Monday, March 30, 2009

Tips to Help Your Writing Resonate with Readers

Courtney Phillips graduated from the University in Houston and currently writes articles for a couple of different education sites, mostly tips and guides. She got in touch with me recently and asked if I would post one of her articles on my blogs. I think she makes some excellent points and am happy to post her article.


Tips to Help Your Writing Resonate with Readers
By Courtney Phillips

When creating works of fiction, especially science fiction and fantasy, there are many things that writers can do to make their works resonate with readers. Sometimes all it takes is the infusion of a few simple elements to make readers beg for more. Take a look at this brief list of things you can do as a writer to make your work strike a chord with a broader audience.

Character Studies

When it comes to having believable characters, it all has to do with just how well the author knows them. Creating characters is an art form that improves over time with many writers. Develop a questionnaire about your characters. What drives them? How do they interact with others? Who are their enemies and allies? Why are they important to the story itself? Use a notebook and keep detailed notes on your characters. This one strategy will help your story become more solid and improve readability.

Invent Your World

Nothing is off limits when writing, which is one thing that makes it truly liberating. Think of authors like J.K. Rowling. She created this entire world and all sorts of devices and vocabulary that made her world unique. Although it is very similar and somewhat familiar, it drives the reader forward and wanting to learn more when you don’t keep everything plain vanilla. Your creations can be steeped in symbolism, which can add dimension to your story as well.

Let the Story Lead You

You may have an exact idea of where you’d like your story to go, but be sure and keep your mind open and let the story lead you. When you explore uncharted territory in your writing, your readers will more than likely be more intrigued when you have completed your final product. Having an idea of where you’re going is great, but the journey to the end of the tale can be exhilarating when you are willing to let the story start telling itself.

Keep Moving Forward

Many writers are their own worst enemies when it comes to getting longer works completed. This is largely due to the fact that we continue looking back when we should be moving forward. Always remember that there is plenty of time when the story is completed to go back for editing and revisions. Get the bones of the story down and perfect it once the tale is told.

This post was contributed by Courtney Phillips, who writes on the subject of the best online college degrees. She invites your feedback at CourtneyPhillips80 at gmail.com or visit her website at  http://onlinecollegedegree.org/ 

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