Top Techniques for Beginner Writers: Crafting Compelling Stories

Writing stories can be a deeply rewarding hobby, whether it's for personal enjoyment or as a profession. As a beginner, you might be wondering what techniques you can employ to write compelling stories. Let's explore some invaluable tips from experienced writers, learn from a real-world example, and discuss actionable steps to improve your craft.

Read, Read, Read

The first and foremost advice from experienced writers is to read extensively. Reading exposes you to different genres, styles, and techniques, which can serve as a foundation for your own writing. Here are a few elements you can focus on:

Strive to develop your prose. Your writing should flow naturally and be engaging. Experiment with various genres and styles. This will expand your repertoire and make you a versatile writer. Pay attention to the stylistic choices that make a story compelling. This step will help you develop a 'musical ear' for writing.

Key Tip: Don’t restrict yourself to a single genre or style. Keeping an arsenal of techniques at your disposal will make you a more well-rounded writer.

Write, Write, Write

Practice is critical to improving your writing skills. Regular writing helps you refine your craft and builds muscle memory for the writing process. Here are some steps you can take:

Apply what you’ve learned while reading. Make note of areas where you can improve and apply those lessons to your own writing. Seek feedback from peers or writing groups. Critiquing each other's work can provide valuable insights and motivate you to improve. Consistently submit your work to editors or publications. Even if your work is not accepted, the feedback you receive can be incredibly constructive.

Key Tip: Be prepared for honest feedback. Constructive criticism can be tough, but it is crucial for growth as a writer.

Observe, Experience, and Reflect

In addition to reading widely, experience and observation play critical roles in developing your writing.

Observe the world around you. Use your observations to create authentic and original stories. Authenticity is key to engaging readers. Engage in experiences that can enrich your writing. For example, if your story revolves around scuba diving, go scuba diving yourself. This firsthand experience will add depth to your writing. Watch movies, TV series, and art to understand how emotions and messages are conveyed. Use these insights to develop your storytelling and character development skills.

Key Tip: Experiential learning is invaluable. Authentic experiences can lend a genuine touch to your writing.

Expert Advice: Writing Excuses Podcast

For even more guidance, consider listening to the Writing Excuses podcast. Featuring insights from notable authors like Brandon Sanderson, this podcast offers a wealth of valuable advice on storytelling and writing techniques.

A Historical Perspective: A Writer's Journey

Reading the experiences of other writers can provide inspiration and insights. Consider the journey of a writer who sent their first story to The Saturday Evening Post:

“I sent my first story to The Saturday Evening Post when I was about 12, ca. 1949. They sent it back with a rejection slip and a note that an editor had hand written: 'Nice first try! Read the Post and learn the kind of stories we like. Good luck!' I valued that note. They took me seriously. It was professional feedback. The magazines don’t do that any more. On their submissions page they say something like 'If you haven’t heard back in six weeks we are not interested.'”

This example highlights the importance of perseverance and learning from feedback. No matter where you submit your work, use the feedback as a stepping stone to improve your craft.

Final Words of Wisdom

Lee Kawi once mentioned a New Yorker cartoon where a man was glowering in his chair, and his wife told a friend: 'They not only rejected what he submitted, but anything else he might write in the future.' This was a serious setback for that writer, but it underscores the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and pushing through rejection.

So, keep writing, keep submitting, and keep improving. Good luck on your writing journey!