Hints For Writing Better Fiction (Part Two)

 

Great fiction writing takes dedication, God given talent and hard work. In this second article offering hints for writing better fiction, I share methods to make the whole process easier. It is always worth the time to consider some of these useful tips and whether they will work in the piece you are writing.

Use the active voice:

Your goal as an author is to write a page-turner. That is a book which keeps readers engaged from start to finish. To do this use the active voice in your stories. The passive voice is not always a bad thing but try to limit it in fiction writing.

Take breaks when you need them: 

Writer's block can happen to any writer. Step away from your desk and get some exercise, take the dog for a walk or do something different. This will get your blood flowing and when you are in a different environment, that in itself can generate new ideas and make you think differently or more creatively. You can write again later in the day or even the next day when you have more ideas fighting for space in your story.

Kill your darlings:

One piece of advice for writers that is often repeated, is to know when words, paragraphs, chapters, or even characters, are redundant within the story. You must develop the ability to edit out excess information.

Read other writers: 

Reading widely will help you find your own voice and hone your own writing skills. Read a variety of genres and writers, but also read the same genre as you write. If you are writing a thriller, then read other thrillers and mysteries. These will show you how to build tension, create plot points, and how to do the big reveal at the climax of the story.

Write now, edit later: 

Do not be tempted to spend a lot of time editing and rewriting as they write. To avoid this, practice free writing. It is a creative writing technique that encourages writers to let their ideas flow uninterrupted. You can set aside time to edit later.

Get feedback:

It is not possible to critique your own writing. When you have finished a piece of writing or a first draft, give it to someone else to read. Ask for honest and specific feedback. This is a good way to learn what works and what does not.

Think about publishing: 

Authors do not write for themselves. Think about who your target audience is and where you want your story to be published. If you have written a short story, think about submitting it to magazines. However, a novel might be sent to literary agents or publishing houses. Alternatively, you might consider self-publishing if you want to control all aspects of your book's production. This will also allow you to see your book in print more quickly, if that is important to you.

Write to sell: 

To make a living doing what they love, fiction writers need to think like readers, editors and publishers. This requires you to approach your story with a marketing sensibility as well as a creative one. This will help your book to sell.

Above all, treasure your talent and enjoy your writing. Remember, you are the first person who ever reads your own story. That is a gift and a privilege.