Summary of a suspense novel

Suspense stories feature feelings of anxiety, anticipation, and uncertainty, but they often develop slowly. This means these feelings develop throughout the story, building the tension, but the reader remains uncertain about the outcome. In suspense plots, the answers to what may happen are delayed as long as possible. They are stretched so the reader feels the heightened anticipation. This is what makes a suspense novel so successful.

Suspense stories often focus on characters in danger or on the brink of discovery, and the tension is built from the uncertainty or expectation of what could happen next. Indeed, American writer Sidney Sheldon said, “Life is like a novel. It’s filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page.”

That’s exactly what a suspenseful novel is like.

What’s a good example of a suspense story in literature? Many of the classics like Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado fit the suspense category. More modern options would include The Girl on the Train (Paula Hawkins), The Silence of the Lambs (Thomas Harris), or The Talented Mr. Ripley (Patricia Highsmith).

RELATED READ: Action and Sequence Scenes

Summary of thriller

A thriller is fast-paced and gripping. It’s a heart-pounding, plot-centred account of a very clear threat or danger to the main protagonist. Indeed, the plots often centre around the push and pull between the protagonist and who may be after them, the antagonist.

It usually remains plot-centred and there’s a very clear threat or danger to the main protagonist, who is usually in danger from the get-go. It’s also usually very clear who that villain in, and the tension is built through the fast pace, action scenes, and edge-of-your-seat plot twists. In fact, thrillers often have direct conflicts or fight scenes.

Thrillers are designed to thrill and excite readers and are often associated with espionage, crime, or action stories.

American science fiction writer Nancy Kress said, “If you’re writing a thriller, mystery, Western or adventure-driven book, you’d better keep things moving rapidly for the reader. Quick pacing is vital in certain genres. It hooks readers, creates tension, deepens the drama, and speeds things along.”

What’s a good example of a thriller? There are certainly plenty of great movies, for whom this genre is perfect. In fact, many good thrillers often get turned into TV shows or films. Think of Speed and Jack trying to outwit the bomb-on-bus scenario and who designed it. In literature, Stephen King is one of the modern-day masters of the thriller genre. But he also writes a lot of horror, and the two sometimes combine.

Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders is a popular modern-day thriller. Classics would include Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, that details a mentally ill doctor with a split personality.

Main differences

Hopefully, just through the explanations above, you’ve started to see what the differences are. In a nutshell, we’ve already established suspense is about building tension and what may happen, while a thriller is a more push and pull between the hero (our protagonist) and the villain (antagonist) with an established conflict. But there are also key differences in the pacing of the story.

• Suspense builds. Thrillers race.
• Thrillers have action. Suspense has danger (but not necessarily action)
• Suspense outcomes are unclear. Thrillers are the sequence of events after the big reveal
• Suspense focuses on internal events. Thrillers focus more on the external events
• Suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. Thrillers might make you jump off your seat

RELATED READ: Tension vs Conflict in Fiction Writing

Takeaways

As with all things in the literary world, these genres exist along a spectrum. And some novels may even combine many elements of both. Remember also that these genres also have subgenres like political thrillers, mystery thrillers, and spy thrillers and so they can tend to crossover into other territory as well.

What kind of story appeals to you may depend on your mood. If you want action, you might go for a thriller. If it’s tension and inner turmoil or you feel like solving a puzzle, look at a suspense novel.

Get more help

To find out more about writing a thriller, look at our blog How to Write a Thriller: everything you need to know. It also details some of the different types of thrillers, tips for writing them, and more examples of classic thrillers in literature.

This might inspire you about how to write. However, there’s no greater example of the need just to get started than Stephen King. He says, “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will. Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free so Drink. Drink and be filled up.”

And if you’ve reached the stage where you could benefit from some input into your writing, consider any of editing services to help you reach your goal. A good thriller or suspense novel will need some help to make sure the pacing hits the right notes, the action holds the reader’s attention, suspension and tension are maintained, and there are good character arcs.

The post Suspense vs thriller: What are the differences? appeared first on Firstediting.com.

Kudos to you! A book is one of those projects whose complexity inspires a great deal of creativity while also challenging you at the same time.

By the end of it, you’ll have boosted your craft to new heights.

But every process has a beginning, a compilation of the first few steps that trigger an avalanche of progress – and a book outline is yours.

Today, we’ll have a look at why you need a book outline, what’s the best way to write it, and which examples you can follow to get as much value out of your outline as possible.

Let’s dive right in!

Why You Need a Book Outline

They say there are two types of writers – plotters (who always use an outline) and pantsers (who go with the flow of the story).

And while it can be incredibly freeing to give yourself some space for improvisation, there are some major cons to having no outline:

• You’re more likely to give up in the middle of writing your book because each new chapter is a problem that needs solving
• It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out when you don’t know where the story is going
• There’s not much space for foreshadowing and creating mind-bending plot twists
• You might have to rewrite most of your draft as you’re slowly discovering the story yourself

Given all these hurdles that come with freestyling, outlining your book before you begin the project is the most effective way forward.

RELATED READ: Tips For Outlining a Novel

3 Crucial Elements of a Book Outline

Your creative process is entirely up to you. While some writers plan out all their scenes in Scrivener, others scribble a rambling summary on a piece of paper they carry in their back pocket.

There’s really no way to get it wrong.

That being said, an amazing book outline should ideally contain:

1. A narrative structure that splits your plot into sections (for example, you can use the basic three-act structure or the eight-sequence structure used in filmmaking)
2. A summary of your main characters’ personalities, wants, and needs (careful – what a character wants isn’t necessarily what they need. For instance, a character might think that living in a secluded hut in the woods will bring them happiness, when it’s really a sense of belonging that will ultimately make them thrive)
3. Enough space to change things up (outlines can change as your process ebbs and flows, so don’t stick to them too rigidly)

What’s more, a great book outline also explains the story’s main message. This serves as a helpful point of reference if you ever get lost during writing. All you need to do is remind yourself of the book’s primary meaning.

Examples of Book Outlining

Book outlines come in all shapes and sizes, from a meticulous 50-page Word Document to a mind map that stretches across your whole living room wall.

The best way to figure out our own outlining method? Trial and error.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Use index cards. This method allows for freedom of movement, so you can easily swap out chapters and connect different plot points.

Draw one big mind map. Outlines don’t have to be chronological – as long as you feel confident in where the story’s going, you’re good to go!

Use technology to your advantage. Apps like Scrivener directly link your outline to the scenes you’re writing, while Popplet lets you create aesthetically pleasing mind maps on your laptop.

Try good old Post-It notes and a blank wall. This works similarly to index cards – you get to move things around and see a physical and visual representation of your plot.

…or come up with your own method! Andrew Meehan, author and lecturer at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, outlines his novels on one piece of paper split into eight sections.

And J. K. Rowling’s method is also quite unique:

How to Write a Great Book Outline: 4 Tips

Before we part for today, we have some final tips to give you:

Look beyond the plot. As you’re outlining what happens in each chapter or sequence of the story, keep character development in mind. How has your character changed between two different events? And how have their relationships with others evolved?

We recommend you create a sub-outline that details the psychological nuances happening in the background. This way, you’ll have a very firm grasp on who your character is and how the plot affects them.

Remain flexible. Outlines are important because they show you the way; however, they can also change depending on the needs of the story. As your book evolves, your characters will evolve with it, and it’s completely normal for them to take the story in a new direction.

Plan your best plot twists as part of the outline and fill in foreshadowing where you see fit. This is one of the best perks of having an outline – it gives you the necessary distance to create mind-blowing twists and turns that’ll keep the reader at the edge of their seat.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. At FirstEditing, we outline each chapter for you, helping you navigate the process better and providing you with a well-formatted outline to offer your agent or publisher.

RELATED READ: Is There a Formula for Writing Fiction?

Conclusion

And that’s your book outline done! The next step?

Write. And write. And then write some more.

Oh, and before you go, here’s one last piece of advice: don’t let your book outline stand in the way of your creativity.

If you want to get to know your characters through writing certain scenes, do it. If your world-building only comes alive when you’re in the midst of writing, do it. You can write before you outline. Just make sure to put it all down before you’re too far into the novel.

An outline is a tool. And a tool is only as effective as the person wielding it. The extent to which you use it is completely up to you.

The post Book Outline: Steps, Tips and Examples appeared first on Firstediting.com.

Yes?

Congratulations, you’ve practiced narrative writing!

Narrative writing is essentially storytelling – it’s the art of building blocks of a plot together, weaving character development throughout your story, and keeping the reader hooked at the same time.

However, there is more to narrative writing than meets the eye. Today, we’ll unpack what constitutes great narratives and which types of narrative writing there are.

What Is Narrative Writing?

From grand fantasy series that span hundreds of years to a short story about a man walking home from work, any story is narrative as long as it involves some basic building blocks.

Luckily, most of us intuitively know how a story should go. If the plot drags or the character doesn’t change at all, for instance, we get bored and quickly lose interest.

Therefore, it’s not too difficult to abide by some essential rules that constitute narrative writing:

• Your story begins with the status quo
• An inciting incident happens
• Your character reacts to it and begins their journey
• Throughout the story, they have to overcome certain obstacles
• A crisis happens
• The crisis leads to a final climax
• The story ends with a resolution
• If the ending is impactful and satisfactory, it causes catharsis, which means the reader is content with how things have been wrapped up and continues to think about the story for days afterward

Of course, the contents of your story will probably be much more complex than a simple bullet-point breakdown.

For example, overcoming obstacles doesn’t have to mean fighting ancient monsters – if your character is struggling psychologically, it is still a challenge they need to face in order to get to the other side.

RELATED READ: How to start writing a book

3 Basic Characteristics of Narrative Writing

Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials:

Your story always needs a character – the protagonist. This is someone the readers will root for and create an emotional connection to. Your protagonist should always have a certain flaw at the beginning of the story (this can be anything from deep-rooted trust issues to an unexplainable fear of oranges). By the end, this flaw should be solved.

The plot is the major driving point behind each narrative. If nothing happens, nobody will read it.

The narrative structure is the overarching frame within which your plot functions.

Speaking of which…

3 Narrative Structures You Can Follow

Looking for a template? Narrative structures are exactly that – they show you what ought to happen at different points in the story.

The Hero’s Journey (or Campbell’s Monomyth) maps the linear progress of a character’s epic story, including specific plot points, such as:

• the call to adventure
• the refusal of the call
• the appearance of a mentor or a helper who guides the character to where they need to go

The Three Act Structure is a typical structure of theatre plays that easily applies to novels as well. Usually, the three parts are split thus:

• Act 1: Beginning, an inciting incident, and the decision to embark on a journey
• Act 2: Obstacles, a mid-point (this can also be described as a “false victory” or a “false defeat” because the character thinks they’ve reached the end only to have to change course and fight again), more obstacles
• Act 3: Pre-climax, climax, descending action, resolution

The Eight-Sequence Structure is inspired by screenwriting techniques. Back in the day, feature-length movies in cinemas had to be broken down into eight parts due to the frequent changing of the tape, which meant screenwriters wanted to keep the audience hooked and excited for the next 15-minute sequence.

This means the narrative can be transformed into 8 manageable chunks, each of which is a short story of its own:

• Status quo – the character and their world get introduced to the reader
• Inciting incident – the character receives a call to action and ponders whether they should accept or refuse
• Turning point – after accepting, the character faces their first challenge
• Mid-point – the character is changed as a result of the first challenge
• Obstacles – the character keeps fighting, overcoming challenges, bonding with others, and progressing in their development
• Crisis – things have gotten worse for the character and everything seems to be going wrong (sometimes, there is a “false surrender” where the character thinks they can’t go on anymore)
• Climax – the showdown where big fights take place
• Resolution – the character deals with the aftermath of the climax

And that’s some basic narrative structures done and dusted!

It’s time to explore…

RELATED READ: 6 Types of Writers: Discover Your Style

4 Major Types of Narrative Writing

The way you tell your story may differ from how things actually happen. For example, many writers start writing in medias res, which means “in the middle of things” – this technique gives you a lot of space for flashbacks, as well as linear development going forward.

What’s more, it introduces the narrative in a gripping, action-packed way that immediately immerses the reader.

In general, there are two major types of narrative writing:

• Linear: events are told in chronological order (this includes the Hero’s Journey, as well as many historical narratives)
• Non-linear: events are not told in chronological order (e.g., the order may be fragmented, or you might start at the end and journey toward the beginning)

An example of linear writing is the Harry Potter series – while there are occasional flashbacks, the story progresses chronologically as Harry grows older.

The Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, on the other hand, offers a fragmented narrative where scenes do not necessarily come one after the other, which causes an effect of slight disorientation.

Another common type is a viewpoint narrative, which focuses on the protagonist’s emotional world and how they view external events (think The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins).

This stands in opposition to a third-person omniscient narrative where the narrator is a character of their own.

My Final Tip

When crafting your plot outline, remember that each impactful story contains an A story and a B story.

In Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, Jessica Broody explains that while the A story is the premise and plot of the book, the B story is the hidden message beneath.

More often than not, the reason books resonate with us is that they send out a universal message we can relate to, be it the power of love, the possibility of redemption, or the ability to overcome life’s obstacles.

This message is usually transferred through character development. If you want to remind your readers that love conquers all, make the protagonist a distrustful and broody person in the first chapter.

As the story progresses, watch them come alive, learn tenderness, and appreciate the value of human connection. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is an excellent example of this.

And if you’re struggling with outlining your novel, don’t forget that the actual act of writing is what often sparks the best ideas.

So get writing.

The post What Is Narrative Writing? Tips and Examples appeared first on Firstediting.com.

Okay, well, I didn’t get around to it, but I’ll definitely write tomorrow.

Huh…maybe I’ll start on Monday?

Sounds familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, procrastination is common among writers. It’s quite funny when you think about it – we love writing with all our heart, yet we often struggle to actually sit down and write.

Today, we’ll unpack why procrastination is such a writing hurdle and how you can jump through its hoops in order to build a proper writing routine.

Ready to overcome procrastination? Let’s go!

Why You Procrastinate

Contrary to popular belief, procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s a freeze response. Writing a book is an incredibly daunting task, one that seems so overwhelming you almost don’t want to start.

Like, ever.

Because what if you find out you can’t do it? What if you get stuck on one chapter and can’t continue further? What if…

It’s better to just leave it be. Let the story swirl in the confines of your mind, in a place where it’s absolutely perfect and safe from harm.

Or…imagine you actually start writing a book. Yes, the process is terrifying and difficult, but there are so many moments of euphoria and beauty and excitement that they make up for every single obstacle.

And at the end of the journey, you make your dream a reality. You become a published author.

One way or another, things will be hard. Writing is hard. Not writing is hard. Which hard will make you happier?

With that in mind, let’s run through my best tips on how to overcome procrastination and boost your writing!

RELATED READ: Why Clarity Should Be The Ultimate Goal of Every Writer

Tip 1: Perfectionism Goes in the Bin

Sometimes, pulling the strands of your story out of your imagination and putting them onto paper may feel like destruction rather than creation.

That’s because the story you’ve dreamed up is in a sheltered state of perfection as long as you don’t need any words to transform it into being.

Once language joins in, the battle begins. But if there’s one thing you ought to remember, it’s that no written story is ever 100% perfect. You can either have a perfect story no one reads – because you never write it – or an imperfect one that is real, loved, and cherished by hundreds.

What’s more, first drafts are rarely top-quality. One of my writing tips is to use the first draft as an opportunity to tell yourself a story you love, pour it onto paper, and trust its power.

After all, you can’t edit a blank page.

If you procrastinate because you’re scared of writing a bad draft, remember that no draft is much worse than a bad one.

So, give it a try. Tell yourself a story. And see it come to life.

Tip 2: Reorganize Your Priorities

Procrastination is much easier when you have plenty of other responsibilities to keep you occupied. It gives you enough excuses to push writing off.

Instead of putting your writing as a non-compulsory maybe at the bottom of your to-do list, push it to the top. For example, you can wake up half an hour earlier and spend the first 30 minutes of the day writing.

When writing becomes the very first thing you do each day, you begin to view it as a priority and a habit. Not to mention it gives you an amazing dopamine boost!

This way, procrastination won’t even get a chance to set in because by the time your workday starts, writing is already ticked off.

RELATED READ: Creative Writing Advice

Tip 3: Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

A novel seems a daunting task because it’s an overwhelmingly large project, with thousands of words, multiple subplots, character arcs, and twists.

Just thinking of it can freeze you in place, letting procrastination swallow you whole.

That’s why breaking the process down into sizeable chunks is essential. While some writers measure their progress by word count – for instance, Stephen King aims to write two thousand words a day – others prefer to set up a timer and write however many words they can within that specific time frame.

It’s best to set smaller, achievable goals because reaching them will bring a sense of accomplishment each day. Plus, you’re always free to go past your goal, which only makes you feel better!

For example, you can set yourself the goal of:

• Writing 500 words a day (this is more than enough! If your novel has seventy thousand words, you’ll write the first draft in just under a year)
• Writing for 30-60 minutes every day
• Writing 3500 words per week (this allows you more flexibility since you don’t have to write every day)

In order to overcome procrastination, it is imperative your goals are manageable. If the task feels too overwhelming, you might freeze and avoid it altogether.

Conclusion

Procrastination is your body’s response to fear.

As far as writing strategies are concerned, the best way to face these feelings is by setting achievable goals, transforming writing into a morning routine, and saying goodbye to perfectionism.

If you’re still feeling stuck, try freewriting – an exercise where you write whatever you want, with no constraints whatsoever – or spend some time creating character sheets, building a world map, and brainstorming plot ideas. Sometimes, even zero words count because thinking about your book is just as vital as writing it.

My final advice is to stop waiting for the inspiration to strike. Writing is a craft, one you might have to force yourself to work on from time to time, and that’s completely okay.
Don’t give up.

The post How to Overcome Procrastination: 3 Tips to Boost Your Writing appeared first on Firstediting.com.

Now it’s time to take a step back from the story and write about yourself. Yes, that’s right. Every book, be it fiction or non-fiction, usually includes an author bio.

And if you have a website, a social media account, or if you’re sending out a book press release, all the more reasons to craft a compelling, unique bio that shows the world who you are.

There are two things your readers know about you from the get-go – that you love writing and that your name is [insert]. Chances are, you’re also a huge bookworm.

But the “about the author” section goes in more depth. It reveals some personal information, your past successes, and even fun anecdotes. It demonstrates what you’re all about beyond this one book.

Let’s have a look at which “about the author” examples you can learn from and what tips you should keep in mind when crafting your “hi, this is me!” section.

Why Is an Author Bio So Important?

Unless you’re already a famous celebrity or a well-established author, most readers won’t know who you are when buying your book. Therefore, “about the author” is your chance at an excellent first impression.

Of course, the actual content of your book usually counts for more than a small section at the back that says you love dogs – but it’s precisely this section that pulls your story out of the fictional world and into the real one.

Knowing who wrote the words you’re reading can make a huge impact on the reading experience because it creates more of a personal bond between the author and the reader.

If you’re a non-fiction author, your bio is all the more important because you should ideally have a certain authority on the topic you’re tackling in your work.

For example, as far as mental health is concerned, an expert with a Ph.D. in psychology will garner more respect – and therefore more potential sales – than a lawyer who feels a bit stressed from time to time. This impacts not only your reach but also your publishing chances if you’re going down the traditional route.

RELATED READ: Do I Need to Copyright My Book Before Publishing?

Best Tips for Writing Your “About the Author” Section

First things first – are you a fiction or a non-fiction author?

If it’s the latter, aim to:

• Include all relevant credentials that explain why people should listen to you when it comes to this subject
• Provide a little bit of backstory that shows how you got where you are (this makes your book more personal)

Remember: Don’t be afraid to use humour and wit to your advantage – it’s what often keeps people reading!

While fiction authors get a little bit of a break – your fictional story is what matters most – your bio should still be the best it can possibly be. After all, who you are as a writer and a person is what often gets people to follow you on social media and keep up with your latest books.

Include some personal information, talk about your hobbies, or mention what inspired you to write your story down. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of this in the next section.

Last but not least, remember that each “about the author” section should be between 50 and 150 words.

RELATED READ: Three Secrets for a Killer Book Cover Design

“About the Author” Examples to Follow

Let’s start with three fiction authors:

Lucy Foley, The Guest List

“Lucy Foley is the No.1 Sunday Times and the Irish Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party. The idea for her latest book was sparked by a trip to Connemara, where half of Lucy’s family hail from, on the west coast of Ireland. Struck by the rugged beauty of the islands off its shores – the perfect setting for a wedding, yet dangerously cut-off – Lucy began to plot a new murder mystery. An island with no escape, people reuniting, emotions running high. And so The Guest List came to life.

Previously a fiction editor in the publishing industry, Lucy now writes full-time. Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and her journalism has appeared in publications such as Sunday Times Style, Grazia, ES Magazine, Vogue US, Elle, Tatler, and Marie Claire.”

This “about the author” example:

• Begins with Foley’s biggest accomplishment in the publishing world
• Elaborates in-depth on what inspired Foley to write The Guest List
• Uses literary and poetic language to describe the process of finding her idea (“an island with no escape, people reuniting, emotions running high. And so The Guest List came to life”)
• Cycles back to Foley’s accomplishments in the field of journalism and publishing

Bridget Collins, The Binding

“Bridget Collins trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art after reading English at King’s College, Cambridge. She is the author of seven acclaimed books for young adults and has had two plays produced, one at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Binding is her first adult novel.”

This “about the author” example:

• Is short and crisp
• Focuses primarily on Collins’s education since it’s relevant to the field
• Highlights Collins’s other literary pursuits (seven young adult books and two plays)
• Describes Collins’s link to a well-respected UK theatre festival
• Briefly states The Binding is her first adult novel

TJ Klune, Under the Whispering Door

“TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries and more. Being queer himself, TJ believes it’s important – now more than ever – to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories. You can find out more at tjklunebooks.com.”

This “about the author” example:

• Starts off with Klune’s biggest accomplishments in publishing
• Mentions an award Klune has won
• Names two other popular works by Klune so that readers who have read these books easily recognize him
• Talks about a specific topic (queerness) and why it’s relevant in Klune’s writing
• Refers the reader to his website

And as for non-fiction authors…

James Clear, Atomic Habits + His Website

“James Clear is a writer and speaker focused on habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits. The book has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 50 languages.

Clear is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in places like Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning. His popular “3-2-1” email newsletter is sent out each week to more than 2 million subscribers.”

This “about the author” example:

• Describes the accomplishments of not only Clear but also Atomic Habits itself
• Dives into what Clear does professionally alongside writing, giving him more credibility
• Names well-established journals he has been featured in, also boosting his credibility
• Mentions a newsletter readers can subscribe to

Maria Tatar, The Classic Fairy Tales

“Maria Tatar is the John. L. Loeb Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures and Folklore and Mythology at Harvard University. She is the author of Enchanted Hunters: The Power of Stories in Childhood, Off with Their Heads! Fairy Tales and the Culture of Childhood, and many other books on folklore and fairy tales. She is also the editor and translator of The Annotated Hans Christian Andersen, The Annotated Brothers Grimm, The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales, The Annotated Peter Pan, and The Grimm Reader.”

This “about the author” example:

• Gives an extensive overview of Tatar’s other academic works
• Provides Tatar’s academic background on the subject, which gives her authority since The Classic Fairy Tales is an academic book

Conclusion

As you can see, every author’s bio is unique in its own way, depending on the subject, the author’s background, and their personality.

However, all bios have one thing in common – they highlight your past literary (or journalist) accomplishments.

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry, though! Include more personal information, share your hobbies, or talk about your inspiration.

What matters most is that your “about the author” section captures you in the best way it can.

The post “About the Author” Examples You Should Definitely Check Out appeared first on Firstediting.com.

So, just as the name implies, a poetic device adds these same elements to writing using shapes, sounds, words, phrases, and rhyme to enhance or convey meaning.

If you want to heighten the literal meaning of your words through the use of these devices, keep on reading.

What are poetic devices?

Poetic devices are a bit like the spices you add to flavor your cooking. Or a combination of effective ingredients that give it that wow or zing you’re looking for.

They can be used to make writing memorable and evocative, to add mood to the writing, make it rhythmically pleasing, intensify emotions, and enhance visual elements.

How many poetic devices are there?

There are a lot of poetic devices available to you, and it’s probably best not to put a number on them! A better question might be, how often should I use them?

Well, like any flavoring added to your food, poetic devices should be used in moderation. We don’t over salt or over pepper, or use too much chili, right? Like anything that is overdone or overcooked, they can become tiresome, annoying, or ineffective if used too often.

Like salt or pepper, throw them in occasionally to spice up a scene and create a lasting impression.

RELATED READ: Metaphor vs. Personification

Why are they used?

The best way to explain the merits of using poetic devices is to turn to the film Dead Poets Society and two quotes by one of the character leads, John Keating.

So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys – to woo women – and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays.

Whether you believe your poetic devices will woo women or not, they absolutely do enhance your writing, just as in his examples of being tired (ho hum) or exhausted (a bit more colourful!) Let’s spice it up a bit!

Here’s another quote from the same film about what motivates us to write poetry.

We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.

Keating waxes lyrical in beautiful ways throughout the film about the joys and beauties of colourful language. Why should you use a poetic device? If Keating was answering this question, he would say because we are filled with beauty, romance, and love, so why not reflect this in the words, mood, and feelings we convey?

Poetic Devices Defined

Sound

These devices engage a sound quality, that might seem a bit strange when we’re talking about words and phrases. But words can be soothing or dissonant and attract mood and emotion. There are lots of poetic devices that use sound such as alliteration, cacophony, assonance, euphony, consonance and onomatopoeia. Here are a few examples.

Alliteration: This uses repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words, often placed near each other. There are classic examples in tongue twisters like “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”. William Shakespeare also used it very effectively in these verses in Romeo and Juliet:

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.

Cacophony: This device uses unappealing sounds and harsh noises to create discord, disorder, dread and even chaos. Lewis Carroll does this very well in his poem, Jabberwocky, which is almost nonsensical in some ways, creating plenty of cacophonic experiences for the reader.

Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! The frumious Bandersnatch!

RELATED READ: 4 Writing Strategies That Will Make You a Better Writer

Rhythm

The flow of words, in terms of their rhythm, repeating patterns and pauses, can create or express emotions. Common rhythmic devices included anaphora, repetition, rhyme, enjambment and caesura. Here are a few examples.

Anaphora: Repeats the same phrase at the beginning of each line or clause, a bit like in the famed “I have a dream” speech by Martin Luther King. Charles Dickens also uses it very effectively in A Tale of Two Cities:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.

Repetition: This is similar to the example above, but in this case, the repeated words or phrases don’t necessarily need to be just at the beginning of each line. It could include phrasing like, “time after time”, “home sweet home” or “all for one and one for all”. There are many examples of this in literature. Here are a few.

The horror! The horror! (Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad)

Think and wonder, wonder and think (Dr. Seuss)

Meaning

This poetic device uses figurative language to convey meaning in various ways, such as through allusion, puns, personification, analogy, an oxymoron or paradox.

Personification: This personifies inanimate objects or living beings like plants and animals with human qualities. This makes the passage seem rich with imagery and description. This poetic device is dotted throughout literature in phrasing like, “The sun smiled down on us” or “The light danced on the surface of the water”.

Here is an example from Ernest Hemingway’s novel, The Old Man and the Sea, in which he ascribes feminine qualities to natural elements.

But the old man always thought of her as feminine and as something that gave or withheld great favors, and if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them. The moon affects her as it does a woman, he thought.

Hyperbole: This device uses extreme exaggeration to make a point. In some cases, it might not actually be physically true or possible. Here is an example from F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, and this quote from the character Daisy Buchanan to Nick Carraway:

“I’m p-paralyzed with happiness.”

The post Poetic Devices You Should Know and How to Apply Them appeared first on Firstediting.com.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the appeal to ignorance fallacy, one of the many logical fallacies that don’t hold firm under careful inspection.

Logical fallacies are arguments that rely on faulty logic, undermining your authority as a writer and speaker. While some fallacies may sound convincing at first, especially when they appeal to emotions – “if you fail this exam, who’s to say you won’t fail another one, eventually dropping out of school and turning into a massive disappointment” (slippery slope fallacy) – but one closer look is enough to make them fall apart – “if you fail this exam, you can simply resit.”

These faults in reasoning are something you should strive to avoid in your writing, be it academic writing (where sound arguments are especially important) or fiction writing (where world-building and plotting should rely on logic and common sense to a large degree).

But first…

Where Do Logical Fallacies Come From?

The word fallacy originates from the Latin fallacia, which means “trick” or “deceit.” The concept goes as far back as ancient Greece when the philosopher Aristoteles wrote Sophistical Refutations, a work comprising thirteen different fallacies and their classifications.

Aristoteles divided logical fallacies into two major categories:

• Verbal – an argument is faulty due to an ambiguous use of words
• Material – an argument is faulty due to illogical contents

Throughout the centuries, logical fallacies have found their place in academia and have been classified further, helping us navigate the world of critical thinking.

RELATED READ: 5 Tips for Writing That Will Make You a Better Writer

Logical Fallacies: Categorization & Examples

Based on the current categorization, logical fallacies are either formal or informal. Formal fallacies pertain to the very structure of your argument:

Premise A: All potatoes are vegetables.
Premise B: All cucumbers are vegetables.
Conclusion: All potatoes are cucumbers.

As you can see, the deduction process here is wrong. While potatoes and cucumbers are both vegetables, this does not make them the same.

Informal fallacies, on the other hand, are all about the content of what you say. They are divided into five categories:

• Linguistic fallacies
• Fallacies of omission
• Fallacies of intrusion
• Fallacies involving built-in assumptions
• Casual fallacies

According to Jacob E. Van Vleet, professor of philosophy and author of Informal Logical Fallacies: A Brief Guide, learning more about informal fallacies is an excellent way to increase your analytical skills, be able to detect poor arguments, and challenge the world around you.
What’s more, improved critical thinking will inevitably make you a better writer.

Ready? Let’s go!

Linguistic Fallacies

Linguistic fallacies relate to faulty or ambiguous language. While there are plenty of linguistic fallacies to decipher, here are two examples:

The fallacy of division (or whole-to-part fallacy) says that if the whole group has a certain characteristic, it must mean that every single part/member of that group possesses it as well.

Example: “The theatre in our town is excellent. Therefore, every single performance in this theatre is excellent.”

The fallacy of equivocation (or the double-meaning fallacy) occurs when one-word containing multiple meanings is used vaguely in an argument.

Example: “Man has walked on the moon. Women are not men, therefore, women have not walked on the moon.”

In this case, “man” is first used in relation to humankind, after which it’s associated with the male sex only.

Fallacies of Omission

Fallacies of omission leave out certain components of reality on purpose, misleading us or giving us the impression there are fewer possibilities to choose from. For instance:

The fallacy of bifurcation (or the black-and-white fallacy) makes it appear as though there are only two choices. If x is false, it must mean that y is true.

Example: “You’re either completely evil, or completely good. Since you’re not completely evil, it must mean you’re completely good.”

Argumentum ad ignorantiam fallacy (the appeal to ignorance) uses the lack of proof to support its assertions.

Example: “There is no proof that God does not exist. Therefore, God exists.”

Fallacies of Intrusion

Contrary to fallacies of omission, fallacies of intrusion add certain elements to the argument in order to convince the listener. These additions are often irrelevant or emotionally based.

Argumentum ad hominem fallacy happens when you verbally attack a person in order to undermine their argument. Slander is often used, but critiquing the person’s circumstances (saying they may have selfish motives and want to climb up the social hierarchy, for instance) also applies.

Example: “You shouldn’t listen to what Lea says because she’s stupid. Plus, she only says all this because she wants to be the best in our class.”

Argumentum ad verecundiam fallacy relies on false authority to support one’s statements.

Example: “I know this type of diet will help me lose ten kilograms in one month because my favourite celebrity said so.”

RELATED READ: Metaphor vs. Personification

Fallacies with Built-in Assumptions

As the name suggests, this type of reasoning relies on one’s assumptions to create an argument. However, the assumptions themselves don’t hold enough weight to support the argument’s logic.

Is-ought fallacy moves from a descriptive statement “is” to a prescriptive statement “ought” without sufficient proof.

Example: “Humans have evolved to fight for survival. Therefore, we ought to always fight for survival.”

Appeal to human nature fallacy occurs when you use the idea of human nature to support your statements without clearly defining what human nature is.

Example: “It’s human nature to have enemies. Therefore, I did nothing wrong when I fought that man who supports a different football team.”

Casual Fallacies

Casual fallacies lie in the misunderstanding of cause and effect. For instance, if two things correlate, it does not necessarily mean one causes the other – but casual fallacies state precisely that.

Post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy translates from Latin as “after this, therefore because of this.” This is the assumption that because event B happened after event A, it must mean event A caused event B.

Example: “The price of ice cream skyrocketed after the new president had been elected. Therefore, the new president increased the price of ice cream.”

The slippery slope fallacy says that if one specific event happens, it will inevitably lead to a chain of disastrous events. This often evokes fear in listeners.

Example: “If you study English Literature, you’ll never find a job, will live a miserable life, and will become a spinster with eleven cats because no one will want to marry you.”

Conclusion

And there you have it! You now know what logical fallacies are, where they come from, how they are classified, and what some of the most well-known fallacies state.

Next, make sure to avoid them in your writing, especially in academic essays. In order to create sound arguments, rely on objective facts, previous evidence-supported research, and logical deduction.

If in doubt, consult the First Editing Blog for further advice.

The post Logical Fallacies: Definition and Examples appeared first on Firstediting.com.

The choice of names is important, and some thought should go into their selection. While you could scour a baby book, draw inspiration from everyday life and friends and family, there are some other considerations.

Names should make sense within the context of your story, fit the genre and time period you are writing about, be appropriate to the character’s actual role, and be unique and memorable. Let’s take a deep dive.

Importance of character names

Character names are important. They can assign a character personality through an odd or foreign name, make a person unique in the narrative with something unusual or quite common and lowly with the opposite, and be essential to the believability of the plot. For example, Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo, Yoda, Chewy and Darth Vader are excellent names for a sci-fi. They might not be such a good fit for a western or romance story, though.

Tips to name your characters

Here are some ideas for ways to choose your character’s names.

Determine their race and ethnicity: If you have a character with a particular ethnic identity, you will need to choose an appropriate name. Consider also that readers may assign identities to a character based on that name, so you might not use Yen or Lee for a Scottish character, unless, of course, they have Chinese ethnicity. Whereas McDonald or Campbell would fit perfectly as a surname.

Interests and personality: Names can be chosen to reflect a person’s key traits. So, a girl that’s a bit of a tomboy might work well with a name like Toby, whereas a very pretty girl might go better with Bella or Lily.

Name meanings: Many names carry a meaning that you can look up online or in a baby book. You may be able to use some of these that fit with the character’s personality, even if it’s very subtle for readers. You could also use the Latin or Greek origin for names, or other nationalities like Welsh or Spanish.

Famous names: Always be careful when using a name that also belongs to a well-known person. This may give the name a particular overtone that you may or may not intend. Elvis, Madonna, Adolf and Cher are just famous personalities whose name use you may wish to avoid, unless it makes for a good joke or theme in the story.

Consider a nickname: A nickname can be a useful tool in a story, particularly if only certain characters use it for that person, or in certain circumstances. Or perhaps the nickname is always used and only their full name in formal settings. Nicknames can also make a character seem more endearing and personal.

RELATED READ: Character Development: Definition and Tips

Don’t use similar names: Make sure all your main characters have quite different sounding names. Sally and Sam wouldn’t be a good combination, or Jane and Janet, or even names with a similar sound like Jack and George.

Sounds matter: Names with repetitious sounds or consonants can really jump off the page. Think of Severus Snape, Bilbo Baggins or Humbert Humbert make you think of. The first is severe, the second a bit bumbly, and perhaps the last of a professor?

The length of the name: The length of a name like Pip (Great Expectations, Charles Dickens) or Sam (The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien) may tell you a lot about them, being peppy and to the point, just as a very long name like Princess Natalia Dragomiroff (Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie) may tell you plenty as well with a title and a long, drawn out name.

What, where and when: These are important questions that will help you choose names that are appropriate to your story. This includes questions like, what is the genre, where does it take place, and when does it happen?

Test it: If you think you’ve found a good name, test it out. Use it in the plot, read it aloud, try it on family and friends. Does it fit your characterisation? Does it roll off the tongue? Can you live with it if you name your protagonist this way?

Examples

There are many wonderful names in literature from Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs, Thomas Harris) to Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl), Yuri Zhivago (Dr. Zhivago, Boris Pasternak), Sherlock Holmes (The Hound of the Baskervilles, Arthur Conan Doyle), and Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell).

Let’s take a look at a couple of these.

James Gatz and Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby, the iconic character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, was born James Gatz. While technically the same person, one name oozes charisma, wealth and mystique, and the other the ordinary circumstances into which he was born. Both characters have very different trajectories. They have the same dream of attaining wealthy, but it is Gatsby for whom that becomes a reality and he changes his name to sound more aristocratic. In this way, the choice or movement between the character’s names signifies this shift.

Ebenezer Scrooge

Charles Dickens’ stories brim with fantastic names and Scrooge, the main protagonist of his A Christmas Carol, is one of these. The cold-hearted miser despises Christmas and is presented with three spirits that form part of his redemption. To this day, the word scrooge is used in English to convey someone who is greedy and generally despises others.

Ichabod Crane

Washington Irving’s fictional character of Ichabod Crane, from his short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is such a fantastic sounding name, and yet it rolls off the tongue. In the story, he’s rather goofy in appearance but with rather gentleman-like manners and tastes, with strong beliefs in the supernatural. It seems to fit the name perfectly, although it is supposed Irving took the name from a military officer of the same name.

RELATED READ: Character Motivation: Types and Examples

The post 10 Tips to Effectively Choose Your Character Names appeared first on Firstediting.com.

No matter how amazing your writing is, there will always be space for improvement. But that’s what makes it so very exciting! With no ceiling to hit, you’re free to grow and hone your craft for as long as you live.

Read on to discover the best five tips for writing both fiction and non-fiction.

#1 Trust the Power of the First Draft

It is rare for the first draft to be perfect. In fact, many writers spend more time editing and rewriting than they do putting ideas down on the page.

And that’s okay! Your first draft is a rough version of the vivid stories unfolding in the vastness of your mind. Once the story is written down, you have all the time in the world to perfect it and make sure it meets your expectations.

If you dislike your first draft, don’t give up on it just yet. Think of all the potential hiding beneath the words.

In the end, it’s easier to work with something rather than nothing. So, keep going.

#2 Kill Your Darlings

Once your first draft is done, it’s time to take a step back. Redirect your thoughts to other aspects of life or start a new writing project. Let your work simmer.

Whilst taking a break for a few days is usually enough time when it comes to articles, novels need to be left alone for a while longer so that you can look at your text with a fresh pair of eyes.

After the waiting period’s over, put on your editing glasses. Be merciless. Cut down adverbs, adjectives, and words that tend to repeat throughout the text.

Your first draft was a crazy mess of passion, joy, and words coming alive before your eyes.

Your second draft is all about careful sculpting. And sometimes, this process requires you to “kill your darlings” and part with scenes that don’t bring enough value in order to create a bestseller.

RELATED READ: Five Essential Tips for Writing

#3 Build Your Iceberg of Knowledge

Unique ideas are not only fascinating to read but may also turn into groundbreaking pieces of literature. Take Virginia Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness technique or Elizabeth Acevedo’s use of slam poetry in The Poet X.

However, originality is but the peak of the iceberg. At its core, brilliant writing relies on a deep insight into the basic rules of storytelling.

If you’re writing a novel, research how the dramatic arc works (introduction, rise, climax, return or fall, catastrophe), read guides on how to divide your story into beats that keep the reader hooked (e.g., Save the Cat! Writes a Novel) and look into academic concepts that target narratology, such as Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth.

Non-fiction abides by slightly different principles, but the basic rules are the same – research the best tips for writing online articles, for instance, and follow them:

1. Craft an eye-catching headline
2. Use storytelling to make the text more engaging
3. Follow SEO rules to expand your reach
4. Deliver on your promises

he more you know, the better your work can be. Not to mention it gives you the opportunity to bring truly original ideas to the table!

#4 Writer’s Block Who?

Sometimes, writer’s block isn’t about writing at all.

It isn’t necessarily the act of writing you fear. It’s the process of sitting down, opening your laptop, and starting. In psychology, this is referred to as “activation energy” – the energy required to begin a task can be so overwhelming it becomes a hurdle that stops you in your tracks.

If you do overcome this stage, however, it is very likely you will soon get into the flow and enjoy your writing session.

Don’t feel obliged to write every single day (we are all different, after all), but bear in mind that writing as often as possible does help in alleviating your fear of starting, which in turn facilitates the forming of the habit.

Here are a few techniques you can try to start writing regularly:

Try writing sprints. Put the timer on for half an hour and get writing. You’re not allowed to stop until the timer goes off.

Apply the 2-Minute Rule. Tell yourself you will only write for two minutes, and if you want to stop after the two minutes are up, you’re free to do so. This decreases the overwhelming expectations you may put on yourself, making it easier to start. Once you do, there is a high likelihood you will keep writing.

Keep your momentum going. Set rules for yourself. You can skip one day, but not two days in a row. If you stick to this, writing will become a flexible yet powerful habit that grows stronger over time.

RELATED READ: Tips for writing a perfect first chapter

#5 Don’t Stop Experimenting

Writing is about the joy of discovery. Plant your characters in unexpected situations and follow their lead. Build entirely new worlds. Have a blast while shuffling words on the page until they finally click into place.

Working on a novel or a long text isn’t always fun, and it may even put a hamper on your mood if you only ever force yourself to focus on one project.

To become a better writer, keep the passion alive. Give yourself writing prompts. Craft short stories or poems. Take a short break from your WIP (work-in-progress) if it doesn’t spark the flame in you, and re-discover your love for writing in other ways.

Writing is hard work, but it should also be fun. Remember that.

Conclusion

Finally, one of the best tips for writing is to write, write, write and read, read, read.

Reading offers you incredible opportunities to analyze other authors’ writing styles and process the art of storytelling via osmosis. Writing is where you put this newfound knowledge to practice.

And in the end, practice makes perfect.

The post 5 Tips for Writing That Will Make You a Better Writer appeared first on Firstediting.com.

This begs the question – among all the different types of writers, which one are you?

Let’s have a look at six common writing styles and see if any of them resonate with you!

The PTP Writer: Paint the Picture

Be it rolling green hills, the delicate texture of chocolate, or the magnetic eyes of your character’s love interest, you adore describing all facets of your story to the reader.

The more detail, the better. After all, description is the link through which your ideas transfer into the mind of others, and if you paint the picture vividly enough, you and your reader may be exploring almost identical fictional landscapes.

Novels aren’t the only medium where descriptive writing can flourish, however. If you love portraying the universe in all its nuance through words, you may also enjoy having a go at poetry, song lyrics, or travel copywriting.

Example:

“The growing light revealed to them a land already less barren and ruinous. The mountains still loomed up ominously on their left, but near at hand they could see the southward road, now bearing away from the black roots of the hills and slanting westwards. Beyond it were slopes covered with sombre trees like dark clouds…” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

The Advocate

You thrive on persuasion, backing your claims with evidence, and spreading knowledge that can make a difference in the world.

If this sounds like you, you’re probably excellent at persuasive writing, which is the most common writing style used in non-fiction. Some examples of persuasive writing include:

• Self-help books
• Argumentative academic essays
• A column in a newspaper
• Activist or philosophical literature

Example:

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.” – James Clear, Atomic Habits

RELATED READ: Writing a Novel: 5 Things You Must Know

The Epic Writer

You grew up reading Greek mythology, elaborate high fantasy, or classics that made the ancient past dance before your eyes. You love escaping into worlds with a simpler yet more magical way of life and protagonists who overcome any obstacle thrown their way.

Epic writers use a narrative writing style (storytelling) to construct adrenaline-filled plots and send their characters on journeys fit for heroes. They often write in a grandiose or archaic tone that fully submerges the reader in the setting.

They’re at their very best when writing a novel.

Example:

“Death isn’t empty like you say it is. Emptiness is life without freedom, Darrow. Emptiness is living chained by fear, fear of loss, of death. I say we break those chains. Break the chains of fear and you break the chains that bind us to the Golds, to the Society. Could you imagine it?” – Pierce Brown, Red Rising

The Comedian

Narrative writing isn’t only about life-or-death scenarios – sometimes, you just want to make your reader laugh.

A writer of comedy embraces an entirely different style from those mentioned above; every sentence and situation is created to keep the humorous tone of the text intact, deliver brilliant punch lines, and comment on various aspects of our day-to-day life in a relatable and playful way.

Apart from rom-com books, you might also excel at writing plays, satire, or feuilletons.

Example:

“It struck me as pretty ridiculous to be called Mr. Darcy and to stand on your own looking snooty at a party. It’s like being called Heathcliff and insisting on spending the entire evening in the garden, shouting ‘Cathy’ and banging your head against a tree.” – Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones’s Diary

The No-Fluff-Zone Inhabitant

You waste no time. You’ve eradicated actually, just, and literally from your vocabulary. Adjectives and adverbs go next.

Expository writing is your forte. You focus on the fundamentals: what, where, when, who, and why. You answer questions. You don’t dilly-dally. First and foremost, writing serves to inform.

This writing style is most commonly used in manuals, textbooks, objective reporting, or FAQ copywriting.

Example:

“A textbook is a book containing a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining it. Textbooks are produced to meet the needs of educators, usually at educational institutions.” – Wikipedia

The Experimentalist

Fiction is your playground.

You’re not here to dazzle your readers with content only; it’s the formal aspects that fascinate you. How can you transcend the page? How will rearranging the words change the reader’s experience? And what happens if your character knows they’re fictional?

Metafiction is calling, and you’re happy to pick up the phone. Apart from writing metafictional novels, you might find slam poetry and experimental plays exhilarating.

Example:

“By telling you anything at all I’m at least believing in you, believe you’re there, I believe you into being. Because I’m telling you this story I will your existence. I tell, therefore you are.” – Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

RELATED READ: Is There a Formula for Writing Fiction?

How to Discover Your Own Style

While there are many different types of writers, your own style is what makes you unique.

Once you know what differentiates your writing from others, your work will catapult to new heights. Not to mention your readers might recognize you just from reading an opening line!

Don’t worry, you don’t need to come up with a new ground-breaking concept just to find your style – in its essence, a writing style can be a blend of:

• What you love
• What you’re great at
• What you’ve internalized through osmosis when reading other authors’ works

The best way to discover your writing style is to have a go at a writing exercise. Assign yourself three random words, and then attempt to create six different types of writing that feature those words:

• A description
• An essay expressing arguments or opinions
• An excerpt from a fantasy story
• A funny piece of fiction or non-fiction
• A report or a presentation
• A piece of work that plays with the constraints and possibilities of writing itself

If you feel none of these appeal to you, don’t forget there are multiple genres and styles you can explore yourself, such as using a stream of consciousness in literary fiction or educating children with the help of graphic novels.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. It is only when we step outside our comfort zone that we truly progress.

Conclusion

If you see yourself in one of the six types of writers described above, congratulations! Write regularly, work on your craft, and perfect your style.

If you’re still a bit unsure, don’t let yourself get discouraged; all it takes is some experimentation and the willingness to push forth. It may also help to
 get writing advice and see where it takes you.

Good luck, and above all – have fun writing!

The post 6 Types of Writers: Discover Your Style appeared first on Firstediting.com.