A. I read the rules.
B. I endeavored to understand the purpose of all of them.
C. I haven't broken anything that would nullify the prep, but I have exploited loopholes and even worked to include ideas that are characteristic to the spirit, rather than the letter, of the rules.
D. I have written enough novels by now to know that sticking myself on one assignment, especially in the beginning, can turn my prep sideways, so when I get stuck, I try something else. It usually gives me what I need to unstick on that assignment, and I proceed!
E. ENJOY the process!!