The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it’s definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it ­honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter. ~ Neil Gaiman, “8 Rules of Writing,” Brain Pickings

Only you can write the stories that lie within you.  With trust, confidence, and belief in yourself (and your talent), you can pull back the veil and unleash them unabashedly, freely, and authentically.  You have free reign to tell your stories as best as you see fit.  But you have to tell them.  Don’t shortchange them.  Don’t hold back.  Don’t let them linger too long.  Let their life bleed onto the page with zest, vigor, and urgency.  Just write.  Let it out.  You’ll be glad you did.

The featured quote (above) is one of Gaiman’s 8 rules for writing featured by Maria Popova on the Brain Pickings site.  Be sure to check out the full list.  It’s yet another excellent resource for writers.