Rules for Writing: Henry Miller's Eleven Commandments
Posted: Thursday, February 09, 2012
by Jennifer Stewart
Stepping out of History
In the early 1930’s Henry Miller was living in Paris and writing his first novel that would be published, Tropic of Cancer. He was a law unto himself and wrote what he wanted to the way he wanted to, doggedly pursuing his writing even though it didn’t bring him any money for a long time. He looked for financial support when he needed it and got it. A determined rebel with a cause: he wanted to include explicit sex in his books.
Tropic of Cancerwas printed in France but banned in the US for being obscene. Two of his other books followed suit. But they were smuggled into the US where they had a big influence on writers of the Beat generation. In the end Miller got his way, although not without a fight. Tropic of Cancer was published by Grove Press in the US in 1961 and sued for publishing obscenity.
But in 1964 the Supreme Court over-ruled the findings and declared the book a work of literature. Times change. Conservatives always lose out in the end. People who don’t give up in the face of big challenges eventually succeed. It’s hard to keep going when evidence seems to point to the useless of whatever you’re pursuing, hard not to be controlled by emotions or to just let yourself be distracted, lose focus.
Speaking for myself, when that happens I feel so disempowered. Because I am! But it’s a slippery slope because it can easily turn into what’s the point of writing anything or even trying. Having a plan helps; a reminder not to be controlled by external things. Henry Miller had a great plan when he was writing Tropic of Cancer. It’s not draconian and there’s room for flexibility, but it’s a pretty good practical guide.
I guess it’s about focus and a balance between being disciplined and kind to yourself, understanding that the creative part of you needs rules and also needs to be able to break them now and then. Being the boss and the employee.
But in 1964 the Supreme Court over-ruled the findings and declared the book a work of literature. Times change. Conservatives always lose out in the end. People who don’t give up in the face of big challenges eventually succeed. It’s hard to keep going when evidence seems to point to the useless of whatever you’re pursuing, hard not to be controlled by emotions or to just let yourself be distracted, lose focus.
Speaking for myself, when that happens I feel so disempowered. Because I am! But it’s a slippery slope because it can easily turn into what’s the point of writing anything or even trying. Having a plan helps; a reminder not to be controlled by external things. Henry Miller had a great plan when he was writing Tropic of Cancer. It’s not draconian and there’s room for flexibility, but it’s a pretty good practical guide.
- Work on one thing at a time until finished.
- Start no more new books, add no more new material to "Black Spring."
- Don't be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.
- Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time!
- When you can't create you can work.
- Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.
- Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.
- Don't be a draught-horse! Work with pleasure only.
- Discard the Program when you feel like it—but go back to it next day. Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude.
- Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.
- Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards.
I guess it’s about focus and a balance between being disciplined and kind to yourself, understanding that the creative part of you needs rules and also needs to be able to break them now and then. Being the boss and the employee.
This Article has been viewed 397 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)This is good, Jennifer. I am not writing any books yet. Saving that for when I`m a older senior, lol. I sure would like to make some money writing articles though, like maybe Reader`s Digest, and they have a section for cooking too.
I read about author Jane Austin. She is one that didn`t get published until much later, maybe after she died ( not sure). She struggled, moving from place to place. It is too bad she couldn`t made the money while she needed it. Best of Luck/Blessings to you, in all your efforts.Well Jessie, good luck with Readers Digest. It would be great to make money writing articles! I was thinking about Jane Austen today, as well, and how hard it must have been for her, living in a time when the only thing women could do was get married and be supported.
Now of course anybody can write and the pendulum has swung right over to the other side - the problem is competition!!
Very cool article, thank you for sharing.Pleasure, Amanda, thanks for commenting.
Hi Jennifer.
I've never read "Tropic of Cancer" but I've heard of it. :) Lame hunh? Anyway, Miller's rules for writing are very sound. I could use a little more discipline in that arena.
Thanks!
Hugs,
DianneIf you're lame, so am I, Dianne, as I'v e never read it either!! I've just realized, reading your comment again, that I've never used "hunh" but I absolutely love it, I'm going to appropriate it!I frequently use "uh," "ahh," "ack," and "argh" as well. You are welcome to any of them. :) :)
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.