This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
1. You need discipline to write every day, but if you really like writing, that should not be too difficult. If writing is hard for you and each time you have to force yourself to start – find another profession.
2. Write about things you know something. For example: if you like sailing, but you are afraid of horses, your story should take place on a boat – not in a riding stable.
3. Try to keep your sentences short and write lively dialogues.
4. Always ask yourself: are my characters acting like authentic living people? Could my story take place or have taken place in reality?
5. Be open to criticism. Find people who tell you their real opinion about your work. You can be sure: if your test-readers will not understand a part of the story, it will be the same with the people who have paid money for the book – and next time, they will spend their money on another.
Island of a Thousand Springs by Sarah Lark is out now.