Writing Fiction
1 – Write only what you love to read.
If you are trying to write in a genre that you don’t enjoy, you’re doomed. Seriously. If you’re not a reader, don’t try to be a writer. Read widely, read voraciously, and only attempt to write the kind of story you absolutely love.
2 – Read great examples of the genre you want to write.
Each genre has it’s own conventions and if you don’t read widely in the genre you want to write, you won’t be aware of the nuances and cliches. You may be writing a story that you think is fabulously original only to find out there are a dozen versions on the bookshelves.
Fiction Genres:
- Contemporary
- Historical
- Historical romance
- Literary
- Mystery
- Humor
- Category Romance (Steeple Hill)
- Romance
- Romantic Suspense
- Suspense
- Thriller
- Science Fiction
- Fantasy (urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy)
- Young Adult (includes all genres)
- Middle Grade (also called juvenile, tween, independent reader)
Check out Fiction Finder for more examples of each genre.
3 – Don’t worry about trends – write a fabulous story.
It’s good to know what’s going on, and keeping up with publishing in general, but don’t get bogged down by “What’s Hot and What’s Not”. Write the story that you have to write. Write the one you were born to write.
4 – Attend a conference.
And pay extra for a critique from a professional. If you really want to be a writer, investing in conferences is an absolute essential. They are held all over the country so find one you can attend and register. You will learn SO much.
5 – You must have a complete novel.
No exceptions. It’s not enough to have an idea or to have started a novel. You must finish it. So stay away from researching agents or submitting anything until that novel is finished and completely fabulous.
6 – That novel you submit? It should not be your first draft.
Writing is re-writing. You have to be willing to go through it again and again. You have to be willing to submit it to critique partners and get feedback, then go re-write again. Do not submit until you’ve taken the story as far as you can.
Don’t have critique partners? My Book Therapy is an affordable way to get comprehensive feedback on your work.
