We've compiled a few of the best fiction writing tips on the Internet. These
won't provide all the answers you may be looking for to improve your fiction
writing. If you're truly serious about the craft of writing fiction, then you
should try an online course or seek out the guidance of a professional writer. A
few quick tips can only take you so far on your journey to write good fiction.
With that said, the following tips should at least provide you with the
motivation to get started and a rough idea of how to start. So here they are
...
1: Start Writing Only After You Know These
Some writers love to
outline the novel in its entirety before they write a single word. Other writers
prefer to sketch out a few notes and jump right in. Either way you choose to
approach writing your novel, before a single word goes on paper, you need to
know these:
- Who the story is about
- The primary driving conflict
of the story
- Who or what opposes the story's main character
- How it all
turns out
If, at a minimum, these four issues are clear in your mind,
then you can feel somewhat comfortable in getting started on your
writing.
2: Don't Write A Novel, Write A Scene
The idea of writing a
novel can be overwhelming. Don't let it overwhelm you. A novel isn't written all
at once. It's written scene by scene. So approach it that way. Write one scene
at a time. Don't worry about the rest of the story, just focus on getting that
one scene completed.
3: Use Your Own Voice
It's tempting to try to
mimic the voice of a writer you admire. Most writers are readers first. They
come to the craft by way of appreciation for the talents of others. So it's not
uncommon to try to write in the same voice as someone you've been reading.
However, you're doing yourself and your readers a tremendous disservice. The
world doesn't need another Stephen King or Ray Bradbury or Janet Evanovich.
Readers want new voices, fresh voices. Give them what they want.
4:
Write
Out of all the fiction writing tips that I could offer, this is
the only one that truly matters. If you want to write a novel, you have to
write. Not occasionally. Not only when the muse strikes you. Not only when the
rest of the family is out of the house. No, you have to write everyday. Even if
it's only for fifteen minutes. You must sit down and apply words to paper each
and every day. Write!
5: Edit With The Story In Mind
One of the most
difficult tasks you'll encounter as a writer is editing your work honestly.
You'll know when you encounter a passage or a scene that doesn't move the story
forward, that you know you could cut without affecting any other elements. But
do you have the toughness to cut it? What if it's beautifully written? What if
you put your heart and soul into it? Could you still cut it? It's hard to cut
your own work, especially when you're proud of what you've written. Bottom line:
does the passage contribute to the story? If it doesn't, face up to it, cut it
and move on.
There they are, five top fiction writing tips. I truly hope
you've found something here that was worth your time. However, I will repeat,
tips are fine, but a good fiction writing course will not only help you write
better fiction, it will help you to write it faster.
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