Here are some top tips to elevate your fiction writing. I'll continue to build on this list over time, and I hope you find these insights helpful in your writing journey.
Top Fiction Writing Tips
Language and Style Start by establishing your unique writing style and the tone of your dialogue. In writing, these combinations are known as registers. Your choice of registers—such as genre, purpose, and dialogue—shapes the overall theme and feel of your work. Think of it as crafting a signature style that is distinctly yours.
Develop Character and Plot Descriptions Creating detailed character and plot descriptions early on can save you from confusion later. When juggling multiple characters, it can be challenging to remember every trait, so having these details written down helps. While your characters may evolve as your story progresses, these descriptions provide a solid foundation to adapt from.
Show, Don’t Over-Tell Avoid relying too heavily on telling your readers what is happening; instead, let your story unfold through actions and dialogue. Over-telling can limit the reader's imagination and become monotonous. For example:
Telling: James slammed the door shut and sat down at the table as he continued to argue with his mother. She screamed at him in frustration, until he reluctantly apologized.
Showing: "That door will fall off its hinges before long," she screamed. "And you can sit there all you like until—" "Fine, I'm sorry," he said with heavy sarcasm.
By showing rather than telling, you create a more vivid and emotionally engaging experience for the reader.
Incorporate Subtext Ensure your characters carry a subtle subtext. The reader should sense the underlying themes and motivations driving each character and plotline. This can be achieved through a balance of showing and telling, and by staying true to the character and plot descriptions you've developed.
Write First, Edit Later Focus on getting your story down before worrying about edits. Your story will likely undergo several revisions, so editing too early can add unnecessary workload. Finish writing first, then polish later.
Expand Your Knowledge Write about what you know, or at least what you feel comfortable with. If a particular emotion, character, or scene feels forced, you may need to research more or reconsider that aspect of your story. Authenticity is key.
Avoid Comparisons Resist the temptation to compare your work to others. Doing so can stifle your individuality. Keep in mind that writing rules and grammatical norms can vary by country and audience, and they change frequently. There's no one "right" way to write—just guidelines to follow.
Example: In the UK, writers use 'single quotation marks,' while in the US, writers use "double quotation marks."
Outline a Beginning, Middle, and End Starting with a clear direction—such as a rough outline of your beginning, middle, and end—can help you maintain focus. While your story may evolve, having these guideposts can serve as a skeleton for your narrative.
Prioritize Engagement In the early stages of writing, focus on crafting a story that captivates and draws in your readers. Don’t get bogged down with editing at this point. Your primary goal is to create an engaging narrative that evolves naturally.
Don’t Overdo Descriptions Be careful not to overwhelm your readers with excessive description. Allow them room to use their imagination. Keep it simple and avoid overcomplicating your narrative. As Stephen King famously noted, it's easy to get lost in descriptions, so stay focused on the story itself.
I hope these tips inspire and guide you in your writing endeavors. I'll continue to share more as I refine this list further.
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