James Harbeck been a professional editor for 20 years and a (paid!) writer for longer than that, and heÕs observed a few things over those years that writers will benefit from knowing. So here are his 12 gifts for writers. These gifts are not rulesÑno no no no no. I donÕt care if you want rules. The only real rule in writing is ÒWrite stuff your readers will be glad theyÕve read.Ó (Well, thereÕs also ÒDonÕt be a jerk,Ó but thatÕs more of a rule of life.) Everything else is commentary. And so are these: insights, suggestions, ungentle nudges. But youÕll be glad you read them.