25 commandments that every writer should follow

The 25 Commandments 

This article is one that every writer no matter what the discipline or diploma, should think about and take to heart.

Whether a weekend blogger or someone who aspires to loftier publications, this article sums up one thing that every writer should know: that in order to be a good writer, there first must be something worth reading.

I think that the best piece of advice that any writer could give to another is to write as you want to be read. If you are humorous or dry, funny or merely informational, convey this with a sense of purpose and passion that only you can convey.

As for the mothers out there, these rules apply not only to writing, but to our daily interactional lives as parents, as women, and as any sort of classification you may see yourself under. So here is an abbreviated 10 commandments of motherhood:

1. In daily life, there is only one person who matters. Sometimes you cannot see it, sometimes that person is not the same as what you may see in the mirror. Regardless, that person is you.

2. You are not here to impress anyone, not even yourself. You are here for instruction, guidance, and discipline.

3. Your first reaction to any situation is and will always be the most important. Choose carefully.

4. Have humility. Never be too full of yourself to see your children and their needs.

5. No one has to listen to you, not even your children. Make yourself into someone worth listening to, and you will earn their respect.

6. "Because I say so" has never been an acceptable response. Use it accordingly.

7. Just because a child is small in stature does not mean that they are small in intelligence. If you must explain, do not make the mistake of thinking it is because they are not smart. It is simply because they have never had the experience required to understand. Children are often more intelligent than we give them credit for.

8. Life is complicated. It always will be. The more complicated it is, the more our children look to us for explanation. Don't make that explanation more complicated than the question.

9. Keep it simple, and make it short. Nothing gives children more excuse not to finish chores than a long and complicated story.

10. There is only one story to be told, no matter how many parts it may have. Keep that in mind when helping or giving advice. Just because your child is not good at a task does not mean that inability will define their life. There are just many parts to the one beautiful whole that is your child.