Novel Writing Tips

Description, when introducing a new setting or character it helps to draw a picture or map and plot as you write.

Narration, Mood - Is the land chaotic? Peaceful? Undisturbed? Destroyed? Barely hanging-on? Trying to survive? A city rebuilt. A city built with new construction. Is the land under attack? Are there unexpected guests? Is it the chief town? Is it the poorest town? Criminal? Lawful? Independent?

Terrain description, it shows the place, time, and culture of terrain. Describe the terrain in contrast: from the largest object to the smallest. The shape and color of a tree compared to grass and the white picket fence. Mountains to hills, with the sun rising over its peaks. Describe the terrain with action: the still pond, the blowing desert, and the breaking clouds. Observe all your senses in the surroundings. Describe the north, south, east, and west areas of a city. Describe the circumference of a city, number of houses and where are they? Which direction do they face? Add large terrain structures or dikes, then a causeway or a bridge that leads to a gate. Describe the walls, gates, and unique structures. Describe the middle of the city. Why was it built in this location? How were the buildings and roads used? How is the story taking place in this city at the present?

Use 0.3 as the tab and indent.

Use 14 for font size.

Line spacing is good at 1.5

This is one way to show and tell in writing: Tell only in a character's dialog and thought. Show in everything else by making the reader sense the writing.

Check out and join critiquecircle for good and honest feedback on your writing. Also, it can be a good learning tool to critique others.

Use the snowflake outline and others, it helps a lot to get things rolling. But when you write, try to explore your character's options. The outlines are just to help not the rule of thumb, and they can help with long narratives too. You can write like a pantser but plot and sometimes draw pictures and maps as you go. Writing in third person omniscience is easier. It can also motivate you to write with a calendar due date and to set a word count goal. Also, setting a timer or writing a chapter a day may help as well. All done, comment below.