How To Write:
Let's Start With The Basics

Do you know how to write?

No, that's not a stupid question, nor a rhetorical one. If you've come to this site to learn how to write fiction , I make no assumption you already know how to create either fiction or non-fiction. I assume you want help learning.

And if you can write, you can skip down this page for links to parts you want to learn more about. I don't assume you can't write, either.

Many people aspire to being writers. Many have a natural talent for writing (or were told they were good and so practiced until they really were).

But if you don't feel like you know how to write, yet you really long to write a novel, where do you start?

With the basics.


"Listen"

Just like you learned to talk, if you want to learn to the elements of fiction writing, you have to "listen" - or, in this instance, read. A lot.

Read the kinds of books you want to write. Read classic literature and fiction books. Read books about writing books. Read other genres and to get a feel for what has worked for other authors, and to begin to get a feel for what you really want to write.

Then write. A lot.


Keep Notes

Beginning writers should start with a journal. Just jot notes about your day, or ideas for writing fiction that come to you throughout the day. (Yeah, they'll come fast and furious when you're sopping wet and covered in soap in the shower!) Keep a small notebook with you at all times! Write down turns of phrase that occur to you, bits of description of people you see, and ideas that could blossom into a novel.

Then, begin writing fiction. Just a scene, or a snatch of dialogue. Simple paragraph writing on its own will eventually give you the confidence to pour your heart out on the page and eventually create your novel.

The essentials of writing fiction are much like the essentials of writing in general. Just more precisely tuned. For instance, unless you want to put modern readers to sleep, I suggest you don't begin your novel with a lot of back-story or description. I don't care how he brushes his teeth, or what she eats for breakfast (unless his toothpaste or her breakfast is poisoned), I want to see some action!


Learn From Others' Mistakes

That's one of the most common mistakes writers make , especially inexperienced ones. They think they have to tell it all right away, give every detail in the first chapter so their readers will understand what's going on.

But that's half the fun! Figuring out what's going on from the careful clues you, the writer, insert.

So consider that one of the golden rules of writing fiction. Don't bore your reader with unnecessary detail!

Other common fiction writing mistakes can range from a disjointed plot to jumping around with too many points of view. If you confuse your readers, you'll lose them too.


Know Your Readers

So, you ask, is there one overriding fiction writing rubric ? (Yeah, click the link if you need help with understanding the word rubric. There are eight different definitions I found for it.) Since fiction can run from darkest horror novels to children's fiction books, I'd say the first of your fiction writing skills you should hone is to know your readers.

Write in a style they can understand and sink their teeth into. Don't write down to them, but don't write in jargon they have to look up to understand, either. If you're not sure, find "typical" readers of your type of novel, and give them a chapter to read (or the whole book). Ask them for their honest opinion, and let them be brutal, if need be. (You can lick your wounds later.)

Whatever you do, listen to what they say. If you can't please your readers, you can't sell any books. And isn't that what this is all about?

So what are you waiting for? Start writing your first novel ! Or at least your first paragraph and chapter. Remember, you can only write a novel one word at a time.