Fiction Writing Tips from a Professional Editor

I wanted to say a few words to help you out on your writing journey. After working with many writers and creatives, this is what I’ve learned:

I see many, many people wondering if their story fits into a certain genre, structure, or archetype. The very first thing you need to keep in mind is that you’re your story’s primary reader, no matter what. Put your heart into it and create something you enjoy and I’m sure there’ll be at least one person who will feel the love and energy you’ve put into your work. Now, not everyone does it commercially, and even if you do, if you treat it as a passion project first and foremost, you’ll always be happy no matter the final say.

Second, everyone has a different opinion and critique on story. I’ve worked on projects I’ve not had much interest in, but I always try to push out the voice and vision of the work. My point is stories aren’t plot, character, world building, or power systems, they are an emotional expression and those factors are only pillars and a guide to expressing the message you have to say. So, always focus on emitting emotion.

Third, now this may be a bit of a personal one, but writer’s block does not exist. Like any skill, your mind needs to rest. Distract yourself with another craft or hobby, or perhaps if you’re working let the idea mingle in your head and excite yourself for writing it at night. Even Einstein needed to space himself, so you’re normal for however you feel.

Fourth, how this one is a bit technical, but I would recommend understanding your world. Not everything needs to go into the story, but if you understand it — whether you’re a plotter or pantser — your mind will have a natural feel for what you want to depict on page. Also, you do not have to heavily rely on an outline if you’re not feeling it at the moment, allow yourself to be surprised, and I’m sure the reader will be too.

Fifth, following up on the previous point, writing is free. It can be random, chaotic, philosophical, but essentially it is a release. But it a type of relaxation where it’s actually productive. So just pat yourself in the back, because you made something. And that alone is something to enjoy. Find the freedom to write what you want and what makes you happy. And as Brandon Sanderson would say it, loosely, follow the epicness first. If it doesn’t work out, you or an editor can always fix it, but if the right emotion is there it’ll work out.

Sixth, I personally encourage you to find a style of your own. I think when we write, we should try to bring out an essence which only the written medium can represent. Words have weight and you do not have to wait. And like any fantasy, we experiment with words and worlds, and so keep yourself open to all ideas, but of course, narrow them down. Don’t try everything at once but space them between books or chapters and find your rhythm.

Seven, this is a big one. You do not have to read other works. Yes, I said it. But I truly believe, if you have a story to tell, it’s going to come out just fine. Of course, reading will give you the perspectives and insights into how to bring out certain concepts and ideas better, but the core comes from you, and if your idea has that luster, your mind will muster, and eventually master. On a side note, please do not take this as advice to dismiss reading, the point is to find what works for you, during the time you have available.

Eight, another piece of advice is to not focus on what you’re writing. Counter intuitive? Let me explain. Many mystery stories have focused on the mystery and mystery alone. I think such a plot feels flat once the mystery has subsided. So from my perspective, the mystery should only be secondary and the character’s motives as a whole should come first or another story that flows along really leads to a development within the world and the mystery should act as an antagonist to that story. Essentially, let your genre or world, be swapped for any others and if the story still flows then it works. If the mystery story is even better after the mystery is revealed because it gives the characters even more weight, then you’ve done a good job!

I hope this helped. I hope this allows you to take it a bit easier. Just know that, if you’re feeling stuck, you can just write it down. Put your mind got the page. And then absorb back the thought of positivity and that you can write. I think as writers, we have to be grateful for such a gift. We’re so absorbed by the visual and virtual media, but at the heart of every piece of art, there are words.

You are a creative. You are a philosopher. You are an entrepreneur. And it’s okay to be you, because you are normal. You are you.

These were my fundamental two cents on the topic, which I tried to say in a way that anyone could apply to their work and mindset. I really enjoy working with the people I do. It’s a real passion constructing words and bringing out their visions, and it’s surreal how meaningful they find the work. So, if anybody needs help, you can always reach out to me.