21.10.14

Learning How To Write Quality Fiction

By Patty Goff


Writing novels, and particularly good ones, requires far more than just imagination and good ideas. Hard work, discipline and persistence are all important too. Even famous authors have periods of self-doubt and it is dedication and perseverance that help them push through the barriers. If you want to learn how to write quality fiction, there are always ways you can find to improve.

Learning from the best writers is part of the process of improving your own writing. Reading widely is important to understanding what makes a good plot, believable characters and more. Another good idea is to read aloud what you have written. Do the sentences flow and sound natural? If a sentence is too convoluted, you will pick this up immediately. Simple is often better and too many adjectives detract rather than enhance.

The life of a writer requires a certain amount of being solitary. You need to address unnecessary issues that eat away at your time and intrude upon your space. Planning, writing a draft and rewriting are virtually impossible under certain circumstances.

Many people have an idea for a novel but it requires dedication to actually produce one. Good fiction does not just happen. There are many stages to creating one, from its design with settings, plot and characters to actually writing it and then rewriting too. Even the most experienced writers often have a strict schedule when it comes to their writing and are often only satisfied after a few rewrites.

Listening to the suggestions and positive criticisms of others can do a great deal to improve your writing. Other people in a writing group or workshop are there to hear what you have written and give you valuable feedback. It may be difficult to expose your work to others for fear of harsh criticism but remember that the intention is to help you improve.

Carrying a notebook at all times allows you to make notes of observations and thoughts as you have them. It is easy for these to get lost as the memory does not retain them for long. One of the tips successful authors often give other writers is that they must show, not tell. Rather than saying that the sun is shining, show how it filters gently through the blinds. Observation of tiny details helps you with showing rather than telling.

You need to be able to persist through times of doubt and face rejection with courage. Many authors have suffered a great deal of rejection before they finally broke through to success. Commitment to their writing gave them the dedication they needed to persevere, despite criticism and setbacks.

In the process of perfecting your writing, you may be faced with many obstacles. However, with dedication and hard work, most people can improve their writing a great deal. Get input from others, read widely, hone your skills and you may be surprised at the level of work you can produce. Some sacrifice is required but the results will be worthwhile.




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