Being a writer, you would know how to write a story. It is a prerequisite for anyone who wants to be a writer. But being able to write a story is not enough if you want to make a mark as a writer. This is because writing is not something that you can master in a day. It is something that you will have to work on a daily basis. Which is why you should strive to improve every aspect of your writing skills, particularly your story writing skills. Here are 6 highly effective tips on improving your story writing skills.
- Create a story outline before you write
Like anything that takes time and effort, you will need to have structure when you write your story. This is because, without a clear cut plan you might find yourself getting lost in the narrative. So before you do any kind of writing, it is a good idea to create a short outline of your work. It does not really have to be too long or too detailed. Your main intent in making an outline is to create a sort of map or blueprint that you can use during the book writing process.
When making an outline, it is important that you link all the aspects of the story to one another. Make sure that you link aspects such as the setting, premise and the characters to one another. By doing so, you will be able to create a truly comprehensive story outline.
- Flesh out your characters
If there’s one advice that you should heed on how to practice writing stories, it is to flesh out your characters. This is because the characters are an integral part of the story writing process. The characters are usually the central characters in a story. Readers will usually see the story unfold through the characters eyes. Thus, it is extremely important that you make your characters as multifaceted as possible.
Try to give your characters, their very own back stories. Where they were born, how old they are, their goals and such. It is also important that you describe their appearances as much as possible. This will help readers visualize how your characters look.
Flat and unremarkable characters tend to bore readers and unrealistic characters tend to make the story unrealistic. Thus, it is important that you make your characters, both exciting but believable. Infuse your characters with traits that make them stand out from the crowd, but also give them traits that show they are still human. It takes some work on figuring out this balance, but once you do your characters will truly be memorable.
- Have a set schedule for your writing sessions
If you want to learn how to write a story as effectively and efficiently as possible, it always pays to have a set schedule for your writing sessions. By having a set schedule, you will be able to have a structured and disciplined approach to the writing process.
This is especially important if you are writing a book or any long term project. Although writing is a very enriching experience, it can still get tiring in the long run. And add the fact that time can be limited for most writers because of other responsibilities, the writing process and the book publishing process will ultimately be a struggle. This is the reason why some writers can’t finish their work. This lack of discipline and structure.
But if you have a set schedule, your writing sessions will have structure. It will also infuse you with the discipline that you need to see things through. Just make sure that when you make your schedule, you schedule your writing sessions, at a time that you can follow consistently. It does not really matter what time your writing schedule is, it can be scheduled at 5 o’clock in the morning or at 10 o’clock in the evening. What matters is that you are able to follow it consistently.
- Do thorough research
Yet another way that you can make your story writing more potent and immersive is to do your research as thoroughly as possible. Readers are extremely finicky about facts and if you don’t do your research properly, your reputation as a writer will suffer. Readers will start thinking that you are sloppy and don’t care enough for your work to do research properly. So before you start the writing process, it is important that you get your facts straight. Double check every one of your references and make sure to cite every source you have.
- Infuse as much emotion into your writing as possible
If there is one thing you should always remember during the story writing process, is that you should try to infuse as much emotion into your writing as possible. Writing without emotion is just empty words, it is like a body without a soul. It is through emotion that you can properly convey your story. It is only through emotion that you can make your characters seem real and relatable.
Use aspects of your life and experiences you have felt through the years. A past break up or a traumatic experience can be mined to create truly emotional writing. So whenever you write, be as open and gregarious as possible. The story writing process has always been a very freeing experience so try to share every aspect of yourself with the world.
- Be adventurous
One of the best things about the story writing process is because you are allowed to be as adventurous as possible. You can create entire worlds and cultures in the comforts of your room or study. You have the potential to create a classic in just one afternoon. In short, the story writing process is an adventure and should always be perceived as one. So have fun and write as many stories as you can, who knows? You may come up with something great.