"There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are"

W. Somerset Maugham’s remark about the unwritten rules of novel writing captures a central paradox at the heart of literary creation. On the surface, it playfully hints at the desire for formulas or secret keys that might unlock the ability to craft a successful novel. Many aspiring writers search for commandments or guaranteed paths to storytelling greatness, and guides or teachers often propose step-by-step structures, lists, and methodologies meant to produce the elusive "good novel". Yet, Maugham’s words suggest that such prescriptive clarity does not, in reality, exist.

Stories originate from the messy, unpredictable interplay of experience, imagination, and craft. While readers or critics frequently articulate supposed rules, "show, don’t tell", "create compelling characters", or "establish conflict early", an honest survey of literature reveals countless celebrated novels that disregard, invert, or deliberately violate traditional wisdom. Some writers favor meticulous outlines; others trust improvisation. Modernist works, for example, upended assumptions about plot structure or narrative voice, and yet their influence endures.

Maugham’s wit also points to the individuality and subjectivity of artistic endeavor. Each writer must, in the process of creation, discover what works for them, navigating uncertainties and forging a unique style rather than merely following external instructions. The "rules", if there are any, tend to be provisional, tailored to the writer’s chosen story, voice, and aims. Attempts to rigidly codify literature often stifle rather than spark originality.

Moreover, the notion that "no one knows what they are" conveys humility before the creative process. The greatest works often defy easy explanation, and excellence in art resists reduction to algorithms or following instructions. Maugham’s statement reassures creators that traversing unknown territory is not a failing but an essential part of genuine artistic pursuit. Ultimately, the absence of clear rules liberates writers, inviting risk, experimentation, and discovery.