As a writer, I’ve encountered plenty of advice over the years, everything from “write what you know” to “show, don’t tell.” While these nuggets of wisdom are absolutely helpful, the one piece of advice that truly changed the game for me came from Judy Blume who said “There are no rules.”

At first glance, this quote might seem simple, but its impact is profound. For me, “no rules” means total and complete creative freedom—the kind of freedom that allows you to push boundaries, break conventions, and create stories that are uniquely yours.

Freedom to Experiment

Judy’s words remind me that fiction is not about following a rigid set of guidelines; it’s about telling a story in the way that feels most authentic to you. This advice liberated me from the fear of doing things “wrong.” It gave me the confidence to experiment with structure, voice, and character development.

When I was writing Love Before Law, I played with alternating timelines to heighten the suspense and emotional stakes. Conventional wisdom might have told me to keep things straightforward, but letting go of the “rules” allowed me to create a richer, more engaging narrative. Readers connected deeply with that story, and I’m convinced it’s because I trusted my instincts rather than trying to conform to non-existent expectations.

Writing Without Limits

“No rules” also means embracing the bold and unconventional. Want to write a thriller from the perspective of the antagonist? Go for it. Want to mix genres or end your novel on a cliffhanger? Do it. Fiction is a playground where anything is possible, and Judy Blume’s advice reminds me that my only limits are the ones we, as writers, impose on ourselves.

This mindset fuels my creativity daily. When I’m drafting, I don’t worry about whether my ideas fit into a neat box. Instead, I focus on telling the story I’m passionate about. Sometimes that means breaking traditional storytelling norms, and that’s okay. The beauty of fiction is that it can be anything you want it to be.

Connecting With Readers

What’s most powerful about this piece of advice is how it impacts the reader-writer relationship. When writers feel free to create without rules, the result is often stories that are more genuine and emotionally resonant. Readers can sense when a story is written from the heart, unburdened by constraints.

In my upcoming book We Never Told, I took some risks with the narrative structure and pacing. There were moments when I questioned whether I was going too far, but Blume’s quote reminded me to trust the story and my ability to tell it. Early feedback has affirmed that those risks paid off, and the story feels more authentic because of them.

A Daily Reminder

Every time I sit down to write, I think of Judy Blume’s words. They remind me to silence the inner critic, take creative risks, and trust my voice. Writing fiction is about exploring possibilities, not adhering to someone else’s formula. There are no rules, and that’s what makes it so damn magical.

If you’re a writer, my advice to you is this: embrace the freedom in this craft. Tell the story only you can tell, and don’t worry about breaking rules along the way. The most memorable stories are often the ones that defy expectations and carve their own path.

So, what rules will you break today?

Kickstarter reminder for We Never Told:

My very first Kickstarter campaign is live for another 17 days and we are just over 50% funded! You can be a part of bringing this new novel to life and get some AWESOME rewards at the very same time. Click the photo below to learn a little more about it. Thank you in advance!

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Happy reading!

Tyler