Hiraite's Random Antics

Tips to Improve Your Story Writing [Opinion]

Tips to Improve Your Story Writing

[An Opinion]

Prepared, Arranged (and Realized) by Hiraite

 Language: ENGLISH

 [AGAIN, SKIP IF YOU'RE NOT INTERESTED.]

I made this article especially for my fellow writers. And I made this in hopes that this one could, at least, help them in any way. But take note guys, Hiraite will just present pointers she has realized while being a reader herself (Now a change in PoV in the same paragraph?. Hehe. Don't do this in your story pls :P). She could be a critic sometimes, you see? And ... she also wrote this so that she could remind herself on how to make a proper story. Well ... she forgets, and she needs to remember.

Enjoy reading?

First off, appreciate other people's stories. You could learn through them. You have to read, read and read. BUT, it's not good copying. However, other stories could also influence yours (just don't make it too noticeable XP). Hiraite reads works and she learns new vocabulary by it. She also wants to know how to write emotions and she could also learn by reading. Know what? You could learn as well!

Next, explore your mind. Don't get satisfied.  Use the benefits of that magical word which is creativity. You need to be imaginative. You need to think. Don't only consider those that will interest your readers. Think of the things that interest you, yourself (This will help you enjoy writing it too). And when you have thought of it, be sure to think of more. Readers want more, you see? Else it'll be boring. This is not only in the plot but also in the specific events in the story.

Even if it's unrealistic, make sure it's logical. Curious what this means? Stories need not always be realistic. There are fantasies, right? There are stories that don't really mirror the events of the world. But make sure it's logical. Make sure you can explain the things you write. How things happened and why it happened. Give the necessary details about that unrealistic event. Do not confuse your readers till the end. Sometimes Hiraite reads a book and gets confused. She wants to know why and how on earth that thing happened. She reads until the ending and it's never answered. Dunno why. Maybe the writer forgets about it? Or maybe s/he hasn't realized. : /

Another thing, add more twists to your plot. Readers love to get thrilled on what's going to happen next. Just like Modeling 101 where a model needs to have an interesting pose, in the right angle, with enough body twist, the plot of a story must also be a little ... well, twisted, else it'll look plain, like an awkward pose for a model. Note that twists will add the "Wow" factor to your story. Think of an event that will make your readers go wild after reading, or shout "I didn't expect this to happen!"

The next one is a little optional. But mind you, this will add to the development of the story. Love your minor characters. Give them background stories as well. Unless it's a short story, you also need to take care of your other sons and daughters. Don't just introduce their names and do their jobs in the main character's life. You may also give some info about them, like their past or family background, their worries and even their dreams and desires. However, you need to choose as well. The amount of background you give depends on their worth on your story. If they'll just be appearing once, it is okay not to. Doncha worry.   ; )

Let your readers think. Don't spill everything at once. You have made a twist on the plot and foreshadowed about it, but you have spilled every detail of it in one chapter. Awww! That's no good! Give only hints. I mean hints! A good twist may be wasted if you don't organize the events of your story well. Let them be confused at first, and later, piece by piece, reveal it (Yeah, it still depends on you though). It adds mystery, right?

Always accept critics and criticisms as constructive, never destructive. We need optimism, honey. Use them to your benefit. But readers! Please use the right words in criticizing.  >;)

Yeah, this will complement that, be careful with your words. Remember that wrong use of words may lead to confusion. And you don't want to confuse your readers, correct? Google those words properly. Does it convey the meaning you want?

Grammar is important. This relates to the previous one. Wrong grammar could lead to misinterpretation too, just like using wrong words. Hiraite is someone who writes at a notepad first, then transfers them to Microsoft word. You know that software is something that puts green or blue lines on sentences with questionable grammar, and red lines under wrong spellings? I make use of that. GMail Compose also has that kind of function. Just right-click on the underlined parts and they (GMail or MSWord) will give suggestions. Smart readers could understand sentences even with bad grammar. But not all readers are smart, and even smart readers feel uncomfortable reading stories with wrong grammar. Make sure the grammar is at least decent.

Next is a really important one. Don't skip expressing emotions. Hiraite has yet to master how to do this though. Hhmmm? Anyway, she may say that expressing emotions is necessary. Let your readers feel what the characters feel. Let them relate to the emotions overflowing to the character. Make your readers sympathize with them, or feel happy about them. Make them cry. Make them want to kill the opposing party (Kidding! Hehe.) Make their hearts go pounding hard. Hiraite has read many stories with less plot twists, or illogical events, but the emotions really kicks it and makes the readers forget about the other flaws. (Anyway, if you want to improve you still have to take note of the previous ones.)

Take note of possible plot holes. Re-read your work. You made a lot of foreshadowing at the beginning, but you forgot to explain them as the story went on. Itis very crucial never to leave ANY questions or mysteries unanswered before ending a story.Explain everything, unless you planned an open-ended book where readers could continually think about those holes. Make sure it would look intentional on your part.

Lastly, be passionate. Love your work. Enjoy as you write. And ... give effort. Well I guess this one summarizes the rest of my pointers.

You may or may not keep these pointers in mind. Hiraite's not even telling you to collect every single one of the pointers and apply it in one book, but if you can, then go on! XD These pointers might not be enough to make you an effective writer, since I myself am still in the process of learning. And (ehem) I'm not an expert on explaining things, I know. But if you could, you may give your own outlook in each of the headings I presented. Either way, your story still depends on your own pointers. In fact, it depends entirely on you, as the author. BUT on the other hand, I believe that my pointers are beneficial too. As a critic and as a reader, I sometimes look for those things, and it could be a little disappointing without them. :{ Anyway, Hiraite just presented this so that WE could improve, hopefully. ; )

"Whatever simple plot or story line you got, it's your responsibility as the author to make it interesting and worth-reading." 

XOXO

Neko Hiraite  :3