From 10 Rules of Writing

[florilegia]

On my Fb page I posted an article entitled 10 Rules of Writing in which many famous authors give their advice on what to do/avoid when entering the writing life.

This was one of Neil Gaiman's:

The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like.He also says that this applies

Comments

[florilegia]

I was worried that might be an answer. I can act when provided with a script, but am an incomparable bad improviser and bullshitter. Too sincere.

[duane_kc]

Sincerity. If you can fake that, you've got it made.

Seriously. If you can *project* assurance and confidence, even if you're not feeling it, you can get quite a ways on just the appearance.

Also...you've got a FB page? If you wouldn't mind, would you send me a PM so I can add you on? I have finally succumbed to the evil that is FB myself.

[florilegia]

I hate insincerity; all that kissing babies for PR crap. That's one of the reasons why I won't ever be able to make it in a corporate setting or politics. Sometimes I can project things that I am not feeling, but (see other comments) more often than not refuse to play that game. In many ways, I guess, that is the most self-assured, confident thing I can do: be myself.

[florilegia]

Oh, and I'm simply on Fb as Kate Gannon.

[eusashead]

I would like to be your Facebook friend too!

And I want to see this list.

Also, I'm not so sure about the "assurance and confidence" advice as applied to writing - it depends on what is meant by "allowed." To me it's much easier to see how it applies to life. At least, for the love of whatever, don't project lack of confidence, because that repels opportunity. That's my experience.

[florilegia]

Kate Gannon on Fb.

Perhaps I am naturally inclined toward viewing humility as a virtue, and thus find the over-confident nature of many Americans to be annoying. (See other comments). I have confidence in my ability to tell a story; I lack confidence in the respect that I'm not so sure that I can tell one in a masterful way. Don't think of that as lacking self-assurance, I think of it as realistic.