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Here are some pointers to remember when you're
writing. If you have some writing tips of your own, please send
them in. I'll post them up on TSD.
The Interest Factor
These days, most people have an attention span
of about 1 to 2 minutes. So its important to grab the reader's attention in the first
4 or 5 paragraphs. If you don't, then forget about people reading your
story. They'll just read something else.
If you watch movies, you'll
notice that the first 10 minutes almost always start with a
cliff-hanger scene. Then afterwards do they really dive into the
storyline.
Be Creative!
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There's absolutely no point in reading a
story if its about something you've read before. So use your
imagination and write about something that's actually interesting and
original. It
could be about a dream you had, an unique experience
you've been through.
Use proper writing
implements
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If you can't type very fast, then don't use
a computer to type up your first draft. You want to get your train of
thought down before you lose it. Usually, I have a bunch of episodes
running around my head just dying to become text. I can type pretty
fast, but usually I lose some of the great ideas I had before.
If you're like me, then get a verbal-text program. So whatever you
say will instantly become text on-screen! You'll spend less of your
time on typing and more on thinking.
Grammar and Spelling
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Good grammar and spelling is essential in
writing stories. You don't want to sound stupid or give your readers a
difficult time trying to decipher what you're trying to say.
Character Development
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Make your characters lively
and believable. Good stories are often further enhanced with rich
character personality. Shakespeare was an excellent writer because his
characters weren't one-sided. They made jokes, they betrayed, they
performed unnecessary acts, they showed emotion, etc. Always try to
incorporate real human behaviors and attitudes into your characters.
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