This week I had no time to even think of what I
would blog about as I had another school visit today (it was awesome) and had
to critique a book and review 5 books for the newspaper. I will share the
details about my visit to D.P.S (Delhi Public School) in one of my future posts.
Writers across the spectrum share their tips on how
to become a better writer. From writing the first draft to revising and editing
tips. Every tip is designed to make us better writers. All my blog buddies are brilliant writers, so I don't need to remind them of anything. I am just sharing my
thoughts.
1. First drafts should be just the writer and the
story. Nothing else should matter. Just get the story out should be every
writer’s motto.
2. The main character should be given a few flaws. Readers
will identify better with imperfect characters as it reminds them of their own
shortcomings.
3. The supporting characters should be strong,
preferably with a sub-plot, goals and their own lessons they have to learn in
the course of the story.
4. The antagonist needs to be a strong, literally the
bad half of the protagonist, its evil twin. Weak protagonists will send out
weak vibes which neither build stakes nor increase conflict and tension.
5. There should be atleast two confrontations between
the protagonist and the antagonist before the final confrontation happens. This
will keep the readers glued to the pages.
6. Don’t just end each chapter on a cliffhanger, introduce
a new complication in each chapter. This will keep the interest high throughout
the book.
7. Keep reminding the readers of the stakes which are
increasing chapter by chapter. Let the readers get a sense of urgency that the
protagonist is feeling.
8. Learn the fine art of secrets. Keep some secrets
from the protagonist, a few from the antagonist and some from the readers. Not
all of them should know everything.
9. Reveal backstory little by little. Avoid info
dumping. At each point in the story, only the backstory that will help that
scene should be highlighted (I learnt this lesson a little late, my earlier
books were info dumps).
10. Pay attention to the descriptions. Animate the
scenes with lively descriptions which make the scene come alive in a reader’s
mind. Remember to use all the five senses while describing scenes.
11. Concentrate on building that crucial voice: seeing things in a way that readers remember long after they have finished
reading the book.
12. Work on settings so that it becomes a character
by itself.
13. Don’t ever forget the power of a strong outline.
Get the beginning, middle and end very clear in your mind. Be a panster while
writing the individual scenes, but plot out the big story.
14. Work on getting the dialogues right. Listen to
how people talk, the way they ask questions, the way they answer, the accents
they have. Use all this info in your dialogue writing.
15. Never forget the rule of writing daily. If you
start ignoring your writing/story, then the story starts playing truant. Even
something as less as 500 words a day will help you get to the end of the story
fast.
Any writing lesson you all want to add? Feel free to
add them in the comments. In one of my next posts I will compile all the
lessons into one blog post.
