Most writers do not become a success overnight. You have to put effort into your work and have a lot of patience. Most readers want a well written story that will keep them turning the pages. If you can do that, then you are almost there.
With so much happening these days, it is easy to get distracted. It is therefore important to stick to a writing schedule. Whether it is 500, 1000 or more words per day, strive to reach your goal.
I must confess that when I just started writing I struggled with writing dialogue. I realized this was something I had to work on. When writing dialogue the writing should reflect the tone of the character. One has to craft in a way that it does not become monotonous.
In trying to not keep repeating words such as, “said or replied” do not go overboard with alternative words so your dialogue sounds unnatural. Don’t use the words: barked, growled, shouted, or hissed in a conversation where they seem out of place. In fact people don’t bark, hiss, or growl.
When it doubt read the dialogue aloud and see if it sounds natural. Another thing to pay close attention to, is where you put your quotation marks and full stops.
The use of imagery is very important in writing. Incorporating the five senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching help to make your story come alive in the reader’s mind. You can draw them out of their world into your story with imagery. Take a look at the paragraph below.
“When we got to the river, Pete and I were in for a big surprise. The calm water we had waded through earlier was now a raging torrent, murky with mud and sediments rushing from upstream. A feeling of helplessness gripped me as I gazed over the water to the bank on the other side. There was no way we could to get across.” (from Broken Trust)
From the use of imagery you are able to visualize this couple standing on the bank of a river unable to cross.
By using imagery you can make your readers more engaged in the story.
Write so your readers understand the message you are trying to convey. This is what makes reading enjoyable!
Have you dreamed of writing a book, but each time you think of starting it, you put it off. The reality of life is that you will never finish something unless you start it. You don’t have to know how your story will end. Just start with that first page or that first chapter and watch your story grow. Stop procrastinating and start on that first page. Good luck, and happy writing.
What is one of the most important things you need to do to improve your writing skills? You might think that’s easy, I just need to write a lot. While writing until it becomes an habit is important, I would encourage writers especially new ones, to read more. Like any other field, to be successful writers need to be knowledgeable about their craft. Reading is the most valuable source of acquiring knowledge. Reading the work of others can help you to improve your own writing style and creativity. Good luck and happy writing.
Few people make it big on the first published book. In fact many popular Authors today had a series of rejections before they got a chance to have their work published. Today’s Author have the advantage of self-publishing but it doesn’t make it any easier to make that best seller’s list.
Writing is an art that requires practice. Do not publish a book and think yea, I have made it, for you have only just begun the journey. Publishing is one thing but getting your book in front of readers is a painstaking task. The Authors that make it are the ones who know writing takes hard work, dedication and discipline. You will not get famous overnight, but with time you can make your mark as an Author.
What do you snack on when you write? For me it’s peanuts or mixed nuts that include almonds and cashew. I just love snacking on them. Unlike many Authors I am not a coffee drinker. The desire to write keeps me awake.
