Rethinking Vonnegut’s 8 Rules: When and Why to Break Them
Vonnegut’s rules are brilliant, but are they right for your story? Explore when and why to challenge them. #Storytelling #WritersLife
Kurt Vonnegut was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His novels, like Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat’s Cradle, are celebrated for their dark humor, sharp commentary, and imaginative storytelling. Vonnegut didn’t just write stories that entertained; he wrote stories that mattered. And in doing so, he left behind more than books—he left a legacy of advice for anyone eager to improve their craft.
Among his most famous teachings are his eight basics of creative writing. Celebrated for their simplicity and practicality, these guidelines have helped countless writers achieve clarity and focus. However, they are not absolutes. Writing is both an art and a craft, and some of the most celebrated works of literature defy these very principles.
In this piece, we’ll explore Vonnegut’s rules through a critical lens—not to dismiss them, but to examine their universality. Using examples from authors who pushed boundaries, we’ll consider when to follow these guidelines and when to break them. Along the way, I’ll share actionable tips for finding the balance between structure and creativity.
1. Respect Your Reader’s Time
Vonnegut champions brevity, urging writers to make every sentence count. Cormac McCarthy’s The Road exemplifies this rule, with its sparse prose and purposeful pacing that respects the reader’s attention. Every word serves the story’s grim, minimalist tone.
But not all stories thrive on brevity. Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life (2015) defies this principle, inviting readers into a sprawling, deeply introspective narrative. While its length may test patience (stretching over 700 pages), it rewards those who linger with profound emotional resonance.
Tip: Ask yourself what your story demands. For fast-paced genres like thrillers, cut anything that doesn’t advance the plot. For character-driven narratives, consider whether detailed explorations enrich the experience. Test your pacing by having beta readers flag moments where their attention wanes.
2. Create Characters Readers Care About
Vonnegut stresses the importance of crafting characters readers can root for. John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars (2012) follows this advice, creating Hazel and Gus, whose humor and vulnerability make them unforgettable. Their struggles with love and mortality resonate universally.
However, modern literature often embraces morally ambiguous characters. In Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, Nick and Amy Dunne are deeply flawed and often unlikable. Yet their complexity and the psychological tension they create keep readers hooked.
Tip: Focus on making characters compelling rather than likable. Develop their contradictions and motivations. Write a scene from their perspective where they justify their most questionable decisions—this can reveal new layers of depth.
3. Give Every Character a Desire
Desire drives storytelling, and Vonnegut insists every character should want something, no matter how small. Delia Owens’s Where the Crawdads Sing (2018) excels here. Kya’s longing for love and belonging propels her journey, while even minor characters’ motives add texture to the story.
Yet, Sally Rooney’s Normal People flips this idea, with Connell and Marianne often appearing aimless or conflicted. Their unclear desires mirror the uncertainty of their lives, creating a more introspective and realistic portrayal.
Tip: Even if a character’s desire is undefined, explore how their indecision affects their interactions. Write down what each character wants in a scene—even if it’s something small, like avoiding conflict. Use these micro-desires to shape their actions.
4. Make Every Sentence Count
Vonnegut’s fourth rule prioritizes efficiency. Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven (2014) adheres to this, with prose that is both concise and evocative. Each sentence builds the post-apocalyptic world or deepens the characters’ emotional arcs.
In contrast, David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas allows sentences to meander, prioritizing stylistic experimentation over narrative immediacy. While this risks losing some readers, it creates a rich, layered experience for those willing to engage deeply.
Tip: Highlight a paragraph and assess each sentence. If a sentence doesn’t reveal character, advance the plot, or enhance mood, consider cutting it. Alternatively, ask: Does it enrich the story in a way that justifies its length?
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5. Start Close to the End
Vonnegut advocates for starting as close to the climax as possible, a technique used effectively in Paula Hawkins’s The Girl on the Train (2015). By opening with Rachel’s fractured perspective and hinting at the central mystery, Hawkins hooks readers instantly.
Yet, Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus (2011) takes its time. It immerses readers in a richly detailed magical world before introducing the primary conflict. This deliberate buildup creates a deeply atmospheric reading experience.
Tip: Try writing your opening scene from the story’s turning point. Then write a prologue or setup scene. Compare the two versions to see which better serves your narrative. If the slower start feels essential, ensure it builds tension or enriches the stakes.
6. Put Your Characters Through Hell
Vonnegut’s call to make characters suffer ensures stakes remain high. Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere (2017) embodies this, as its characters face emotional and social turmoil that exposes their deepest vulnerabilities.
On the flip side, Renée Carlino’s Before We Were Strangers (2015) opts for a conflict-light approach, focusing on nostalgia and romance. While it appeals to readers seeking comfort, it sacrifices some tension.
Tip: Push your characters into situations that test their values or relationships. Write a scene where they fail or lose something significant, and use their response to reveal growth or deepen the conflict.
7. Write for One Person
Vonnegut advises writing with a specific audience in mind. Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library (2020) demonstrates this, resonating with readers grappling with regret and second chances. Its intimate tone feels as though Haig is speaking directly to those who need it.
However, Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019) takes a broader approach. Its sprawling fantasy appeals to a wide audience, prioritizing epic scope over individual connection.
Tip: Identify your “one person.” Write a letter to them explaining why your story matters. If your story has broader appeal, consider what unites your potential readers—what universal themes or emotions they might connect with.
8. Be Generous with Information
Vonnegut encourages writers to trust readers by sharing key information early. Kathryn Stockett’s The Help (2009) provides clear context about its setting and stakes, grounding readers in its historical and emotional landscape.
In contrast, Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies (2014) deliberately withholds details about the central death, building suspense by leaving readers in the dark.
Tip: Decide what kind of suspense you want. If you withhold information, ensure the payoff justifies the wait. Alternatively, reveal key details early and create tension by focusing on how characters will navigate the inevitable consequences.
When to Break the Rules
Vonnegut’s rules are invaluable starting points, but as modern literature shows, bending or breaking them can lead to extraordinary storytelling. The key is understanding why you’re following or defying each rule. Is it serving your story or simply tradition?
Writing is as much about experimentation as discipline. Whether you’re crafting a fast-paced thriller or a slow-burn literary epic, let your choices reflect you