RICHARD JAMES
MyTop Tips For Writing A Page Turner!
People say everyone has a book in them. Well, turns out I have 17... and counting! I've been writing scifi and historical fiction for a good few years now, but there are some tips that apply to every book, no matter what the subject. These are just my ideas, it doesn't mean to say that you'll agree or that there aren't many more!
• Leave them wanting more! It's an adage I've been used to in the world of acting - the idea that you should always leave your audience wanting to see more of you, or in the case of writing books, wanting to turn the page. But how?
New chapters are the perfect place to re-engage your reader. It could be with a change of pace or place, or introducing another character. But, don't forget that a new chapter comes off the back of the previous chapter, and that should be a springboard. Chapter endings should leave the reader wanting - no, having - to read on. Having a proper 'out' is paramount.
The same principle applies within chapters, too. How can you compel your reader to read the next paragraph, or even the next line? Experiment! It's for you to find out.
• Choose characters that your reader will want to spend time with, then put them through Hell. Be cruel to your babies. The hero's journey is a well worn path in literature - for a reason. Readers will love to follow your antagonists through difficult times.
• Write what you know. Generally, the best ideas will come from your authentic self. Use your experiences to flesh out your characters and inform your plots. That doesn't mean every story should be about you and your life, that would be too limiting (unless you've led an extraordinary life). It means that there are traits and characteristics that are universal, whether you're writing about a Victorian detective haunted by his past, or a space freighter captain on a quest to defeat the evil Zargons (and I've written both).
Research is key. If you want to put yourself in the shoes of another character, ask yourself; what is their life like? What sort of world do they inhabit? How do they react to the people and environment around them? Get to know them intimately, then you will be truly writing what you know.
• If you're excited to write, your reader will be excited to read. If you're bored with your book, so your reader will be too. If it's a rollercoaster ride, giving you palpitations as you write, they'll be breathless. If you can't help but write the next line, the next paragragh, the next chapter, your enthusiasm will leap from the page.
• Make it a series. I know, I know. Writing one book is hard enough, but readers love a series! They love discovering new characters - and new writers - they can engage with over many books. If you're self-publishing, hold back a while until you've written the next book (and maybe even the next), so you can hook your readers with the promise of more to come.
• Write something every day. I know that might be hard if you've got a job to hold down too, but even writiing 500 words a day will give you a full length novel in 6 months. A thousand words a day means you can write 4 in a year!
