The Only Writing Rules You Actually Need to Follow

If you’ve spent any time reading advice for writers, you’ve probably encountered a laundry list of “rules” that make your head spin. There’s the rule about avoiding adverbs, another about never starting a sentence with “and,” and let’s not even get started on the passive voice debate.

But here’s the truth: most of these so-called “rules” are outdated, overly prescriptive, and even contradictory. In reality, there are only a few core principles you need to follow if you want to create compelling writing. These aren’t rules as much as they are guideposts—principles that make your work more engaging, relatable, and downright un-put-downable. Let’s dive into the only writing rules that actually matter.

1. Hook Your Reader from the First Line

The online world is brutal. With thousands of articles competing for attention, you have just seconds to grab readers. Forget about warming up with a fluffy introduction; start with a bang. Make your first line intriguing, bold, or thought-provoking—something that makes the reader need to read the next line.

“What if everything you thought you knew about success was a lie?”
“I spent $10,000 on self-help books and here’s what I learned.”
“There’s a scientific reason you feel stuck in life.”