Break Unwritten Rules

There are certain unwritten rules of writing and storytelling. For example, seemingly random and unimportant lessons or items will always be pivotal in saving the hero's life. The hero always wins in the end. The main character doesn't die. When secondary characters die, it strengthens the main character. These rules exist because they make for good stories. We love rooting for the underdog and seeing an individual overcome trials and adversities to be the greatest. Death is terribly sad, but when the emotions involved allow the hero to do something otherwise impossible, it gives that death meaning, making it less sad or bittersweet.

The problem with these rules is that they become predictable. Whenever a story puts the hero in mortal danger, I am never scared or worried because I know the hero cannot be killed. Do you honestly believe that Harry Potter could be killed in book three of the seven-book series that bears his name? Of course not. So why should I be worried for his safety?

I believe that it is important to break some of these unwritten rules. I never want my readers to know what is going to happen next. One of my main goals in writing is to make readers think. As such, surprising them is fairly integral. People don't think about things they already know, so you have to show them something they don't know.

Now, I will say that this isn't always appropriate. Breaking these rules usually results in darker stories. If you're writing a children's story, it should be kept more traditional. You also shouldn't make your characters go against their personality in order to be surprising. If you have a character who is established as being staunchly opposed to murder, he probably shouldn't commit any murder unless he has an extremely good reason for it.

Try breaking the rules and creating some uncommon situations, but still tell an interesting story. Remember that the most important part of writing is to entertain. Being different does you no good if you're boring.