[found on helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com; by K.M. Weiland]
“Twenty-five ways to write an awesome book:
1. Hook readers with a strong first chapter that doesn’t waste time.
2. Create a sympathetic and/or entertaining character.
3. Give the character a strong goal.
4. Obstruct the character’s goal with equally strong opposition.
5. Create a theme that arises from the character’s inner conflict.
6. Craft a strong plot with proper structure.
7. Do your research and get your facts straight.
8. Expunge unnecessary scenes, settings, and characters.
9. Balance action and character with properly structured scene/sequel pairings.
10. Write realistic, entertaining dialogue.
11. Maintain a consistent POV.
12. Create original and entertaining voices for narrating characters.
13. Tighten descriptions with more strong verbs and nouns and fewer modifiers.
14. Show more than you tell.
15. Dig deep for original ideas and turns of phrase.
16. Properly foreshadow your climax—without giving away any big reveals.
17. Build realistic and engaging settings.
18. Add only meaningful subplots.
19. When you build tension—always fulfill it.
20. Create a dynamic arc of growth for your character.
21. Add interesting minor characters who can power the plot forward.
22. Choose the right tone to enhance your plot and theme.
23. Rock readers with a climax that fulfills all their desires for the story.
24. Don’t tie off all the loose ends in your story’s ending.
25. Proofread, proofread, proofread.”
For more excellent tips from K.M. Weiland, click here.
Editing Addict, LLC 