Stephen King’s list of his top 20 rules for writers is something all writers should look at whether some rules do not apply to them or they do not agree with them. In my case, for example, rule 11 is King’s two secrets to success, which are maintaining physical health and a strong marriage. I am neither married nor in perfect physical health. Another rule I do not agree with is rule 10; only having three months to write a first draft of a work, no matter how much content is being written. While I agree that writers should not linger on their first draft for longer than they need to, I disagree that all writers should get their work done in specifically three months. That being said, King’s rules should be looked upon by all writers because there may be some helpful insights to how to get off the ground and claim creative ideas and ultimately form a satisfying piece of work. One of my favorite rules King mentions is rule number 1, write for yourself before worrying about an audience. I take this into consideration for my creative works, as I tend to focus more on what is best for me as a writer before worrying about what others will think about the work.
The discussion of owning one’s creative work falls into the path of establishing credibility, which is discussed in Doris Lessing’s “On Not Winning the Nobel Prize.” Lessing describes plenty of writers from various backgrounds, explaining their initial passion, dreams, education and inspiration for their creative works, all of which shape the credibility of the writer. Overall, strategy and credibility go hand in hand for writers, as writers may build both at the same time and balance between both back and forth.
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