Are you a creative writer with a story to tell? Do you dream of becoming a published author one day? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Authors On Mission, believe that everyone has a unique story worth sharing with the world. That’s why they’re excited to provide some writing tips specifically for creative writers like you.
The journey of becoming an author can be challenging yet incredibly rewarding. By following the advice in this article, you’ll be well on your way to honing your writing skills and bringing your creative ideas to life on the page.
So grab a pen and notebook (or open up a fresh document on your computer), and get started!
Tip 1: Read, Read, Read!
One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read as much as you can. By exposing yourself to different writing styles, plots, characters, and genres, you’ll gain inspiration and learn what kind of storytelling resonates with you.
Don’t just stick to one type of book, either. Mix it up by reading fiction and non-fiction, classic literature and contemporary works, novels and short stories. The more you read, the more you’ll understand what makes a story captivating and well-written.
As you’re reading, pay close attention to the way authors craft their sentences, describe settings and characters, and develop storylines. Make notes on the writing techniques you’d like to try out in your work.
Tip 2: Write What You Know (And Love!)
When it comes to writing, one of the most common pieces of advice is to “write what you know.” This means drawing inspiration from your own experiences, thoughts, and feelings to create an authentic, relatable story.
Think about the things you’re passionate about or the situations you’ve gone through in your young life so far. What kind of story could you tell based on those experiences? By tapping into your perspective, your writing will feel genuine and honest – qualities that readers appreciate.
Another approach is to write about the topics or genres you love. If you’re obsessed with fantasy novels, try your hand at crafting a magical world of your own. If you can’t get enough of mystery stories, come up with a gripping whodunit plot. When you write about subjects you genuinely enjoy, your enthusiasm will shine through on the page.
Tip 3: Show, Don’t Tell
Learning to “show, don’t tell” is one of the fundamental writing skills you’ll need to master. Put simply, this means avoiding bland statements or summaries, and instead using vivid details to allow readers to experience the story themselves.
For example, let’s say you want to describe a character’s sadness. Instead of bluntly stating “Sarah felt sad,” you could write:
“Sarah’s eyes welled up with tears as her shoulders slumped forward, the weight of her sorrow becoming too much to bear.”
See the difference? With descriptive writing that incorporates specific details, actions, and figurative language, you’re allowing readers to vividly picture Sarah’s emotional state themselves.
As you’re drafting your story, make a conscious effort to show, not tell. Ask yourself how you can provide enough sensory details (sights, sounds, smells, etc.) to immerse readers fully in each scene.
Tip 4: Develop Compelling Characters
While an intriguing plot is important, it’s the characters that will make or break a story’s success. That’s why it’s so crucial to develop multidimensional, relatable characters that readers will become invested in and care about.
Take the time to fully flesh out your main characters – their backstories, personalities, flaws, motivations, and goals. Give them unique voices, quirky habits, and distinguishable physical characteristics to make them feel like real, complex people.
Additionally, don’t just focus on the protagonists. Think about how to create interesting, nuanced villains and supporting characters as well. The more layered and lifelike they are, the richer your story will be.
Tip 5: Embrace the Revision Process
Very few writers get it perfect on the first draft. Revising and editing your work is an essential part of the writing process that should be embraced, not dreaded.
Once you have a complete first draft, take a break from your story to clear your mind. Then go back with fresh eyes and an editing mindset. Look for areas to tighten up the pacing, clarify details, enhance dialogue, and refine your overall storytelling.
It can be immensely helpful to get feedback from others during this revision stage. Ask a parent, teacher, or fellow writer to read your draft and provide honest, constructive criticism. They may catch plot holes, inconsistencies, or areas for improvement that you overlooked.
Don’t be afraid to revise your story multiple times until you feel it’s the absolute best it can be. Polishing your work is what separates amateur writing from professional-level pieces.
Tip 6: Never Stop Learning and Practicing
Last but not least, always strive to keep learning and practicing your writing craft. Like any skill, the more you hone your storytelling abilities through continuous education and real-world application, the better you’ll become.
Read books and take classes about fiction writing techniques, whether online or through your school. Join a writing group where you can share your work, receive feedback, and connect with other aspiring authors. Follow writing blogs and attend author events to gain inspiration and advice.
Most importantly, never stop writing! Constantly challenging yourself to embark on new writing projects, experiment with different styles, and tackle varying story concepts. The more you write, the more your skills, voice, and confidence as an author will grow.
The team at Authors On Mission is dedicated to nurturing writing talent and helping bring their creative visions to life. While your writing journey may have its ups and downs, staying dedicated and continuing to hone your craft will pay off in the long run.
So keep writing, keep reading, keep revising – and one day, you could have your very own published book that you can take immense pride in.
