Nessie, I'd no idea you were taking this so personally. Like Kate, I've just said what occurred to me on the various, shifting subjects that have come up on this thread, and in response to particular points. I'm sorry if that wasn't what you meant to happen when you started this thread.

Emma

I'm pretty sure that all writers abide by their own set of rules. Any that I have spoken to say they have a routine for things like: when they write, how often they take breaks, who they giveh a new piece to for feedback, etc. I guess its a case of learning the rules, and then keeping the ones that suit your style once you've experimented a bit.