Writing "Rules"

Okay, so those that know me know that I tend to collect lots of books on writing. I've also gone to courses, workshops, and panels. And lately I've been downloading podcasts. Much of what you'll read/hear is the same few rules repeated over and over.

Show, don't tell.
Cut every single adverb.
Apply keister to chair and WRITE!
and so on.

I've never gone into these things looking for rules. I write. I have written. I have a few minor awards for things I've created. I have received praise from people I highly respect. (I also use the word "I" too much, but this is a blog, so...)

What I'm looking for in these eddies of knowledge is a twist - a fresh way of looking at my own process and giving something new a try. I never try to follow So-and-So's process as if that's the One True Way (TM). And you shouldn't either.

So, my point: read everything (especially other authors' fiction), but take the nuggets that work for you and incorporate them into your process. And if you want to use an adverb every now and then... you have my persmission.