on Just Publishing Advice:

Writing tips for new fiction authors

If you are new to writing and in particular, creative writing, there are a few typical pitfalls to avoid.

Two of the most common traps for new authors when they start fiction writing are to narrate too much and to overuse the passive voice.

These two mistakes make it impossible to adopt the golden rule of fiction writing, with is to show, don’t tell.

In other words, allow the characters thoughts and actions show the reader what is happening. Don’t fall into the trap of letting the narration or the selection of writing elements, tell the reader.

A reader doesn’t want explanations. A reader wants to understand, empathise, sympathise and be drawn into the story.

No matter what type of story you write, if you are an aspiring writer and plan to become a published author, you want to create a one that will hold a reader’s interest.

Yes, you need solid writing skills, but if you want to write a good story, it all starts with a good story structure.

Here are four simple tips on how to write a story.