I sometimes worry that I'm violating "rules" like these while doing work on my own projects. After getting Donald Maas's WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL, I had a complete crisis of confidence about the entire character/plot structure of THE QUILL. In the end, though, I realized that I have to trust my instincts and work through the story as it evolves.

The worry can come later, during revision.

Yeah, that's a good point -- it's important to know the difference between what's a "rule" someone is trying to force upon you, versus creative ways to solve a problem. The best of the helpful books acknowledge that there are many ways to tackle a problem. And this book in particular, also acknowledges that its giving advice on how to write a very specific type of novel.

It's certainly key to have enough confidence in the way you're writing something to know what's valuable advice versus what's just unhelpful! I think, like everything, you have to go in steps -- when I'm writing wonderfully there's no reason to go outside for help. When I'm stuck, then hey, I pick up a book and sometimes there's just the thing to get me unstuck. . .

I completely understand about going to the writing books when in need of a little direction or even just a smidgen of solid advice. I periodically re-read WRITING THE NOVEL FROM PLOT TO PRINT, by Lawrence Block, because I always feel energized when I'm done. And it helps reacquaint me with the working tools of a successful novelist.