Fumblerules
Going through my files, I found this list of things that are quite helpful to writers -- and it even gives perfect examples of what not to do rather than (often complicated and/or meaningless) rules. Even though the list is several years old (and items #18 and #22 seem to be handled a bit more relaxedly nowadays), I think most of the rules are still applicable and should at least be kept in mind.
Sadly, I've seen each and every one broken, ignored or mutilated in my years of (fic) reading ... and been guilty of a few infractions myself. *wry grin* Of course, this doesn't mean some of these rules can't be broken -- like in dialogue, or for effect in narrative, but the writer should better know damn well when and how!
I hope you'll find the list as handy as I did. :-)
The Fumblerules
01. Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.
02. Don't use no double negatives.
03. Use the semicolon properly, always use it where it is appropriate; and never where it isn't.
04. Reserve the apostrophe for it's proper use and omit it when its not needed.
05. Do not put statements in the negative form.
06. Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
07. No sentence fragments.
08. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
09. Avoid commas, that are not necessary.
10. If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
11. A writer must not shift your point of view.
12. In my opinion, I think that an author when he is writing should definitely not get into the habit of making use of too many unnecessary words that he does not really need in order to put his message across
13. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
14. Don't overuse exclamation marks!
15. Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
16. Hyphenate between sy-llables and avoid un-necessary hyphens.
17. Write all adverbial forms correct.
18. Don't use contractions in formal writing.
19. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
20. It is incumbent on us to avoid archaisms.
21. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
22. Steer clear of incorrect forms of verbs that have snuck into the language.
23. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixed metaphors.
24. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
25. Never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
26. Analogies in non-fiction are like feathers on a snake
27. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
28. If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, resist hyperbole.
29. Also, avoid awkward or affected alliteration.
30. Don't string too many prepositional phrases together unless you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
31. One-word sentences? Exterminate!
32. Spel chex yor wurk.
33. "Avoid overuse of 'quotation "marks."'"
34. The adverb always follows the verb.
35. Last but not least, avoid clichés like the plague; seek viable alternatives
Sadly, I've seen each and every one broken, ignored or mutilated in my years of (fic) reading ... and been guilty of a few infractions myself. *wry grin* Of course, this doesn't mean some of these rules can't be broken -- like in dialogue, or for effect in narrative, but the writer should better know damn well when and how!
I hope you'll find the list as handy as I did. :-)
The Fumblerules
01. Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.
02. Don't use no double negatives.
03. Use the semicolon properly, always use it where it is appropriate; and never where it isn't.
04. Reserve the apostrophe for it's proper use and omit it when its not needed.
05. Do not put statements in the negative form.
06. Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
07. No sentence fragments.
08. Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.
09. Avoid commas, that are not necessary.
10. If you reread your work, you will find on rereading that a great deal of repetition can be avoided by rereading and editing.
11. A writer must not shift your point of view.
12. In my opinion, I think that an author when he is writing should definitely not get into the habit of making use of too many unnecessary words that he does not really need in order to put his message across
13. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
14. Don't overuse exclamation marks!
15. Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
16. Hyphenate between sy-llables and avoid un-necessary hyphens.
17. Write all adverbial forms correct.
18. Don't use contractions in formal writing.
19. Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
20. It is incumbent on us to avoid archaisms.
21. If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
22. Steer clear of incorrect forms of verbs that have snuck into the language.
23. Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixed metaphors.
24. Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
25. Never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
26. Analogies in non-fiction are like feathers on a snake
27. Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
28. If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, resist hyperbole.
29. Also, avoid awkward or affected alliteration.
30. Don't string too many prepositional phrases together unless you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
31. One-word sentences? Exterminate!
32. Spel chex yor wurk.
33. "Avoid overuse of 'quotation "marks."'"
34. The adverb always follows the verb.
35. Last but not least, avoid clichés like the plague; seek viable alternatives