How to Master Fiction Writing and Storytelling Techniques

Fiction writing can be both an art and a science. Your writing may be good but how about making it great? Follow these how to master fiction writing tips to improve and become a more proficient fiction writer.

I have developed this ultimate guide to mastering fiction through tips that will help you embrace storytelling techniques and use them to your advantage. By breaking down the fundamental elements of fiction writing, you can engage your readers and have more eyes on your books.

Understanding Storytelling Techniques

Storytelling techniques are essential, they can transform a plot from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some key techniques to consider:

1. The Hook: This technique is exactly what is says - your reader becomes hooked into your story from the beginning. A compelling hook can be a situation where the reader needs to know more, a conflict between the main characters, or introducing a character that readers immediately relate to.

   
   

2. Show, Don’t Tell: This phrase confuses many authors because you have to do some 'telling' in your story. What it actually means is - Don't tell too much. You need a combination of showing and telling. For instance, as you tell your story include the showing elements of actions, dialogue, feelings, and setting. Eg: Molly was sad. This is telling. But writing - "Fat, wet tears fell down Molly's face as she moaned and mourned her loss." Writing it in this way shows your reader exactly how Molly is feeling.

   
   

3. Character Development: Your characters will drive your story, so they are an important element, make them readable. Use backstories, motivations, and conflicts to make them relatable. Readers should feel like they know your characters and feel invested in their journeys.

   
   

In my debut novel, which was published in 2019, I needed to do more character development. I am now better at doing this as I have researched and read tips on how to develop characters readers relate to.

1. Setting the Scene: This means show your reader the world your characters inhabit. Use descriptive words and bring the setting to life. In my fantasy stories, I use realism with some magical, futuristic or dystopian tropes to set the scene. Even in fantasy, the setting should have a semblance of being real.

   
   

2. Conflict and Resolution: Readers want to be entertained and want to keep reading as long as there is interesting conflict between characters. As you bring your story to life create obstacles and challenge your characters to reach a resolution. Don't make it too easy for them, add twists and turns, bring in another villain, or add elements of surprise.

   
   

Using these storytelling techniques will allow you to craft stories readers will want to read again and again. These tips may help you attract readers to all of your stories, meaning you sell more books.

Character Creation That Excites Readers

An interesting character is at the heart of your story. Make your readers want your main character to succeed and to do this your character needs to be memorable. Readers will want to engage with the story more when you have a strong character or characters.

1. Backstory: We all have a past that shapes who we are. This is no different for your characters. Layers are what add depth to your characters' lives, make them multi-faceted and bring them to life.

   
   

2. Flaws and Strengths: Humans are flawed beings. There isn't one of us that is perfect. Your characters will have flaws to make them interesting and how they deal with these flaws pushes the story along. Maybe they learn how to turn a flaw into a strength? Explore how this could happen.

   
   

3. Relatable Goals: What does your character want? Make sure their goals resonate with the audience. If readers can relate to a character’s aspirations, they will be more invested in their journey.

   
   

Your characters' journeys will add to the overall narrative of your story. Make the relationships believable and intertwine romances and rivalries with these friendships to push your story along.

This is Book 2 of my Edward's Cat Trilogy. In this series my characters don't always get it right, they have flaws they need to deal with.

Your Plot and How to Structure It

A plot is also an important part of your story, it makes up the events of your narrative and how your characters deal with these events. It is the how and why of what happens. Here is a suggested structure of how your plot could work -

1. Exposition: The first part of your story introduces your characters, the world they are in and the initial conflict. By doing this, you set the scene for what is to come.

   
   

2. Set the Action: By building tension along with complications and obstacles, you will lead your reader to the climax of your story. This action sets up challenges for your characters to overcome.

   
   

3. Climax: This is the where your main character meets their biggest challenge, it is where your story turns towards an ending that (hopefully) satisfies your readers. And you as the author, of course.

   
   

4. Falling Action: This this how you satisfy your reader with a resolution to the climax, make it believable for the setting and your character's personality. Build up to the ending with the mood of the story continuing in a positive mode. The resolution needs to fit in with your story.

   
   

5. Resolution: Leave your reader feeling satisfied with the ending. Some authors are tempted to leave endings open-ended, but unless you are able to do this well, I would suggest leaving this alone, it could end in disaster. Your reader's satisfaction is more important if you want them to buy more of your books.

   
   

Implementing a well-structured plot is one of the best practical fiction writing tips for both beginners and seasoned writers alike.

Edit Like a Pro

Even before you send your manuscript out to an editor, polish it up with your own editing first. You will want to look at grammar, spelling, ensure your story is clear and has impact, and check for any timeline issues. Something I like to do is read my story out loud, this helps with checking dialogue - does it sound natural to your characters, would they say it that way? Here's a few tips to help you:

1. Take a Break: You've completed your first draft, which is great. Now, set it aside and take a break. Take as long as you need, for me it can be weeks or months depending on my deadline.

   
   

2. Read Aloud: I mentioned reading your manuscript out loud above, and it will help you to find any stop/start sentences, anything out of sequence or issues with your pacing.

   This is also a good time to take breaks because reading 80,000+ words or more is tiring. I find after three hours it's time for a break and I usually don't go back to editing until the next day.

   
   

3. Revise Ruthlessly: An important part of editing is to delete anything that isn't working, if it isn't pushing the story along, cut it. This may sound ruthless, but it is necessary to make the next draft more engaging.

   
   

4. Seek Feedback: Once you are happy with what you have written, share your manuscript with a trusted friend, your writing group (if you're not a part of one, I recommend you join one in your area), or beta readers. Having another set of eyes on your words will also make your next draft better.

   
   

Editing can be a taxing process, especially if you decide to kill a darling (a character you like but isn't adding to the story). Editing effectively will make your story more readable as well as keeping your readers engaged.

Keep at Your Craft

Writing is a craft and there will not be a time when you won't be learning because a craft is always changing and evolving. From your first story to your last, there will always be room for improvement. Use these tips to help you improve:

1. Read Widely: It is a good idea to read out of your comfort zone, don't stick to your favourite genre. Each genre will be filled with different ideas you can use to inspire your stories.

   
   

2. Workshops and Courses: When I began my writing career, I studied to become a copywriter, which does help you to be an author ... eventually. I say this because long form writing is different to short ads, PR copy or corporate writing. Once I became an author, I took creative writing courses and became a member of writing groups offering workshops. It pays to learn new techniques and from others' experience.

   
   

3. Study Storytelling: With all the streaming channels available today, we have any number of movies or series we can analyse. Think about techniques used, are you engaged in the story, is it believable, and does the story fit the genre? If the story engages you, then the techniques used are worth thinking about when you're writing.

   
   

4. Network with Other Writers: Join writing groups (as already mentioned). I found this so valuable as meeting other writers and interacting with them on a regular basis really does help you to be a better writer. Good friendships are made, you learn from each other by sharing advice and tips, and celebrate each other's successes.

   
   

I do hope you can use some of these tips on how to master fiction writing and storytelling techniques because by continuously learning and implementing new skills, you'll evolve as a writer and storyteller.

Happy writing

Maria P Frino