Ten rules for writing fiction (part two)

From the Guardian. Inspired by Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing, our survey of established authors' tips for successful authorship continues



Tips for writers. Photograph: Illustration: Andrzej Krauze

Hilary Mantel

1 Are you serious about this? Then get an accountant.

2 Read Becoming a Writer, by Dorothea Brande. Then do what it says, including the tasks you think are impossible. You will particularly hate the advice to write first thing in the morning, but if you can manage it, it might well be the best thing you ever do for yourself. This book is about becoming a writer from the inside out. Many later advice manuals derive from it. You don't ­really need any others, though if you want to boost your confidence, "how to" books seldom do any harm. You can kick-start a whole book with some little writing exercise.

3 Write a book you'd like to read. If you wouldn't read it, why would anybody else? Don't write for a perceived audience or market. It may well have vanished by the time your book's ready.

4 If you have a good story idea, don't assume it must form a prose narrative. It may work better as a play, a screenplay or a poem. Be flexible.

5 Be aware that anything that appears before "Chapter One" may be skipped. Don't put your vital clue there. View complete ten rules

I think it's meant to be a joke, Athene! http://www.pruebatten.com/

Will Self's 10 tips in same series were rather entertaining. Haven't got a link but I bet you could google it "A,B&E", "Not In My Name" and "52FF" (flash fiction anthology) all available on Amazon Kindle

"How a psychopath makes sweet love. I can get you ringside. Royal box even."

Yes re cover blurb, no I don't skip prologues "A,B&E", "Not In My Name" and "52FF" (flash fiction anthology) all available on Amazon Kindle

"How a psychopath makes sweet love. I can get you ringside. Royal box even."

I don't read the synopsis unless I'm either crazy to see where the story goes, or can't fathom what on earth it's about. Mostly, I think the writing, characters and situation should be intriguing enough to pull you on.

I rarely remove an assignment because of genre, but if it's another story about the boy Arthur, I just might. I'm pretty catholic in my tastes and writing can be excellent in any genre. I've found myself riveted by things I would never think of buying, because the voice is so strong.

Unfortunately my most recent reviews have been quite critical, although I have detected some really exciting ideas and good writing. I have no idea what the authors thought of my advice - probably not much. It's hard to accept when someone says there's something good in here but it needs more focus. I suspect it's because the writer is so familiar with it, they think it's clear to everyone else. I have to believe my honest reaction will be of benefit in the long run, but I'm possibly not the most popular reviewer on the site. On the plus side, my scores usually err on the generous side. the long and the short of it

Triclops: a collection of forty short stories by Avery Mathers, Susan Howe and Lee Williams.