Are you interested in writing fiction but don’t know where to start? Maybe you don’t know if you’ll be able to find words for it. Or perhaps you’ve started writing, but you’re struggling to make your stories more compelling. If so, then this blog post is for you.
In this post, we’ll share 8 easy writing tips for fiction writers. These tips will help you write more compelling fiction that engages and entertains your readers.
Here are 8 Rules for Writing Fiction
1.Know You Genre
Genre is the most crucial element of fiction writing and it can make or break your story. Every genre has its own set of conventions, rules, and expectations that you need to be aware of before you start writing.
Do some research into what kind of story elements and plot points are typically associated with the genre you’re writing in, as well as what kinds of books tend to be popular in that genre. It’s also important to look at authors who are successful within your chosen genre, so you can learn from their techniques.
2. Give Yourself Some Target to Aim for
As a fiction writer, it’s important to have a goal in mind when you’re writing. Do you want to write a short story, a novella, a novel, or even a series? Think about what type of story you want to tell and set a daily or weekly target for yourself to hit.
Many writers are not comfortable working with targets but having a deadline and goal to meet is essential for establishing focus and momentum. Usually, writers aim to write 5000 words a week with a daily word count goal of 700-1000 words. But if you are a beginner, you can start with 500 words a day.
3. Have a Ghostwriter Write for You
A ghostwriter is a person who writes your book for you based on your ideas and direction. This can be an excellent way to get your novel written without having to go through all of the effort yourself. Many experienced authors also hire ghostwriters because they can get their books written faster and easier.
A skilled fiction ghostwriter has years of experience in writing, memoirs, stories, and fiction and can be of extreme help to put your book out on the market. However, when you hire a ghostwriter, be sure to do your research. Look into the writer’s experience and portfolio, and ensure they have the skills necessary to write in the style and genre you are looking for.
4. Develop Strong Characters
Before you start writing your story, spend some time creating and getting to know your characters. Every character should be unique, with their own motivations, goals, fears, and strengths. You will have to write a character profile for each of them that includes basic information like physical description, age, and occupation.
You can then move on to deeper questions like what are their hopes and dreams, what makes them angry, and what is the most important thing in their life?
Once you’ve gotten to know your characters, take time to bring them to life on the page. Show the reader their personalities through the words they use and the decisions they make. By developing strong characters, you can create an intriguing story that readers will remember long after they’ve finished reading.
5. Write Compelling Scenes
Scenes are what bring your story to life and make it interesting for readers. To write compelling scenes, you need to know the basics of scene structure. Start by introducing the characters, setting, and conflict in your scene. Then, move on to a rising action that builds tension and anticipation.
The climax of the scene should be a turning point in the story, and finally, you should wrap up the scene with a resolution. Once you’ve got the structure down, use vivid descriptions to bring your scene to life.
Ensure that all the characters in your scene are developed and have a purpose, even if it’s just to provide an obstacle for the protagonist. Remember, you don’t have to tell the reader everything. You just need to give them enough information to make them feel invested in the story.
6. Be Willing to “Kill Your Darlings”
This phrase originated from an old quote by William Faulkner, “In writing, you must kill all your darlings.”
To put it simply, this means that as a writer, you must be willing to let go of certain ideas and characters that you love, even if it means that your story will be better for it. It’s difficult to part with something that you’ve worked hard on, but sometimes it’s necessary to do so in order to make sure that your story is the best that it can be.
You may have to delete entire chapters, or even re-write sections of your book if they don’t fit with the rest of the story. As hard as it may be, it’s important to recognize when something isn’t working and let it go.
7. Find a Good Beta Reader
A beta reader will read your work and provide feedback, critiques, and suggestions for improvement in writing. Beta readers can be anyone from family and friends to fellow authors and publishing professionals. However, make sure to choose someone who has experience in the genre you’re writing and can provide honest and helpful feedback.
Before sending your manuscript to your beta reader, make sure to let them know what kind of feedback you’re looking for. For example, if you want help with character development or plot structure, be sure to tell them that. With their help, you can ensure your story is well-crafted, engaging, and ready for readers to enjoy.
8. Show, Don’t Tell
Your readers don’t just want to hear about a character or situation; they want to experience it. When you show your characters in your story, you create vivid imagery that engages the reader on a deeper level.
For example, instead of saying that your character is sad, think about how they interact with the world around them. Do they slump their shoulders when they walk? Are their eyes always cast down? This is a much more effective way of getting your point across.
All in all, be sure to use vivid language, strong visuals, and meaningful dialogue to bring your story to life and give your readers an engaging experience.
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