Ian Rankin’s 10 Essential Rules For Writing Fiction
In this post, we share Scottish author Ian Rankin’s 10 rules for writing fiction.
Born on 28 April 1960, Rankin is one of the UK’s most popular crime writers. His bestselling Rebus novels, beginning with Knots and Crosses, have been translated into 22 languages. The latest book in the series is Midnight and Blue. His stories can be described as hardboiled police procedural fiction.
He has received numerous honours, including four Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards and an Edgar Award. He has also been awarded honorary degrees from the University of Abertay Dundee, University of St Andrews, and University of Edinburgh. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003. He was knighted in 2023 for his services to literature and charity.
For readers of the Rebus series, Edinburgh becomes unforgettable. The city even offers a Rebus Walking Tour, and the iconic detective has inspired a dedicated fan following.
The Guardian asked Rankin for his writing advice. Here it is.
Ian Rankin’s 10 Essential Rules for Writing Fiction
- Read lots.
- Write lots.
- Learn to be self-critical.
- Learn what criticism to accept.
- Be persistent.
- Have a story worth telling.
- Don’t give up.
- Know the market.
- Get lucky.
- Stay lucky.
Read our 2004 interview with Ian Rankin
by Amanda Patterson
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