Writing Tips

Random Writing tips!

So, I've officially given up on Nanowrimo...It's ok, though, because I've recently decided to write a new book that I personally think will work out. However, I've noticed some things in my last book that seemed a bit off. So, I listed the things that really stuck out to me and then researched the questions to find my answers online. I really hope this helps you and your writing!

Pacing: Use longer sentences and paragraphs to slow down pace! Just because you are adding more unnecessary words but to use more descriptive words. Include subplots! Subplots are like mini plots in the main plot of the book. For example, some subplots that people may use are: a character dislikes the MC, Running from the law, or environmental issues threatening your characters. Another thing to keep in mind is if the pace is too fast, add some flashbacks or backstory to the writing. Add introspection or rather than just tell the readers what they are doing, show them their thoughts and feelings leading up to that moment before they acted.

Showing more emotion in writing: Use better word choice. For example, maybe instead of "A single tear fell down her cheek" try something better. Make sure the readers have a bond with the MC. This can be done in a lot of ways but the main one is having the Reader spend time with the MC before the climax.Cary descriptions. For example, I want more body language, facial expressions, and actions. In other words, Show don't Tell. Build up tense and Deep emotions. For example, make the characters feel an intense range of emotions. Last tip is to try journaling. The more I journal about personal things the easier it'll be for me to relate to my characters.

Making characters more Interesting: Don't make your characters stupid. Make them seem smarter than the audience and myself. Don't make them all one thing. For example, Characters seem to be grouped together as archetypes and are considered to be shy, quiet, and cute or mean, bold, and attractive. People are more than one thing and those things don't even need to be related. Make the characters complex. Make some villains of the story have redeemable qualities. For example, the villain could have some morals. Make the Hero of the story the same way. Make them have some bad qualities. Another thing to take away is to make the character have some hidden parts of themselves. Let the audience figure out some things.

Showing Conflict/creating conflict: Identify the conflict based off of Genre. Usually thriller books are character vs character and fiction is more character vs supernatural. Decide what the MC wants and then put an obstacle in their way. Then create characters with opposing values. It doesn't mean they need to be villains vs heroes, it could just be people who don't value the same thing. Just make sure that their values impact the story greatly though. Make sure the villain of the story is powerful enough that it impacts the story and moves the story forward. Again, with the subplots, strengthen the story with them! Also, raising the stakes makes the story 100 times more interesting! Try your hardest to think of the story as a screenwriter, as if the story is folding out in front of you. I need to do better with this tip but try to read more books in my field of writing. So, like more fantasy or romance. 

Hope this helps! Happy Nano!

~Dearest ٭