Are you a new author, writing your first book? Perhaps you have attended a critique group a couple of times and picked up some tips for writing good fiction. I receive manuscripts from hopeful authors who have had such guidance, but who don’t have a clear understanding of how to apply the things they’ve learned from other writers.
They might use dialog to move their story, but it is forced and awkward. They may describe a character, but it is inappropriate to the flow of the story. It might interrupt the story, for example rather than enhance the reader’s experience.
If you are writing fiction, attend critique groups, of course. Take the book manuscript you are working on and listen to what the others suggest. Notice how your story affects them—do they laugh/cry in the right places? Did they enjoy the segment you read? Did they find it entertaining or was it painful for them to hear? Sure, there might be one among the group who has a rather warped outlook on what comprises good writing. Spend some time with these folks and you’ll learn who to listen to most. And it isn’t necessarily the one who says, “I love it!” every time you read. It is those who give you the most useful critique. Those who help you to make your story better.
You’ll learn by critiquing others, as well and by listening to how others critique your fellow writers.
But also, you should be reading the type of book you are writing. Lots of them! Whether it is a light mystery, young adult adventure story, children’s book for ages 8-12, your spiritual memoir or a how-to book, find others for exactly the same audience and study them.
You can no longer comment at this blog site. I turned off my comments option because there was just too much spam coming through. I mean a LOT—30 to 100 per day or between 400 and 700 a week. It just became way too overwhelming. If you wish to comment or reach me, please use this email address: PLFry620@yahoo.com.