From the amazing author of The Jewel Series makeitmatter
❣
1. Get ideas from your life.
I often get asked where I get my ideas from, and I promise, I write very little other than what I have experienced in my life. If you're a new writer, world and character building can be often exhausting. It's much easier to begin with things you already know, your past experiences will act as a blueprint for your book, you just need to find words to express the feelings that you felt!
2. Get intimate.
No, not intimate like that (get your filthy mind out of the gutter). If you want your audience to feel your book, you need to make your characters vulnerable. Explore your character's emotions, and expose them.
Don't just tell your audience what your FMC ate for breakfast, tell them how excited she got at the sight of her first meal of the day, how the food tasted, how she savored every morsel and how much she regretted eating that extra piece of bread later that day!
3. Do your due diligence.
If you're going to be writing about a sensitive topic, make sure to do it right.
There's already a ton of misconception about topics like mental health, abuse, our religion, etc. we really don't need to add more to that.
My preferred method of research is primary. Convey the experiences of someone who has already been through it. If that's not feasible, make sure to take your sweet time on the internet. Read articles and documentaries that feature first hand experiences regarding your topic of choice.
Make sure to read, and understand the cause and effects.
4. Let your characters be human!
Unless you're writing about aliens. If that's the case, unfortunately I'll be of very little help.
Give your characters flaws. Make them make unfavorable choices. Give them unpleasant traits. This is how you write realistic characters!
Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay to do so. We've all done things we're not proud of. It's okay to let your characters be a little stupid (even if they're going to get dragged through the mud in the comments section).
What is important to remember is not to end up glorifying problematic character traits and sins. Be conscious of your character's flaws, and have a backup plan about how you're going to make them learn from their mistakes and grow!
5. Don't be scared of the unconventional.
See things in mainstream media that you don't approve of? Tired of bearing years-old cultural traditions that've outgrown?
Don't just sit on your feelings and let them fester – blow off some steam by writing about them!
Honestly, I believe the best content is created when you are just letting out what's in your heart. These stories contain passion that is unmatched.
Yes, you might butt heads with a lot of people who may not see eye to eye with you, but that's okay! If you're pissing people off it means you're making noise (I'm kidding).
But yeah, it's okay if some people don't agree with you. You shouldn't be writing to garner appreciation anyway, write it because you believe in it.
YOU ARE READING
Writers' Hotline
Non-FictionA collection of general writing tips, including specialised writing tips from our best authors!
