How to Write Fiction - How to Write a Story that Comes Alive

Here you'll find a step-by-step guide on how to write a story, including answers to these Frequently Asked Questions:

• How can I write vivid descriptions?
• How can I invent characters that feel like real people?
• How can I create suspense?
• How can I can I make readers care about my stories?

You will also find answers to some Infrequently Asked Questions::

• What did one successful novelist do instead of murdering her ex-husband?
• How is writing a novel too soon like getting married too young?
• What's a really bad strategy for convincing people you're super-cool?
• Do you hear voices in your head? If not, what should you do about it?

Free Fiction Writing Course: ENDLESS STORY IDEAS

This free 3-day online writing course will show you techniques to find new creative writing ideas whenever you need them.

How to Write a Story - Contents

1- Types of Fiction - Which One You Should Write. Do you want to be a short story writer, a novelist, a novella-ist? Is novella-ist even a word? Learn about the types of fiction and which one might be right for you. 

2- What is Fiction and an Easy Technique for Writing Better Stories. What is fiction, and how is it like dreaming? A discussion of where story ideas come, plus an incredibly simple way to improve your imagination and your writing.

3- How to Write Fiction that Feels Real - The Secrets of Showing Versus Telling. Find out how to write fiction that makes readers feel like they’re inside your stories. Learn essential techniques for developing scenes and creating an intense reader experience.

4.1- Fiction-Writing Tips - Create Characters Your Readers will Care about. Tips for inventing characters and turning them into stories. Learn the number one secret to creating stories and novels that people will care about.

4.2- Questionnaires for Writing Character Profiles . Writing character profiles is an easy way to invent characters and to come up with story ideas. Use these helpful questionnaires to get started.

5- What is Plot - How to Build a Story from Beginning to End. What is plot? It’s what happens in a story, and the order it happens in. Learn the basics of story structure. How to create a narrative conflict and why your fiction will die if you don’t.

6- The Story Climax – How to Make Your Fiction More Exciting. Have you ever read a book you just couldn’t put down? Learn what a story climax is and how to write a story that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats.

7- How to Write Short Stories from Inside Your Character's Head. What's the best way to tell your story? All about narrative point of view, plus tips to help you avoid common creative writing mistakes.

7.1- How to Show Your Characters' Thoughts. Learn how to express your characters' thoughts and feelings, and use our Character Reaction Questionnaire to get to know your characters better.

8.1- How to Write Dialogue that Works. Find out how to write dialogue that your readers can actually hear in their minds. How to express each character’s unique voice and avoid boring blah-blah-blah.

8.2- More on Writing Dialogue. Essentials of writing dialogue tags and using dialogue in your fiction. Important dos and don’ts to avoid confusing or distracting your readers.

9- Tips for Writing a Story - Control Your Reader's Imagination with Powerful Descriptions. How to write a story with the specific details that help your readers imagine scenes exactly the way you want them to.

10- Writing Websites - Useful Resources Online. Here are some websites where you can learn more about specific genres and aspects of fiction writing.