This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Fiona Harper has written many books for Harlequin Mills and Boon – here’s the link to our recent chat with her about her writing. Her latest book, Make My Wish Come True, will be reviewed here soon, but today she’s sharing her top five writing tips with us.
1. Write regularly. It’s a bit like exercise. Those writing muscles don’t grow unless you use them.
2. Read a lot – especially books in your chosen genre.
3. Develop patience. Submitting work to agents and publishers is a lengthy process, and the waiting still continues when you’ve had a book accepted. If you don’t learn to calm down and work on something else while you’re waiting, you’ll drive yourself dotty.
4. Know your characters. I know this sounds obvious, but it’s true. Dig down really deep until you find out who they are at their core and then build from those foundations up. This will help you create original characters who act consistently and are properly motivated.
5. Don’t neglect your characters’ inner journeys. Who they grow into and how they change adds heart to a story, and is often more important than whether they get the job or win the competition or save the world from the evil genius. I always think the best stories combine and exciting plot with a rich inner journey for the hero or heroine.