here are 15 points i think all starting writers need to know about creative writing (and storytelling in general):
The rules aren't rules so much as a series of lessons and formulas, compiled by other creators over time as they figure out what's successful in their medium or genre.
it is a very very good idea to learn these lessons if you want to tell successful stories
the measure of "successful" varies wildly. it can mean commercial viability, sales figures, emotional impact, or just keeping readers interested in your story. you have to use your own judgement to figure out which lessons are most applicable to your work, based on what your goals are.
what works for one storyteller might not work for you. you might think it's complete bullshit, actually, and that's fine.
many of these lessons reflect the tastes, trends and expectations of the contemporary audience. this means they're constantly shifting and adjusting. not everything will be applicable to your work.
many other lessons withstand the test of time because they work.
"because it works" is not a reason to follow a writing lesson religiously or rigidly. you need to understand it, and also understand that the creative process requires flexibility and nuance.
do not ever dismiss any lesson out of hand. what you learn from it may be useful in ways you least expect.
every "rule" can be (and has been, often by successful authors!) "broken". the key is to do so with intent, which, again, means you need to learn the lessons first.
learning isn't enough. the only way to actually internalise and improve is to write, even if it's crap at first. especially if it's crap, actually. that shit is fertiliser.
you do not need to know anything in order to start creating stories. you just need to want to do it. you have plenty of time to figure the rest out later.
you do not have to write for anyone but yourself
sometimes, what you write for yourself may need to be adjusted for factors like "commercial viability" or "good storytelling" or "genre expectations". the only way you're going to figure out the balance between writing for yourself and writing a story people will read/buy/publish is with practise.
every kind of story has its niche or audience. you just have to find it. sometimes that niche won't be the one you want, and then you have to ask yourself if you want to change your story or if you're okay with the audience you've found.
all of these points are true similtaneously. how many of them you take note of depends entirely on what you want to do with your story.
(bonus point because i'm a writer not a counter) always make sure you're having at least 70% joy in your creative process. allow yourself 30% non-joy because sometimes writing is hard work, or you get burnt out, or there's parts of the process that are just "meh". if the non-joy percentage gets too big it's definitely time to step back and see what you can change to make things fun for yourself again.
