Sunday, October 19, 2014

Learning How To Write Quality Fiction

By Patty Goff


Writing is not just an art but a craft too. A craft can be learned and writing is no different in that there are many writing skills that can be learned. Imagination and good ideas are important but they are not enough. Other qualities are needed to produce work of a high standard such as discipline and perseverance. It is difficult to teach anyone how to write quality fiction but most writers are able to significantly improve their writing by devoting time and attention to their craft.

Learning from the best writers is part of the process of improving your own writing. Reading widely is important to understanding what makes a good plot, believable characters and more. Another good idea is to read aloud what you have written. Do the sentences flow and sound natural? If a sentence is too convoluted, you will pick this up immediately. Simple is often better and too many adjectives detract rather than enhance.

It is essential to create a space and make time for your writing. It is a jealous master and does not take kindly to lack of attention. In takes much time and focus to first plan, then write a draft and rewrite until you are satisfied with what you have produced.

Every second person wants to write a book but not that many actually sit down and do it. This is because it does require a lot of hard work. It takes true commitment and dedication to see the process through to the end. Planning, creating believable characters and a good plot requires focus and single-minded attention. Good authors often spend many hours every single day, writing and rewriting.

Listening to the suggestions and positive criticisms of others can do a great deal to improve your writing. Other people in a writing group or workshop are there to hear what you have written and give you valuable feedback. It may be difficult to expose your work to others for fear of harsh criticism but remember that the intention is to help you improve.

Observation is a skill possessed by most good writers. Jotting down observations and thoughts in a notebook is helpful. Carry one around with you at all times as these impressions and thoughts may be fleeting and need to be captured before they disappear. Most authors will tell you that you need to show rather than tell when writing a good novel and these observations can help you do this.

Most successful writers have the quality of persistence. This is important as writers have to persevere despite discouragement and rejection. Even successful writers admit to having times of self-doubt and when you are facing this you need to be able to push beyond it. Take courage from the fact that many excellent authors suffered a number of rejections before becoming recognized.

In the process of perfecting your writing, you may be faced with many obstacles. However, with dedication and hard work, most people can improve their writing a great deal. Get input from others, read widely, hone your skills and you may be surprised at the level of work you can produce. Some sacrifice is required but the results will be worthwhile.




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