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In the world of writing, the quality of your prose can make or break your success as an author. With over 15 years of publishing experience, the insights shared in this article aim to elevate your writing and help you connect with readers on a deeper level. Here are 12 essential writing tips that often go unnoticed but can significantly enhance your storytelling.

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Key Takeaways

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• Skip unnecessary scenes that readers can easily imagine.
• Use strong, unexpected verbs to enhance engagement.
• Describe rather than explain to add depth.
• Slow down boring parts to enrich the narrative.
• Be specific; vague writing weakens your prose.
• Balance hope and despair for tension.
• Create characters with deep yearnings.
• Embrace contradictions in character development.
• Edit rigorously to eliminate excess words.
• Introduce unexpected elements for surprise.
• Constantly ask how to make your writing more interesting.

Skip Unnecessary Scenes

One of the first tips is to skip scenes that the reader can imagine. If a reader can easily visualise what’s happening, there’s no need to labour over every detail. Focus on the pivotal moments that drive the story forward and cut out the fluff.

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Use Strong Verbs

Next, consider the power of strong verbs. Using unexpected and vivid verbs can transform your writing from mundane to exciting. Avoid relying on weak verbs like "is" or "to be"; instead, opt for more dynamic choices that create a visceral experience for the reader.

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Describe, Don’t Explain

The age-old adage of "show, don’t tell" can be better articulated as describe, don’t explain. When you describe, you add layers and depth to your narrative, whereas explanations can often feel flat and uninspiring.

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Slow Down Boring Parts

If you find your story dragging, instead of speeding it up, slow it down. Give your readers more richness and depth to engage with. This allows them to immerse themselves in the world you’ve created.

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Be Specific

Specificity is key. Vague writing tends to weaken your narrative. Instead, focus on specific details that make your text more vivid and engaging. This not only enhances the reader's experience but also strengthens your storytelling.

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Balance Hope and Despair

In your scenes, find the push and pull of hope and despair. Without despair, hope lacks tension, and without hope, despair can feel stagnant. Balancing these elements creates a more compelling narrative.

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Create Yearning Characters

Characters should not merely have goals; they should yearn for something deeply. This yearning drives their actions and makes them more relatable and compelling to the reader. The more engaging your characters, the more invested your readers will be.

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Embrace Character Contradictions

Don’t shy away from character contradictions. These complexities make characters more realistic and interesting. Reflect the intricacies of real people in your character development to create a richer narrative.

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Edit Rigorously

Learn to edit rigorously. Use the fewest words possible to convey your message. This not only strengthens your writing but also makes it stand out. Remember, less is often more.

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Introduce Unexpected Elements

Incorporate unexpected elements into your writing. This artistic incongruity adds surprise and depth, hooking the reader’s attention. When something doesn’t quite fit, it can create intrigue and keep readers engaged.

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Constantly Ask How to Improve

Finally, throughout your writing process, ask yourself, "How can I make this more interesting?" This mindset will help you refine every aspect of your writing, from details to character development.

By implementing these tips, you can elevate your writing and create stories that resonate with readers. Remember, the journey of writing is continuous, and there’s always room for improvement. Happy writing!