6 Tips for Writing Fiction You Shouldn't Miss

Writing fiction can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. If you’re a seasoned writer, there’s always room to improve your storytelling. If you’re wondering how to write a book with no experience, these writing tips are a great place to start! Here are six valuable things you can focus on to captivate your readers:

1. Develop Well-Defined Characters

Every compelling story needs a cast of well-developed characters, and readers only care about a plot if they feel as though they’re building a relationship with those characters. Start by creating detailed character profiles that include characters’ backgrounds, motivations, quirks, and flaws. Think about their desires and fears, and ensure that their actions and decisions align with their personalities. Try not to lean on tired or superficial stereotypes to explain a character’s actions. A three-dimensional character is not just a protagonist or antagonist—it's someone with a mix of good and bad characteristics that all stem organically from a believable backstory.

2. Engage All of the Readers’ Senses

Great storytelling invites people to experience the story through their senses. Use vivid descriptions to stimulate the reader's imagination. Don't just tell them about a rainy day; make them feel the cold droplets on their skin, hear the staccato pattering on the roof, and smell the earthy scent of wet soil. However, rather than tangle your prose with wordy and complicated scene setting, strive to distill only the most salient sensory details. Peppering your writing with these brief but valuable tidbits will transport your readers into the world you've created without slowing down the narrative.

3. Show, Don't Tell

"Show, don't tell" is a classic piece of advice in the writing world. Instead of simply telling readers what's happening, show it through action, dialogue, and description. For example, instead of saying, "She was nervous," show the character fidgeting with her hair, tapping her foot, or stuttering as she tries to speak. This powerful technique allows readers to draw their own conclusions and creates a more engaging, interactive experience. Ensure that the tone of your dialogue fits the time, setting, and characters involved, and read it out loud to check that it sounds natural.

4. Craft a Well-Structured Plot

A well-structured plot is the backbone of a successful manuscript. Start with a clear and compelling hook in the opening to capture the reader's attention. Then, introduce conflicts, challenges, and obstacles that drive the narrative forward. The middle of the story should explore character development and further complicate the plot. Finally, the resolution should offer a satisfying and meaningful conclusion. Don't forget to include subplots that add depth and complexity to your story, and take care to blend them seamlessly into the main plot. Remember not to linger at any point in the plot longer than necessary to keep the story moving. Keep a good pace and watch out for meandering scenes that may cause readers’ attention to wander.

5. Follow Your Rules

Suspending disbelief for a few hours and exploring a new time, place, or world is one of the reasons fiction is so compelling. But all fiction—even fantasy and science fiction—needs a set of rules to operate within. As the author, you get to make the rules! But once you do, make sure you follow them. Ask logical questions about what could or probably would happen based on the rules you’ve outlined so your reader isn’t distracted by details that don’t line up correctly.

6. Edit and Revise

The first draft of your manuscript is just the beginning. Don't be discouraged if it's not perfect; that's what editing and revisions are for. After finishing your initial draft, let it sit for a while before revisiting it with fresh eyes. Look for inconsistencies, grammar and punctuation errors, and opportunities to strengthen the narrative. Seek feedback from beta readers, writing groups, or a professional editor, and be open to constructive criticism. A well-edited manuscript is more likely to engage readers and leave a lasting impression.

Dedicate yourself to developing these skills, and your manuscript will soon have all of the key components readers are searching for. Don’t be discouraged if your book doesn’t seem as professional as you’d like it to be right away. Writing is a craft that improves with practice, so keep honing your skills and striving for excellence. Your dedication will pay off in the form of captivating stories that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. If you need additional help revising your manuscript, let us know!

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