A Guide to Writing

General Writing Tips

Ok, so I know that basically all of my chapters are specific to certain types of things, but this chapter isn't going to be. It's going to be a mess of all different tiny tips in dear hopes that they can help you out even just a little bit. So here we go!

Tip 1: Read everything you can get your hands on. Even if it's not in the genre you're reading, it can help with any type of writing process (giving ideas, learning some ways to phrase things, etc.)

Tip 2: Protect your writing space, it's an area that should be left alone from all others. No distractions from family members or loved ones.

Tip 3: Always carry a notebook, even if it's a pocket notebook or a sticky note type of thing. Or even just the notes app in your phone and write down any inspiration you might have, short-term memory can only retain for three minutes, so jot it down.

Tip 4: Keep exclamation points under control, they can make it look unprofessional if they're used to much.

Tip 5: Be your own editor/critic, but be merciless.

Tip 6: Readers are friends. Reads on Wattpad are friends, too. Votes and comments aren't everything.

Tip 7: Don't use too many large verbs or adjectives, they get too obnoxious after so many of them. Remember that you're trying to tell a story, not show off your extensive vocabulary which you just looked up.

Tip 8: Read it aloud to yourself. Both to make sure everything is correct and to make sure that everything sounds correct and not choppy.

Tip 9: Listen to the criticisms of those you trust, most of the time they're always correct, but if what they're saying feels wrong to you, don't listen to them, it's that easy.

Tip 10: Being a writer can be a solitary life, if you don't like it you're not cut out for the job- or hobby.

Tip 11: Don't write for the people, write for yourself.

Tip 12: Don't tell there readers too much about the characters, instead show them through their thoughts and actions.

Tip 13: Subplots are vital, because in real life there's many different things going on, not just one large event.

Tip 14: Don't underestimate the readers, if you already said something, they more than likely will remember it so there's no reason to repeat it again.

Tip 15: If you don't enjoy writing, then don't write. It's not for you.

Tip 16: Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Also be sure to check for plot holes or character inconsistencies.

Tip 17: Research your story. If your characters are traveling to past, make sure that you know which gadgets are in that time period and which ones aren't.

Tip 18: Characters need to be flawed, that's what makes them human. So make sure that there's some good in your villain or their past and some bad in your hero or their past.

Tip 19: Characters need obstacles to overcome, that way when they win it will be more rewarding.

Tip 20: Characters need even the smallest details. If your guy bites his nails or your girl has a limp they'll be far more memorable that way.

Tip 21: If you think part of your story is flat and will bore your reader, rewrite it.

Tip 22: Try to establish a routine, it might get you in the habit to start writing at a certain time.

Tip 23: Keep your characters true to themselves. If your character is sensitive and gets in a fight with their significant other, usually they would probably cry in their room. So don't have them go and break things or yell just because it makes the plot interesting.

Tip 24: Make it believable. If something is too far-fetched, readers might hate you.

Tip 25: Show, don't tell.

Tip 26: Don't procrastinate. It can get rid of the ideas you previously had.

Tip 27: If writing seems hard, that's because it is. You might have to drag yourself through writing that chapter so might as well get it over with.

Tip 28: Don't include the word 'very.' If you want your book to seem like a real book and might even consider getting it published, the word 'very' will irritate your editor, so it needs to go.

Tip 29: The first draft of everything is going to be crap. You need to face that fact that way you don't rewrite everything and spend years on something without ever completing it.

Tip 30: Don't use semi-colons. All they show is that you've had an education, they're worthless.

Tip 31: Don't wait for inspiration, more than likely it'll never come. Go after it with a battle axe.

Tip 32: Start writing. I've given you enough tips!