Robert's Rules of Writing: 111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know

by Robert Masello

Prolific author Robert Masello guides working (or procrastinating) writers with advice, encouragement, and guidance.

Although there’s no shortage of books on writing and publishing, there’s none quite like Robert’s Rules of Writing: 101 Unconventional Lessons that Every Writer Needs to Know. Distilled from his many years of experience as an award-winning journalist, TV writer, and the author of over twenty books, published by mainstream houses and translated into nineteen languages to date, Robert Masello addresses all the issues that confront, and all the problems that beset, writers of all stripes.

Whether it’s a novel or a screenplay, a memoir or a newspaper piece that they’re working on, writers have to find their own way to expressing themselves clearly, persuasively, and entertainingly on the page. They have to find their own voice, their own story, their own thoughts and opinions, and then connect to their readers. Robert’s Rules of Writing offers hard-won advice, encouragement, and guidance along the way, but in an irreverent and often provocative manner, overturning a lot of the traditional axioms and providing the kind of inside information that only comes from a lifetime of writing—which Masello has. 

In well over a hundred short takes, he takes his readers over hurdles, around obstacles, and through the seemingly insurmountable barriers to completion and ultimately publication of their work. It’s a lively, thought-provoking, and often downright funny, addition to any working (or procrastinating) writer’s shelf.  

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

About the author

Robert Masello is an award-winning journalist, TV writer, and the bestselling author of many novels and nonfiction books. In addition to his most recent book, THE HAUNTING OF H.G. WELLS, he has written the #1 Amazon Kindle bestseller, THE EINSTEIN PROPHECY, and many other popular thrillers, including THE JEKYLL REVELATION, THE NIGHT CROSSING, BLOOD AND ICE, THE MEDUSA AMULET, and THE ROMANOV CROSS.
He is also the author of two popular studies of the Occult -- FALLEN ANGELS AND SPIRITS OF THE DARK and RAISING HELL: A CONCISE HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS.
His books on writing include WRITER TELLS ALL, A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS, and the classroom staple, ROBERT'S RULES OF WRITING.
His TV credits include such popular shows as "Charmed," "Sliders," Early Edition," and "Poltergeist: the Legacy."
A native of Evanston, Illinois, he studied writing at Princeton University under the noted authors Robert Stone and Geoffrey Wolff, and served for six years as the Visiting Lecturer in Literature at Claremont McKenna College.
He now lives and works in Santa Monica, CA.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Robert's Rules of Writing is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of suggestions to help a budding (or maybe even a more budded) writer on his or her way to writing, be it a novel, screenplay, editorial or anything else that comes to mind. The author is clearly very experienced and his "rules" are heartfelt and personal. "Skip the Starbucks" for example is evidently something which he has tried, tested and deemed unsatisfactory. "Stop Reading" (similar genres when in writing mode) is similarly a lesson which Mr Masello has picked up along the way to prevent emulating the content that you are reading in your writing. Some of the rules are unusual, some are obvious, but all truly make sense.

Although I did enjoy this book, and expect to be test-driving similar works in the immediate future to derive as many of my own rules as possible, I did feel the brevity of each lesson wasn't conducive to reading this book for a prolonged period of time. This is a book to pick up for a 5 minute booster shot to the brain when you feel like learning a valuable short lesson on writing.  If the 111 Rules would have been sorted by theme (such as creating a story, writing discipline, improving the tone and tempo of the story ), it would have lent itself for longer reading sessions.

I've not read enough of similar works to be able to compare, but as a self-help book on how to write, I'm sure this one rates fairly well. For any budding writer to pick up some pointers in five minute shots.

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

All writers can use a boost of inspiration at times and that's what this book does. It's a list of 111 rules that may create some "uh-huh" reactions to what Robert Masello has to say. He has spent a lifetime writing and it shows with all kinds of useful tips and approaches that works for him -- and maybe you too.

Some of the rules are simple: get a pen pal or someone you can trust to review what you've written. Throw out the thesaurus and use words you speak with. Write whatever kind of book that interests you the most and keeps readers on the edge.

Yet, there are some remarks that can only be found in this book like zip and lip -- meaning keep your thoughts on your book to yourself. Skip Starbucks. And it's okay to start a sentence with "and" or "but." Plus, he admits that sex sells. "These days readers don't want to be cheated out of some erotic thrills."

Reading this book is like being at a gathering with this author listening to his personal stories and explanations. The author has a flair for writing and understands the business. These are rules that can become someone's best comfort and resource. This book is not just for writers. It can be a great benefit for book reviewers and anyone curious as well.

My thanks to Robert Masello, Allworth Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy with an expected release date of September 21, 2021.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert's Rules of Writing was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the author's tongue-in-cheek prose and witticisms; however, when it came to the tips themselves, I disagreed with some, and those I did think were useful I had already come across in the past and/or discovered for myself through trial and error over several years of writing. A newbie author might indeed find something useful among these pages, but anyone who has been writing and publishing for a while will likely, like me, have heard it all before. Still, if you collect books on writing, this is not a bad one to add to your collection due to its humorous approach and easy-going prose. For me, it's a three-star read, as it entertained me even if I didn't particularly draw any new knowledge or insights from it.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Venky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every time I finish reading a book ‘on writing’, I scamper back to my well worn-out copy of “Why I Write” by George Orwell. The man is as sparse with his reasons as he is fastidious about the economy that one needs to follow while indulging in the art of writing. His “six rules of writing” have stood the test of time and in all probability, will continue besting sterner tests. Any writer, from and of whom is demanded an almost improbable task of adhering to 111 ‘unconventional’ lessons, would in all probability end up a fatigued professional. Her condition would be akin to that of an aspiring ‘black cab’ driver in London who before obtaining her driving license is expected to memorise every conceivable nook, cranny and labyrinth of the city. But in an era of technology where GPS is as ubiquitous as the air we breathe, such an arduous - and Byzantine even - exercise in rote learning assumes an unfortunate redundancy.

This is by no means belittling Robert Masello’ s book. A reading of it makes it very obvious to even the most insensitive of readers that the author’s motive is undoubtedly noble. Hacks, methods, processes and techniques jump at the reader from every page with unbridled enthusiasm. However it is this very enthusiasm that also doubles up as an unintended kill-joy. An overdose of optimistic guidance is undoubtedly a recipe for confusion. Many of the lessons could either have been shortened or complemented with one another. For instance, the importance of churning out a first draft, however messy it may be, finds avoidable repetition in more rules than one. While there is no doubting the importance of this rule – Anne Lamott opines that ‘shitty’ first drafts are not just inevitable but indispensable – same could have been set out in just one place.

There are a few rules that appeal to me personally. For example, Rule No.102 instructs you to “Keep Your Prose Clean.” There seems to be a dangerous and repulsive misperception that more libidinous the prose, wider its acceptance. We unfortunately do no inhibit an era where “Portnoy’s Complaint” not just liberated Philip Roth from his self-imposed shackles of modesty in writing, but catapulted him to fame as well. The days of sexual liberation are way behind us since we are more or less a totally and wholesomely liberated lot where carnal urges are concerned.

Rule No.49 is titled “Fly Solo”. This is also a concept that is appealing and introspective. While it causes no harm to inculcate and practice a collaborative bent of mind while writing, care needs to be ensured that one’s own style, tone and cadence is not sacrificed at the altar of group think. This notion is explained by a very telling example in Masello’ s book, ‘,I had written a sentence that read, in its entirety, “he stopped.” My collaborator had neatly, added in the margin, “like a deer caught in the headlights.” That’s when I knew for certain that this collaboration was not going to work.’

Rule 90 “Add a Dash of Metaphor” is also an exposition on how a particular tool may turn out to be a double edged sword. While the use of metaphors can make a story or an article alluring, littering one’s work with metaphors that have been used and abused to such an extent that they have more or less transformed them into cliches, would dilute the very essence of the writing and would detract from the import and purpose that the work intends. To paraphrase Orwell, “Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.”

On Rule in appreciation of which I will raise my glass, is the one on adopting and abhorring humour. Rule 85 is the “Make ‘Em Laugh!” Rule. While Masello elevated the role of humour to its rightful pedestal, he also warns of the danger that would accrue as a result of an impudent and imbecile use of humour. In other words unless and until you or your character possesses a genuinely funny bone, never attempt to evoke indiscreet and indiscriminate bouts of laughter. You will not end up having the last laugh!

There are Rules that seek to instill confidence in the reader, while at the same time warning her about the innumerable perils and pitfalls that she would need to necessarily navigate. The joys of publication are negated by the devastation of rejection slips. A self-conviction and unshakeable belief that a work is a magnum opus when it is a never ending sleep inducing tome of avoidably lengthy proportions, are some of the conflicting and contrasting emotions which every reader would have experienced. But the secret is to be practical and yet not lose the faith.

In my personal view, “10 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know”, might have accorded more benefits and wisdom to an aspiring writer. Thus when Masello is planning on bringing out the Third Edition of this work, he may perhaps mull on some cull. The following Rules alone would be my ideal candidates for preservation:

1. Rule 62: Keep Your Day Job;
2. Rule 3: Throw Out Your Thesaurus (my favourite Rule in the entire book. I am deliberately refraining from not commenting on the same since I do not want to reveal much to the reader. Better she gleans this element of wisdom from Masello himself);
3. Rule 9: Lose The Muse;
4. Rule 85: Make ‘Em Laugh!
5. Rule 102: Keep Your Prose Clean;
6. Rule 49: Fly Solo;
7. Rule 42: Go Subliminal;
8. Rule 93: Punctuate That Thought;
9. Rule 86: Befriend Your Editor; and
10. Rule 111: Break All Rules

Masello’ s ‘111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know’ is a well explicated work that may be referred to by a budding writer. While the book has the potential to handhold, it may also end up disseminating a fair degree of ambivalence due to the sheer number of lessons that it purports to impart. A more concise and condensed version would have amplified the benevolence intended by the author in a more targeted and focused manner.

('111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know' is published by Skyhorse Publishing/Allworth books and would be released on the 21st of September 2021. Thank you Net Galley for the ARC)

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert’s Rules of Writing is a mixed jumble of advice about plot, character, motivation, and setting. The last two are referring to the writer—not their characters. To illustrate this point, four of the rules are Skip the Starbucks, Burn Your Journal, and instead Take a Walk Around the Block (and Take the Zoloft).

Robert’s Rules of Writing is a humorous look at the craft of writing. Some of the rules are obvious, some are great, and some will have you silently arguing about them within your own head. However, the best one is rule 10, Get Rolling. Truer words were never spoken. This would make a great gift to the aspiring writer in your life. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars!

Thanks to Allworth, Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tongue-in-cheek view on the writing process. Even though it has “rules” in the title, it is clear from the start that tips, tricks and personal writing history will be dished out.

Many readers (if not most) are curious about the way books are put together - the back story. This was an entertaining and informative version of such a tale, with short and diverse chapters to illustrate the points. It goes to show that you don’t need to be a writer to appreciate this book. However, most of us are writing - daily - in other occupations or in our spare time. Whether it’s an email, on social media, or a business report - if your goal is to be read, this book can help improve your chances.

[Paula Dembeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book, one not to pass on, but keep on your shelf for future reference. It is written by an experienced writer with a long career in producing material in a number of different formats, from novels to screen plays, to essays and magazine articles. He has learned much during this long journey and shares with readers what he believes every writer needs to know. Here are his 111 rules of writing, an interesting subtitle to the book. One immediately wonders why this unlikely number, why not 110 or 115? You get the answer towards the end of the book, in rule #109! But the quirky title gives readers a sense that these will not be lessons shared in an academic style, nor will it be about the intricacies of correct grammar. Instead, it will be a casual conversation between the writer and his reader, one filled with lessons but also humour, some of it casually thrown in, some the laugh out loud variety.

What readers will take from this book may depend on the type of writing they do. Someone usually writing non-fiction may not be as interested in the chapter on character driven plots, but much of what is included here can be used in writing for all types of media. The content is shared in individual chapters, featuring each rule, each only one and a half pages long. It makes for a quick easy read as well as a ready to use accessible reference. The chapters have humorous titles that immediately draw in the reader. Who can resist checking out the content of chapters with titles such as: “Zip the Lip”, “Make Em Worry”, “Strip Down To Your Briefs” or “Be a Tease”?

Those who have been writing for some time may recognize many things they already do, but Masello also challenges conventional thinking and academic rules, releasing some of us from staying away from such “no no's” as starting a sentence with the words “And” or “But”. It gives even experienced writers things to think about.

Masello’s tips are designed to help writers express themselves clearly, persuasively and bring their stories to life. He suggests ways to circumvent the well-known barrier of writer’s block, advice on how to create realistic and engaging characters and the advantages of an outline no matter how messy before even beginning a piece of work. He believes that even a sketchy outline serves as a framework for the content and a way to help a writer get to the finish line.

He comments on ways to keep the plot moving, how to write realistic dialogue, signals the importance of style and the fact it is often what determines a best seller. He also addresses the misstep of immersing your writing with symbols and metaphors in an effort to invest your work with some kind of meta-meaning; this he believes, is the sure road to madness. He speaks to the need for judicious pruning and the difficulty of editing, reminding readers life is short and so is a reader's attention span.

His rules also address the often-dreaded critics and editors and he suggests when and if to pay attention to their advice. He warns writers about keeping their best stories locked away for a later time because when they finally come to write about them, it may be too late; someone else had that idea, wrote about it and it is now in the bookstores.

This book is full of practical advice. Not all writers will agree with all of it, but with such a successful career behind him, Masello certainly has the experience to know what works in the writing world. He shows how writing, although it looks easy, is hard work, not an easy skill to develop and perfect; it requires deliberation and thought, craft and commitment.

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

The prose was fine. Sometimes it seemed the author whipped out the fanciest words he knew despite encouraging the reader not to use a thesaurus. Another complaint I have is that many rules were too short to stand on their own; I had to read the chapter to know what the author meant, so then I would have to flip back halfway through most chapters to remember what rule I was reading. Instead, I would have preferred that each rule could stand on its own so I could print them off as a checklist, optionally referring to the chapter for more information.

[Zoë Routh · Rating 4 out of 5]

good tips but hard to read in a list

The challenge with reading a list of 111 tips is that each one feels like a lecture. It’s hard for the brain to parse. If only the author had gathered them in themes it might have been easier, and more enjoyable, to read. Otherwise useful writing advice, well- written.

[kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really helpful book for me as someone who has never read a book about the process of writing. Others may have heard these tips a million times, but I found it to be helpful, and the voice of the author to be funny and witty. Overall enjoyed it, and it helped give me a lot of tips to improve my writing.

[Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent!

This is the best book for a tool box. I thought, I was reading my own words from my head on the page with what I was going through or questioning. This book spoke to me. Finally, thank you!

[Lisa Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer who's about to release her first fiction work to the world, I really appreciated the advice in this book. Some "lessons" confirmed things I've come to believe. Others opened my perspective. They're all in bite-sized (4-5 page) chunks and very helpful.

[Michelle Balacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

About as entertaining as a book on writing lessons can be. I’ll have to check out his other titles. I liked the easy to digest lessons. Good food for thought. Made me want to write

[Alan Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many books on writing, and this has become one of my favorites. Robert doesn't really teach anything breathtakingly new, but he phrases the rules so succinctly and brilliantly that I was blown away. Thank you for writing such a helpful book.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not previously familiar with this author but he's published several books of suspense. This is the second edition of his writing tips book. The advice is structured in short, bite-sized chapters, like a writer's daily devotionals, 111 in all (The first edition had 101.) It was a fast read and I enjoyed his prose.

Masello's first tip is to start writing something with a purpose and an audience in mind, even if the audience is just one person. Don't wait for your muse, but If an idea hits you, make a point of writing it down. Try to find your topics in your daily thoughts and use your own words. Trying to inflict pompous thesaurus vocabulary and too much deep symbolism on your poor text is probably not good. You don't have to tell everything, feel free to leave out the boring bits your readers don't need to know. Perfectionist voices inside your own head are a distraction. The first draft can and should be edited later.

Masello writes better in his peaceful office than a crowded coffee shop with many distractions, and would prefer not to talk about his works in progress. When you're in the middle of a writing project it might also be good not to distract yourself with reading someone else's works so your voice doesn't change to reflect them. But otherwise you should read something that gives you satisfaction, because you're better off writing something in a genre that you know well and enjoy reading. If you love it you will be more motivated to put in the hard work, solve your writer's blocks and bear the rejections. It is rather hard to make a living as an author.

Don't research yourself to death but if you're writing implausible details about something that is familiar to your readers they will notice. If you've created a fictional world you're the god that makes the rules there but try to avoid inconsistencies. What is the setting and conflict of your tale? Who are the characters? Ordinary places and people can be as fascinating as dashing beauties in fantasy worlds if the story is told right. (And dashing beauties can be boring if not.) What are their flaws, their struggles? How do they perceive the world and develop? Create an outline for your story and disregard it if necessary. But if you know where you're going you can foreshadow to avoid out-of-the-blue random coincidence resolutions that feel like deus ex machina to your readers. Is there an emotional subtext in your scenes? Did you foreshadow something that you never delivered? Will your text be long or short, how much detail do you have room for? Read it aloud to hear how it sounds. What's your personal writing style and can you adjust it to fit your narrative?

When you call it a day and stop writing, help yourself get started the next time by jotting down some notes about what you should continue the story with. He recommends a regular schedule of writing but sometimes it's good to take a break and focus on something else for a while. But not too long, or it becomes more difficult to tackle. If you're stuck, you could try visualizing your story as a movie. What's the next scene? Where is the action? Is there a ticking Click that they're racing against? Do you need a change of pace? If your narrative lags and meanders you could try cutting straight into the scene like the movies.

One of his rules I had to disagree with is to avoid collaborations. It doesn't always work but if it works for you and your writing partner, who cares what Masello thinks. Some of my favorite books have been co-authored. Also, he prefers to read longer novels that feel like a big fat wallow so one of his rules is to take the long way. Granted, a great writer can keep the reader riveted for a thousand pages, but life is short and given the choice between reading a huge brick of a book and three or four shorter works I am far more likely to pick up the short ones. Again, just a personal preference.

To conclude on a serious note, many writers are depressed and if that's you, you should seek help.

So, did the book deliver what it was selling? (That's one of his rules.) I was promised something unconventional, something controversial and counterintuitive, something provocative, enough to make the author hope that argumentative readers don't know where he lives. I'd say not really. Apart from a few things that are a matter of personal taste, a lot of it is pretty standard writing advice and I couldn't identify the shocking parts. If you're a veteran of writing manuals there's probably not very much that is new here. But this book is written in a very engaging, vivid style, and I do recommend it.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert's Rules of Writing, Second Edition
111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know
by Robert Masello
Pub Date 21 Sep 2021 |
Skyhorse Publishing, Allworth
Nonfiction (Adult)


I am reviewing a copy of Robert Rules of Writing, Second Edition through Seahorse Publishing, Allworth and NetGalley:





Despite the fact that there’s no shortage of books on writing, Robert’s Rules of Writing: 111 Unconventional Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know is quite unique. Robert Masello draws on his many years of experience as an award-winning journalist, TV writer, and the author of over twenty books published by mainstream houses and translated, to date, into nineteen languages, Robert Masello addresses all the issues that confront, and all the problems that beset, writers of all stripes.





In this book Robert Masello reminds the author that weather you are working on a a novel or a script, a memoir or a blog, an epic poem or a newspaper piece, you’re going to have to find the best way to express yourself clearly, persuasively, and you will need to entertain your readers. In order to do this you will have to find your own personal voice, which is actually a lot harder than it sounds. And you will need to use that unique voice to bring to life your story, your thoughts, and your opinions, to the many readers out there that you’re eager to reach; with complete candor and welcome irreverence, Robert’s Rules of Writing offers the inside knowledge that will help you do just that. As provocative as they are amusing, these rules are purposely designed to challenge the old axioms and get you thinking afresh about your work.






This book includes over a hundred but pithy takes, in which Masello guides you over hurdles, around obstacles, and through the seemingly insurmountable barriers to completion and ultimately publication of your writing. This book is lively, thought provoking as well as funny.




I give Robert Rules of Writing five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is something in this world that comes with endless advice or do's and don'ts then it's got to be writing. Right now, a Google search can come up with millions of results and if you are like me you only stick to the first three search results and after that you're either too depressed or mentally exhausted to try and keep up. Now, Robert's Rules of Writing shares lessons from his life experiences and that of others in the writing field, and he admits that they are not news- it's just his way of telling you about it that's fresh, real and encouraging.
Like Rule 39: Perfect the Villain that reminded me of Dan Brown's Masterclass where he says that you've got to create a worthy opponent because your protagonist is only as good as your villain. In other words the greater and tougher the challenge he has to overcome, well, the better. Then there's Rule 13: Play god- that reminds you of going all out in the world you create because you can. Above all Rule 111 is a must read and a good advice to bear in mind and practice once in a while.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Megan Griest · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 2nd edition of Robert’s Rules of Writing, the author lays out 111 rules to help you with various aspects of your writing. Rules include “Burn Your Journal”, “Skip the Starbucks”, and “Strip Down to Your Briefs”…interested to see what Robert means by these rule titles? Pick up your copy of Robert’s Rules of Writing, 2nd Edition!
While some of the rules aren’t very useful to my work, they’re good to read over and use in my personal writing and for my own edification. . The author gives you a lot to think about and incorporate!

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[Cris (The Biblio Blonde) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many books exist to give writing advice, and I've read a fair few. Robert's Rules of Writing doesn't have, for the most part, what I'd consider earth shattering knowledge, but it's the delivery I enjoyed: it's as though a friend or writing coach is giving you helpful, sometimes tongue-in-cheek reminders. I read this in smaller chunks and it seems like a helpful thing to revisit when you need some encouragement in your work.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a complimentary digital review copy of this title.

[Tara Baisden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books on the craft of writing and this one did not disappoint. I'm very glad I took the time to read it and learn from it. Robert Masello had me thinking and wanting to set everything aside and get back to my writing!

[Justine]

Thanks to NetGalley and Allworth for providing an ARC!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this - using certain chapters as we go thru this semester of creative writing

[José Alejandro Vázquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastante divertido y sincero, al menos la primera parte, después se pone demasiado técnico para mi gusto, pero bueno, muy diferente a otros que he leído.