I’ve been writing stories for some time now and I believe that I have grown with it enough to share some tips with you. To start, here are two very important tips that I do every day.
Read and write every day.
Now, I don’t mean that you have to read a whole book or write three pages every day. Many new writers have other jobs to do and families to tend too. So, allow yourself at least twenty minutes a day to read something and then write something. Or visa versa. See, when you read, you can usually get ideas for your own work. And by writing every day, it sharpens your writing skills and talents.
Keep it simple
Don’t make it more complicated than it is. If the genre that you want to write about you have no clue about, learn it or go another route. For example, I don’t think that I am a very good fantasy writer. If that is a road that I want to go down, I will have to learn more about it. And nowadays there are many ways to learn about the niche or genre you might be interested in. One thing that I know is that thrillers and mysteries are more up my alley so I focus more on those. For you it could be romance or horror.
Write down any ideas that you might have.
If you have an idea but are working on something different, write it down for future use. Don’t try and keep everything in your head. Trying to do more than two things at a time is tough and the results might not turn out so great.
Show the story
When writing fiction make sure that you use some descriptive words. Make sure that you show action in your story and don’t just tell about it. For example; Huffing and puffing, John stopped to catch his breath. Notice how I showed you that John must have been running because he was huffing and puffing. If all you do is tell a story, it can get boring.
Simple language
I know that some writers have a large vocabulary which is nice but keep the words simple. You don’t need to say things like this; With all of the precipitation outside my automobile wouldn’t turn over. Wouldn’t it sound better like this? Because of all the rain my car wouldn’t start. Many of your readers like simple and to the point not fluffy and technical.
Let the story sit
When you have written a story especially for a manuscript, let it sit for a while. Go back to it in two or more weeks and re-look at it. Chances are you will find things that you will want to change or find errors that need to be changed. Now, I know that there is no perfectly written manuscript but by letting it sit and going back to it will give you a better perspective on it.
Creative time
Now this is one that might be a little difficult to do. Most writers have a certain time of day where they feel the most creative. My time is in the morning. In the morning is when my words tend to flow out of my head better. Once evening hits I seem to struggle more. Now, I say it might be difficult to do because, if you have another job your creative hours might conflict with it. So, what do you do? Well, it might take more discipline on your part. For example; If you are more creative in the morning but you have to work, find some quiet time after if possible. A space that is free from noise and activity will help with your creativity. Even if you only have twenty minutes of free time, try to utilize it.
Respect
Now this tip will be my last one for now and it’s very important. As a writer respect is important. Giving respect and having respect. When you read other writers work on a platform where you are allowed to comment be respectful. Treat other writers work the way you would want your work to be treated. I’m sure that you wouldn’t want your work criticized unless you were asking for it to be critiqued. Also, self-respect is important too. Some of us might be hard on ourselves when it comes to our own work. But remember to be respectful and know that you can’t be #1 Author all the time. Not everyone is going to like everything that you write. But that doesn’t mean that your work isn’t good.
So in conclusion, learn everything you can about writing and find what it is that you want to write. Keep it interesting and active without all the fancy words. Work at it and figure out when the best times are for your creative juices to flow. Read and understand what other readers like. Experiment with different genre’s but don’t make it harder than it is. And enjoy writing and don’t make a chore out of it. The best writer’s love to write, it’s that simple. Now, go write something and be proud of it.