a guide for writers

Silver Scrolls

A guide for writers, particulary beginners, for help with creating characters, avoiding clichés, building worlds, constructing a plot and whatever else I can think of to add later.  Hope this helps.

Set around the Fantasy genre.

April - I've made some early progress on Clichés and would like your questions.  I also hope to have Minor Characters started this month and to get working on the rest of the topics in the Characters section.

1.  Show don't tell.  E.g. 'David clenched his fist and slammed it into a wall' not 'David was angry'.

2.  Use active not passive voice.

3.  Don't constantly use synonyms for the word 'said'.  It's an invisible word unlike 'remarked', 'cried' or 'murmured'.  Once in a while is fine, great even, but not every single time.

4.  Avoid purple prose.

5.  Keep viewpoints clear.

6.  Read dialogue aloud.

7.  Write now, edit later.

8.  Read, read, read.

9.  Don't aim for perfection.  It's unreal, unattainable and will give you a headache.  Do your best and be proud.

10.  And never give up!