Crossing the Finish Line

Writing fiction takes more than just creativity and passion, even though these are vital elements.

Sure, it helps to have a good grip of your chosen language and grammar, but these are not showstoppers in the initial draft.

Style is important. Writers and Authors differ. Some are more descriptive than others – others are more attuned to dialogue, and some find a respectable balance.

Writers also write in separate parts of their storyline, in lengthy chapters or (as I do), in short chapter format.

Regardless of style, my advice to new writers, is to play by their own rules – create and choose a style that they are comfortable with and, if they decide that it needs to change, do so. Whatever works best for them.

Plotting can be the key but again, this differs amidst the plethora of writers today. For example, a writer may map out an outline that steps them through each chapter and scenes within the chapter. This can help define characters within the plot and make sure there is consistency and flow.

Some writers choose to start and wander aimlessly and still finish with a novel with which they are content. They may need a lot more time in the ‘author editing’ phase.

Personally, whether it is good or bad, I always know my start and end. I never lose sight of the finish for which I am heading.

Like style, this becomes a personal preference and again, is what is most comfortable for the writer.

Characters and character development can also be points of difference amongst the writing fraternity.

How much detail and description an author puts into their characters, is up to the individual writer. Many put a lot of effort into description including characters, persona, background scenery, terrain, locations – this inherent in their writing style.

I have known some writers to use different coloured index cards and shuffle them around to name characters, their physical appearance, persona, ethnicity and, where they fit into the overall plot.

In my novel, The Letters, I described a surgeon as ‘…five foot nothing. His face was as creased as a rumpled, unironed shirt… in contrast, he bore a bald head as smooth as a baby’s bottom.’

By way of interest, some readers who posted reviews, wanted to know more background on two of the key characters. They were not main protagonists, but I had written enough to spark interest in them.

A lesson learnt – always put yourself in the shoes of the reader. After all, they are your target audience.

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