Like any art form, writing is deceptively difficult. The most experienced writers make it look as easy as breathing — renowned authors like Nicholas Sparks and Stephen King write at least 2,000 words per day!
However, those of us who have attempted crafting a good story know that it takes quite a bit more effort than it seems.
If you’re interested in developing better writing skills, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for a few writing tips that will teach you everything you need to know about how to write better stories.
Start With a Quick First Draft
Whether you’re freelance writing or working on the novel you’ve always dreamed of publishing, there will come a moment where you feel completely stuck. While you’re waiting for ideas to come, the pressure to write grows, making the problem even worse.
Writer’s block can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you’re staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper. The key to overcoming it, however, is simple: write.
Don’t worry about plotting, outlining, or even writing well in the first draft. Just write. And, for the best results, write as fast as possible. Don’t give yourself time to agonize over the details or second guess yourself!
If you’re writing a short story, do it in one sitting. If you’re working on a larger project, such as a novel, write it in one season or less.
Develop a Realistic Protagonist
By “realistic protagonist”, we don’t mean you can’t have a main character with magical powers or inhuman abilities. Your main character can be as otherworldly as you want, as long as they’re imperfect in some way.
When you’re developing your protagonist, it’s crucial to avoid creating a Mary Sue. This is a character so devoid of flaws that they become boring and unlikable.
The best protagonists are ones who are flawed and therefore relatable to the reader. It might feel strange to create a main character with traits you dislike, but remember — Agatha Christie grew to hate Hercule Poirot, and he’s her most popular protagonist!
Build Drama in Your Story
Even the most saccharine stories need a bit of drama to be compelling. Take every romance story ever made; there’s almost always a “will they, won’t they” element, which creates drama!
As a writer, you can’t lay all your cards on the table. You know the ins and outs of your story from the first sentence, but your reader shouldn’t.
By strategically restricting the flow of information, you build suspense and keep your audience reading to find out what happens next.
Show Your Scenes
As a writer, you can’t literally show your readers what you see in your mind. You have to illustrate your world through your writing. To make your writing interesting and convincing, lean on concrete details rather than abstract thoughts and feelings.
This will help readers paint a picture of the story you’re telling in their own minds. It will also help you accomplish the ultimate goal of any writer: for the reader to imagine themselves in the world you create.
Learn How to Write Better Stories to Hone Your Craft
Regardless of whether you’ve been writing for decades or are preparing to put pen to paper for the first time, there’s no substitute for practice. Because of this, the main thing you need to remember to learn how to write better stories is to write, and write often!
The more you hone your craft, the better you’re writing will be, and the more opportunities that will become available to you.
Interested in learning more about improving your writing? Check out our blog for tips and tricks for every type of writer.
