Lucky? You bet. Years ago—major nerd alert—I went to a writer’s retreat off the coast of Savannah, GA (because… why not? ), where I had the surreal privilege of studying under Craig Johnson. Yes, the Craig Johnson: Longmire creator behind the hit Netflix series, Western lit legend, and—just this June—recipient of the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Contributions from the Western Writers of America. (That’s like the Nobel for cowboy storytelling. ) He snagged it the same summer he dropped his 21st Walt Longmire novel, “Return to Sender. ”

Even after all this time, I still hear Craig’s writing lessons in my head every time I’m staring down a stubborn draft. He’s one of those teachers who sticks with you—long after the retreat snacks run out and way after your plane lands.

Here are the five writing rules Craig Johnson hammered home to me—advice that works whether you’re penning fiction, crafting viral content, or just trying not to sound like a robot in your emails.

1. Forget Genres—There’s Only Good Writing, and Bad Writing

Craig’s mantra is deliciously simple, and it’ll burn away all your literary confusion: Don’t stress about categories. If your writing isn’t good, it’s bad. End of story (or, rather, start of every story worth finishing).

Thriller, memoir, B2B blog—who cares? Make it smart, tight, and worth the reader’s time. No label can polish a dull sentence.

2. Read Your Work Out Loud (Then, Survive Someone ELSE Doing It)

Craig is big on the “out loud” test. Hearing your words forces you to confront awkward phrases and pacing issues. Ultimate pro move? Have someone else read your piece to you. Craig’s wife is his first audience, and if she pauses to ask, “Is there a better way to say this? ”—he listens.

Your best edit might come with a wince. That’s your cue: rework, don’t waffle.

3. Outline Like You Mean It… Then Improvise Like You Live Off-Course

“Writer’s block only happens when you don’t know where you’re going. ” Craig’s words, not mine. Outline the big stuff, but don’t be afraid to follow new ideas when your story throws curveballs. Structure is your roadmap; improvisation is where the magic happens.

4. READ—A Lot. And Then Read Some More.

You don’t have to be a literary detective to spot that Craig is frighteningly well-read—just peek at his book titles. Each one is a smart wink to the classics. Case in point: The Cold Dish. That’s not just a catchy name—it’s a nod to the old chestnut, “Revenge is a dish best served cold. ” The phrase goes so far back it’s got a French passport (merci, Eugène Sue, Memoirs of Matilda, circa 1846). Craig doesn’t just borrow the line, he bakes it into the plot: Longmire faces one of his frostiest cases and proves, sometimes, justice is best left off the menu.

Great writing is fueled by great reading. Classics, new releases, authors who stretch you and make you squirm—let them all in. Craig recommends Wallace Stegner’s On Teaching and Writing Fiction and Ron Carlson’s Ron Carlson Writes a Short Story. Thank him later.

5. “Tell Me About Yourself…” Is the Ultimate Icebreaker

Craig’s characters practically leap off the page because he’s a relentless story hunter. You’ll find him swapping tales over endless cups of coffee or—my personal preference—a generous pour of wine. His secret move? The deceptively simple, “Tell me about yourself…”

It’s his antidote to cardboard stereotypes, especially when he’s capturing the layered brilliance of Native American voices or the razor-sharp banter of his unforgettable sidekick, Vic Moretti. The result? Characters with quirks, irony, and soul—because Craig knows the magic is in listening twice as much as you write.

One Last Word (from the Island and Beyond…)

Whether you’ve binged “Longmire” on Netflix or just love a strong sheriff story, know this: Craig Johnson’s writing wisdom isn’t just for cowboys. It’s for anyone, anywhere, who wants their words to stick.