Beginners rules for writing fiction

As a book writer, I write tones of fictional books. Actually, only fictional books. I mean, sure there are hints in there that are common in happening, but let’s be real: I doubt any mythical being or powers will be considered ‘normal.’ In any case, I’ve got some tips, or well rules, for those who want to start writing fiction as well. So, feast yourself and thank me later 😉

1. Weather

It’s wise to never start a story with what the weather looks like. Say it’s only to create atmosphere, you don’t want to go on too long. If you’d really want to include it, let it be a character’s reaction to the weather.

2. Use said

It’s wise to not use any other verb than ‘said.’ As the line of dialogue belongs to the character anyway. Say your character is lying, it’s better to put it like this: ‘I didn’t cheat on you’, says Vera to Ben. She was lying. This, instead of: ‘I didn’t cheat on you’, Vera lies.

3. Exclamation points

Keep them under control. You’re not allowed to use more than two or three per 100,000 words.

4. Use one dialect

If you write in British, you should write the entire thing in English. Don’t throw in any other dialects of the English language. Same goes for when you write American. Just stick to the American usage of words.

5. Avoid detailed character descriptions

If you want to describe someone, the way they’re looking or what they’re wearing, literally all you need is something like this: ‘she had taken off her hat and put it on the table.’ There, we know she wears a hat.

6. Don’t use great detail

For describing places and objects. It’s enough to briefly tell details about a certain building. You don’t want those descriptions to cause the action or flow of the story to be interrupted.

7. Avoid words as suddenly or all hell broke loose

Those who do use this, tend to exercise less control while working with the exclamation points.

Do you have some ‘writing fiction rules’ of your own to add?

Love, Deem ❤

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