How to Write an Actually Interesting Story (And Perhaps Publish It!)

Do you like to write stories? Do you ever wish you could write your very own book and publish it?

If you do, then this is for you.

Your beautiful brain!

If you want to write your drafts on paper, then get a pencil and paper. I would recommend typing it, though, because it goes by quicker and it's honestly easier. It also hurts your hand less! (Though it does hurt your hands too.)

Think of a story with a plot, characters, problem, and solution. Then write a table of contents to help you as you write. Break each chapter into 3 sections: beginning, middle, end. If you add anything else, it'll get confusing.

Set a word count. I would suggest anything under 450 words. It needs to be quick. You have to do it every day. The bare minimum is to write half a page a day.

You have a story. You have a plot. (Kinda). Now you need a sturdy character.

If you have trouble choosing a name, go to baby name websites/books.

For my stories, I want the name meanings to match the character's personality or the story plot.

(Ex: Mara means bitter, rude)

If you need a personality, look at this chart. It will help you choose a personality type!

Some character creating tips are:

-Avoid perfection! If your character is too perfect, it's too boring and bland. Add some personality and brightness to them.

-Internal conflict is crucial to a lot of plots. The character has to have some type of past trauma.

-Give them unique habits to have them stand out from other characters.

-Establish relationships with other characters.

-What is their weakness? (ex. a person, place, item, memory, physical pain, etc.)

-What is their OVERALL desire/motivation?

Beethoven: If you have an idea, write it down somewhere so you don't forget!

Micheal Malice: "Don't edit when you write!"

Stephan King: “kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” (Which basically means to kill off your beloved characters)

George Orwell: Write short sentances!

Anton Chekhov: "Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass." (Use description words to paint a picture in your reader's minds.)

Zadie Smith: Turn off your internet to stop distractions. Concentrate on your writing.

Neil Gaiman: "When someone tells you something is wrong with your writing, they're usually right. When they tell you how to fix it, they're almost always wrong."

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your book!!!