11 Writing Commandments

What author, Henry Miller, teaches us about writing.

Mr. Henry Miller

Henry Miller was a renowned author in the 1930s.

He wrote books like Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn, The Colossus of Maroussi, and The Rosy Crucifixion.

I was reading information about him that I found insightful, particularly his 11 commandments on writing.

11 Writing Commandments

My favorite is no. 5. It stands out because not everything is created like art.

Sometimes, you have to work at it.

Here’s the complete list:

1. Work on one thing at a time until finished.
2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to “Black Spring.”
3. Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.
4. Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time!
5. When you can’t create you can work.
6. Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.
7. Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.
8. Don’t be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only.