“I’ll write what I want to write, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to read it.”

There comes a time in every writer’s life when you have to think this way.  It’s not cocky or meant to put anyone off.  It grants us writers permission to tell the rules to screw themselves so that creativity can flow. 

One thing I’ve noticed with more writers these days is they’re beginning to loosen up when it comes to the genre in which they write.  I’m not saying that’s true of all authors.  Some folks prefer not to stray from tradition and that’s okay.  However, I’ve always been one to find a loop hole in the rules because I don’t believe in absolutes when it comes to following my dreams.  Rules are a way to hinder them, and that won’t work for me.  So unless it’s physically impossible, never tell me that I can’t when it comes to writing. 

This is a state of mind that comes in handy whenever I’m trying to work through a sagging middle or writer’s block.  I don’t think about whether or not my book will sell, what my agent will think, or how my tiny audience will respond.  I don’t care if it’s a NYT bestseller or if it garners the award for the Worst of the Worst.  I write what I need to write to get the story out of my head and worry about the consequences later…maybe.  If my agent says “no” and/or my editor concurs, then there’s always a free online serial.  I’m okay with that.     

Do you write what you want or do you worry about breaking the rules…and possibly ruining expectations?  Why?