WRITING TIPS (in no particular order)

1. It’s always easier to write about what you know but sometimes writing about what you don’t know produces your best work.

2. Always create a character’s ‘back story’ i.e. where they come from, what are their interests, how would they react to certain situations. A lot of this information is never seen by the reader, but it gives you, the author, a much fuller picture of what the character is like.

3. Sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. If a character says something, there is often a place for…

They exclaimed

They called

They mused

They stated

BUT sometimes it’s best just to keep it as

They said

4. Know your audience before you start writing. Is it for teenagers or infants, is it a funny book or a deadly serious one?

5. Read dialogue back to yourself. If it sounds forced, get rid of it.

6. Keep up the pace. If the text is getting bogged down and boring, cut it – you always want to keep the reader reading.

7. When writing a story, make sure you do a bit every day. This keeps you ‘in touch’ with the characters and the plot.

8. There is no substitute for a good story. You may have zillions of cool gadgets and wonderful characters, but if the story is weak, it won’t work.

9. Try and get someone to read your story – and not necessarily a close friend. Friends sometimes find it hard to offer constructive criticism. If it’s someone you don’t know very, very well, they might give you a more honest opinion.

10. Take constructive criticism with good grace. However much you love your story, there will be things wrong with it. You don’t have to agree with this criticism but at least listen to it and tae it seriously.

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