I have lived long enough and read widely enough to realize that in every era there are writing rules that the current generation loves to impose on writers, especially the new and up-and-coming. And I chuckle to myself.

I laugh first of all because disclaimers are given regarding writing rules and styles that came before, and there is a modicum of tolerance and/or permission granted should a writer (new or established) tiptoe toward employing one of these old relics. Warnings are also issued that you may be trying to appear clever or as a trailblazer when, in fact, you’ll just end up looking like a newbie, and nobody wants that. Right?

The second reason I’m humored is because yet again, through the lens of my gifted abilities and chosen profession, I see the striking similarities between writing and Torah observance.

Torah is timeless. In every generation, we look to see how the commands should be applied to our ever-changing lives in the moment. There are no loopholes in Torah, but there is an abundant amount of grace as we work out the commands in our lifetime.

Writing is the same. In every generation, we look to see how rules should be applied to our writing to convey our story, our message, in the best possible way.

Sadly, in Torah observance and writing, you’ll be told that certain commands/rules are old, outdated, unfashionable, and many other such detrimental remarks. I urge caution against discarding what came before, especially if doing so is simply for the sake of appeasing an audience that has lost the ability to slow down, make a significant effort to employ mental resources, and appreciate the energy that has gone into the creative process.

I suggest building on the foundation of what came before to see how it applies to your life or writing today. Specifically for writing, listen to the character who requires the long sentence to express exactly what she needs to say. And don’t reject the archaic word in the mouth of the character who uses it to pack a punch in his statement. If your climax comes at the beginning of your story, then spend the rest of the time detailing every character’s reaction to it. Or how it affected their lives. Or how it led to another inciting incident.

So, whether it’s your person or your writing, don’t be too hasty in discarding the structures of old. Instead, infuse both with life, and joy, and beauty, and balance, and growth. These elements are essential to creating a great work, whether it’s you or your writing.