This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Michele Gorman is the author of Bella Summer Takes a Chance. Keep an eye out for our review coming this Friday!
1. Write even when you don’t feel like it. It’s important to
get words on a page. You can always edit or delete them later.
2. Make sure you know your characters. That’s the only way they’ll behave in a consistent/credible way when you put them in situations. I find that a character analysis for each one is helpful. Some writers even interview their characters and use those notes when they get stuck.
3. Raise the stakes. Your book doesn’t have to be about an earth-shattering situation of global importance but the dilemma/decision your main character faces has to be earth-shattering for them. They have to a) want something, and b) be prevented from getting it.
4. Try reading dialog aloud (not necessarily in a public place!) to see if it sounds natural.
5. Never end a writing day with the end of a chapter. It’s best to have something to take a running start at when you start your next writing session.