

You just need to start writing.

Your voice matters. Your story matters.

And the only way to get better is to keep going.

Write like yourself. Write like you mean it.

And for the love of words—do not wait until it’s perfect.

Just start.