WRITING DOS AND DON’TS

It seems logical to follow the directions from a map or GPS if you are going to an unfamiliar destination.  The same holds true for novel writing.  Yes, with time, writers develop expertise along the way, but why stumble into a pit when you know what to avoid? Here are a few steps to keep you on the right path:

 

Do embrace the art of rewriting your work.  During this process, you will look for mistakes in your work which may range from editing to getting rid of words and/or sentences that aren’t needed.

Don’t write without making use of a thesaurus, reverse dictionary, spellcheck and any tool that enhances the quality of your work.

Do write about familiar places.  It may seem wonderful to write about Spain; however, if you’ve never lived or traveled there, inaccuracies may show in your book.

Don’t ignore the pace of your novel. Action and dialogue speeds up your story and narrative slows it down.

Do include conflict in your story.  In fact, the lifeline of your manuscript depends upon it. Whether your main character’s conflict is within himself, with someone else, or with nature, you must have conflict in your story.

Don’t create characters in a contrive manner just to jilt your readers. On the other hand, if your character is a bona fide slime-ball, then, let him be authentic!

Do allow your readers to help solve the story if you are writing a mystery.  You have to state all the clues.

Don’t restrict your characters in any way.  Allow life to breathe into your characters, even if it means the direction of a scene changes.  Your characters know what they are doing; it’s up to you to follow.

Do research for your novel. Whether you are writing about vampires or the injustices in Zimbabwe, know the subject thoroughly.

Don’t stall the story by failing to move it along.  Every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter, should move your story to a conclusion.

Do craft a query letter that represents your novel.

Don’t submit your manuscript to unsolicited publishers.  This is wasting your time and the publisher’s time.

Do invest the time and effort to aid in the marketing of your novel, whether you self-publish or not.

 

What dos and don’ts do you follow?