Writing a book is something many people dream of doing. Some aspire to write a gripping thriller, while others want to create a personal memoir or a how-to in their field of expertise. For just about everyone, the question of how to write a book in the first place is a common stumbling block.
When asked in an interview how he wrote his books, Stephen King famously replied, ’One word at a time’. And as simple as this sounds, it’s true. Writing a book is a lot like running a marathon, it requires stamina, perseverance and commitment - and putting one foot (or word) in front of the other until you reach the finish line.
But there are a few tips and tricks when it comes to planning, organising and writing a book that will help you get started on the right foot. Here we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you bring your book into the world.
1. Find your big idea
The first step in how to write a book is to define your big idea.
You need an idea compelling enough to hold the reader’s attention over the course of an entire book.
Why are you writing this book? Who are your readers? Is your idea really book-worthy? If it’s a non-fiction book, what questions will it answer or problems will it solve?
Remember though that your big idea also needs to be simple enough to be explained in a couple of sentences or a short synopsis. This will also help you with your ‘elevator pitch,’ when you find yourself in the lift with your dream publisher and need to tell them what your book is about on the spot.
2. Make a time and place to write
Developing a daily writing habit and a schedule you can stick to is essential to writing (and finishing) your book. So it’s important to set aside a time and a place to write each day.
A few things to consider:
- When are you most productive — are you an early bird or a night owl?
- Where will you write each day?
By establishing a dedicated time and place to write, you’ll find it much easier to get into a writing routine. Once you’re in the habit of writing every day, you’ll be well on your way.
3. Choose your writing tools
A book can quickly become an unwieldy beast once you’ve clocked up a few thousand words. Unless you’re planning to write your book by hand, using software designed for the purpose of long-form writing can save you a lot of trouble further down the track.
Scrivener is a popular choice for authors thanks to features that help you:
- Organise your work into chapters
- Create a detailed outline
- Export the finished manuscript for submission or self-publishing
Or you can keep it simple with Microsoft Word or write from anywhere with Google Docs, which is great for sharing your work with first readers and editors.
4. Eliminate distractions
The next step in how to write a book involves atmosphere. Writing requires focus and that means avoiding the distractions of TV or Netflix, scrolling social media or disappearing down internet rabbit holes under the guise of ‘research.’ There are plenty of productivity apps that can help keep you on track if your willpower is having a wobble.
The Tomato Timer, also known as the Pomodoro Method, is particularly useful for doing short sprints if you’re having trouble getting in the zone. You can also try disconnecting from the internet altogether while you’re working to help remove temptation.
5. Set word count targets
While different genres of books tend to require different lengths, your average book, be it fiction or nonfiction, runs to about 85,000 words. By setting a daily word count target, you can break down the daunting task of writing that many words into bite-size chunks.
Aim to write 1,000 words a day, or about two pages.
This is a realistic and achievable goal for most people - and if you can stick to this rhythm, your book will begin to take shape in no time.
Annual global events like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), where participants strive to write 50,000 words in 30 days (a minimum of 1,667 words a day) can also help provide the impetus you need.
You can track your progress, set milestones and connect with other writers all working towards the same goal — finishing their books.
6. Outline your book
If you’re tackling writing a book for the first time, writing an outline is recommended. Think of it as a roadmap or blueprint for your book.
An outline gives you an overview of your book as well as a detailed breakdown of the story or content in each chapter, giving you actionable steps to follow so you can stay on course.
While some might argue that an outline can be a bit of a creativity killer, the truth is that knowing exactly what’s coming up next means you have a clear vision of where you’re going and you’re less likely to suffer from writer’s block.
If you’re writing fiction, you’ll need to also give some thought to the story structure you’re going to use.
7. Writing the first draft
Now for the most important part of how to write a book: the writing itself.
The first draft is simply about writing your book from beginning to end as quickly as possible.
While it might be tempting, don’t edit as you go. Editing at this early stage will only slow you down until you’re lost in the details, and you’ll never get past the first chapter. Building momentum here is key in order to reach the finish line so focus on getting the story or concept of your book down first.
If you hit a wall or get stuck, simply jump ahead to a different section and come back to that part later. It’s important to keep in mind that your final, finished manuscript may end up bearing little resemblance, if any, to this rough first draft. A lot can (and usually does) happen in the second and third drafts. But you can’t edit and refine something that hasn’t yet been written, so get cracking.
Says author Shannon Hale, “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that I can build castles.”
8. The marathon of the middle
Every writer starts out writing their book full of enthusiasm and optimism, only to hit the joyless middle stretch. The middle of the book is typically where both the writer and the reader lose interest and the dreaded ‘writer’s block’ often strikes. It’s also the point where the majority of wanna-be writers give up.
The best tactic for getting through the seemingly endless expanse of the middle? A plan.
This is where your detailed outline will be worth its weight in gold, because you’ll have already mapped out how to persevere through this part before you start writing it. Your outline will be the map that safely guides you through to the other side. So if you haven’t taken the time yet to create one, go back to step six and start outlining.
9. Kill your darlings
Once you have finished your first draft (and performed a happy dance for an unspecified length of time) give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back and then put the draft aside.
Stick it in a drawer and take a break from it for a few weeks.
Allow your mind to be preoccupied with other projects and ideas.
Taking a break will enable you to come back and edit your first draft with fresh eyes and a new perspective. With a little distance, you’ll be able to see the wood for the trees and, more importantly, be ruthless.
The hardest part about editing and rewriting your own work is having to kill your darlings, all those brilliant lines that just don’t quite fit. Second, third and fourth drafts are all about honing, trimming and tightening — adding layers of complexity in some parts and removing waffle and fluff in others. If the words don’t add to the story, take them out.
10. Get some feedback
Constructive feedback is the next step in how to write a book. A fresh pair of eyes on your work will spot things you can’t see, and critical feedback can help you improve your writing.
However, getting feedback too early in the writing process can really derail your productivity and send you off on the wrong course, so resist the temptation to show anyone your first draft. As our old friend Stephen King once said, “Write the first draft with the door closed. Write the second draft with the door open.”
Taking a writing course is a great way to workshop your first draft to a second or third draft.
Many also provide in-depth structured feedback from published authors as well as the other writers on the course. Writing groups can also be excellent sources of feedback and points of connection with other writers.
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Tips for overcoming writer's block or finding motivation as a writer
Writer's block is a common experience among writers, characterised by a temporary inability to write or create new work. It can be caused by many reasons — notably stress, anxiety, lack of inspiration or perfectionism.
IMG ALT: Man wearing sunglasses while writing on a laptop
According to Psychology Today, some key strategies to get out of writer’s block include:
- Changing your environment
- Taking regular rest breaks
- Setting realistic writing goals
- Engaging in brainstorming and research
- Using prompts and exercises
- Seeking feedback
- Practising self-care
A few tools to use in writing a book
Choosing the right software or tools can be a real game-changer in your productivity levels. Here are a few to consider in your book-writing journey:
1. Word processors
Microsoft Word: A popular and widely used word processor with features like automatic spelling and grammar checking, templates and collaboration tools.
Google Docs: A free, cloud-based word processor that allows for real-time collaboration and easy sharing with first readers and editors.
2. Outlining and planning tools
Scrivener: A powerful tool that allows you to organise your book into chapters, scenes and notes.
Evernote: A versatile note-taking app that can be used for brainstorming, character development and world-building.
3. Research tools
Google Scholar: A database for academic papers, articles and books.
JSTOR: A digital library with millions of academic journals, books and primary sources.
4. Writing assistants
Grammarly: A grammar and spelling checker that provides real-time suggestions as you write.
ProWritingAid: A writing assistant that offers suggestions on grammar, style, and readability.
Hemingway Editor: A tool that highlights complex sentences and suggests simpler alternatives.
5. Collaborative writing tools
Google Docs: As mentioned previously, Google Docs allows you to work online with one or more people, making it ideal for co-authoring or receiving feedback.
Microsoft Teams: A communication and collaboration platform that includes features like chat, video conferencing and file sharing.
6. Proofreading and editing tools
AutoCrit: A cloud-based editing tool that analyses your manuscript for common writing issues and provides suggestions for improvement.
Beta readers and critique partners: People willing to read your first draft can provide valuable feedback and help identify areas for improvement. You can find them through platforms like CritiqueMatch.
Professional editors: Hiring a professional editor can ensure that your manuscript is polished, error-free and market-ready.
7. Self-publishing and formatting tools
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon's self-publishing platform allows you to format, publish and sell your book as an eBook or paperback.
IngramSpark: A self-publishing platform that distributes your book to retailers worldwide.
Vellum: Popular eBook formatting software that helps you create professional-looking eBooks for various platforms.
You might also like: 7 project management tools anyone can use
What are some resources for learning character development?
Character development is a fundamental aspect of storytelling that brings depth and authenticity to narratives. There is a wealth of resources available, such as books, online courses, podcasts, writing prompts, character development tools and more.
Books
There are a number of books dedicated to character development, offering valuable insights and techniques. A few suggestions include:
- "Creating Character Arcs" by K.M. Weiland
- "Creating Characters: How to Build Story People” by Dwight V. Swain
- "The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller" by John Truby
- "Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel" by Lisa Cron, Brittany Pressley, et al.
Online courses
There are numerous online courses and workshops focused on character development. These courses provide structured learning experiences with video lessons, assignments, and feedback from instructors.
Popular platforms offering character development courses include Udemy, and MasterClass.
Podcasts
Several podcasts are dedicated to writing and character development, offering insights, interviews with authors, and practical advice. These include:
- "The Creative Penn Podcast for Authors" by Joanna Penn
- "The Story Grid Podcast" by Shawn Coyne
- "Write Now" by Sarah Werner
- "Helping Writers Become Authors" by K.M. Weiland
Writing prompts
Writing prompts are a fantastic way to explore various aspects of character development. A writing prompt provides instructions for what to write about.
An example of a writing prompt is “Tell the story about something dramatic that recently happened to you, but from the perspective of someone who witnessed it.”
There are many resources available online and in books that provide character development prompts. Reedsy Prompts and The Write Practice are two resources to check out.
Character development exercises
Character development exercises can help you delve deeper into your characters' minds and motivations. Some common exercises include:
- Writing a character's backstory
- Creating a character's timeline
- Identifying a character's strengths and weaknesses
- Exploring a character's relationships with other characters
- Writing a character's inner thoughts, feelings, and associations
Common mistakes to avoid when writing your first book
Authoring a book for the first time can be an exciting and rewarding experience – but it is not without its challenges. Being aware of these pitfalls can increase your chances of writing a successful book.
Some common mistakes that first-time authors often make include:
- Not planning: Failing to plan your book before you start writing can lead to a disjointed and unfocused story. Before you begin, develop a detailed outline that includes the main plot points, character arcs and themes.
- Ignoring character development: One-dimensional characters can make your book feel flat and lifeless. Spend time developing your characters' personalities, motivations, and backstories using the tools and exercises mentioned above. Make sure they have clear goals and arcs that evolve over the course of the story.
- Overusing cliches: Cliches are overused phrases and ideas that can make your writing sound trite and unoriginal. Avoid relying too heavily on widely used plots or relationships and find fresh and creative ways to express your ideas.
- Weak dialogue: Dialogue is a powerful tool that can bring your characters to life and advance the plot. Make sure the way your characters talk is natural and believable; avoid using it to info dump or deliver exposition.
- Lack of conflict: A story without conflict is like a meal without salt. Conflict is what drives the plot forward and keeps readers engaged. Ensure your book has plenty of internal and external conflict to keep readers turning the pages.
- Not editing: Your first draft will contain errors, no matter how proficient you are. Take the time to review your book carefully, checking for typos, grammatical mistakes and plot inconsistencies. Consider getting feedback from beta readers or a professional editor to help you identify areas for improvement.
- Giving up too soon: Writing a book takes time and effort. Do not be discouraged if you encounter setbacks or periods of doubt. Keep persevering, and you will eventually reach your goal.
Remember, writing a book is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, learn from setbacks and enjoy the ride.
Should I self-publish or submit my draft to a publisher?
The decision between self-publishing and submitting to a publisher depends on your individual circumstances, goals and resources.
Things to consider are your:
- Desired level of control over the process
- Budget and marketing resources
- Level of support you want
We suggest you consider the pros and cons of each option carefully and choose the path that aligns best with your expectations and aspirations as an author.
Self-publishing
Here are a couple of things to consider when self-publishing verses going through a traditional publisher:
- Control and creative freedom: Self-publishing offers complete control over the entire publishing process. You make all the decisions, from editing to cover design and marketing.
- Time and efficiency: Self-publishing typically involves a shorter timeline than traditional publishing. You can set your own deadlines and move through the publishing process at your own pace. This can be advantageous if you are eager to quickly get your work out there.
- Financial investment: Self-publishing requires an upfront financial investment to cover editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing.
- Marketing and promotion: As a self-published author, you will be solely responsible for promoting your book.
Submitting to a publisher
Prefer to take the old school route? Here are a few pros and cons.
- Validation and credibility: Getting your manuscript accepted by a traditional publisher can bring a sense of validation and credibility to your work. Publishers have a reputation for quality control, and their endorsement can boost your book's visibility and potential readership.
- Editorial support and expertise: Traditional publishers provide editorial support, including professional editing, proofreading and developmental guidance. This can help refine your manuscript and improve its overall quality.
- Marketing and distribution network: Publishers have established marketing and distribution channels that can reach a wide audience. They have the resources and expertise to promote your book to bookstores, online retailers and other distribution outlets.
- Financial considerations: Traditional publishers typically offer an advance against royalties. While this can provide a financial boost, you will need to factor in the percentage of royalties you will receive and the potential for additional expenses during the publishing process.
How to write a book in 10 steps
Learning how to write a book, and putting in the hard yards to finish it, is a huge achievement. If becoming a published author is on your bucket list, remember preparation is key. To recap:
- Define your idea
- Make a plan
- Set yourself daily word count goals
While the finishing takes persistence, once you know you can write a book, there’s no limit to the creative masterpieces you can produce. Happy writing!
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Still have questions about how to write a book? The answers may be here.
How does a beginner write a book?
Congratulations on embarking on a literary journey! Writing a book without prior experience can be daunting, but it is possible with the right approach and dedication.
From brainstorming ideas and choosing a genre to writing compelling dialogue and maintaining a consistent point of view, each step in the writing process presents its own set of challenges. The main steps in writing a book involve:
- Brainstorming ideas: choose a genre, create character profiles, and plot outlines, and determine the story's beginning, middle and end.
- Researching your topic: gather information and ensure accuracy.
- Getting it down: start writing with a captivating opening scene, introduce the main characters, use descriptive language and begin developing your characters.
- Crafting readable dialogue: maintain a consistent point of view for each character, integrate conflict and create a strong plot.
- Keeping consistency: pay attention to pacing, edit and revise your work, and consider professional help to enhance the quality of your book.
What are the seven steps to writing a book?
There are many elements that go into writing a book. Here are the common seven steps to writing a non-fiction book:
- Choose a topic you are passionate about.
- Develop an outline for your book.
- Set realistic writing goals and break down your writing into manageable chunks.
- Conduct research to gather facts, statistics and quotes to support your arguments.
- Write a compelling introduction to grab the reader's attention.
- Develop engaging chapters with real-life examples and personal experiences.
- Write a strong conclusion summarising the main points.
How do I teach myself to write a book?
Teaching yourself to write a book can be an empowering and rewarding experience that allows you to share your ideas, knowledge and creativity with the world.
Here are some steps to help you get started on your book-writing journey:
- Set clear goals:
- Define the purpose of your book. Determine what you want to accomplish with it.
- Identify your target audience. In other words, the people most likely to read and enjoy this book.
- Set realistic and measurable goals for your book.
- Determine how long it will be, what genres or categories it will fall under, and what impact you hope it will have on your readers.
- Brainstorm and plan:
- Generate ideas for your book's plot, characters, setting and theme.
- Create a detailed outline to structure your book's chapters and key events. Develop your characters' personalities, motivations and relationships. Give them depth and complexity to make them relatable and engaging. Refer to the section entitle “What are some resources for learning character development?” above for details.
- Choose a setting that complements your story and enhances the atmosphere. Make it a setting with opportunity for comings and goings — a bus station, a busy hospital or even a buzzy little seaside town. Consider the time, location and cultural background.
- Research and gather information:
- Conduct thorough research to gather information relevant to your book's topic. If you're writing nonfiction, this includes collecting facts, statistics, quotes and examples, making note of their sources.
- Refer to reliable sources, such as books, journals, articles, and experts in the field, to ensure accuracy and credibility. This is especially true now that AI has swamped the internet with dubious data it’s picked up from unreliable sources and replicated.
- Incorporate research into your writing to support your nonfiction arguments, provide context, and add depth and colour to your fictional story.
How long does it take you to write a first draft?
The time it takes to write a first draft can vary significantly depending on several factors, including: the
- Length and complexity of the book
- Writer's experience
- Availability of research materials and resources
As an estimate, a first draft of a short and simple piece, such as a blog post or article, can sometimes be completed in hours or days (a professional writer can write a well-researched, 1000-word blog article in four hours).
Longer, more complex works like novels, can take weeks, months or even years.
The writer's experience and skill level also play a significant role in the time it takes to write a first draft. A seasoned writer with a strong command of language and a clear understanding of the topic may be able to produce a first draft more quickly than a novice writer who is still developing their skills.
The availability of research materials and resources can also impact the time it takes to write a first draft. If the writer has easy access to the information they need, they may be able to write more quickly than if they have to spend time searching for and gathering materials.
Pro tip: Some well-known fiction writers actually visit the scene of their next novel to gather details and do interviews before/while writing.
The time it takes to write a first draft is unique to each writer and project. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But by considering the factors discussed above, writers can better understand how long they might expect to spend on their first drafts.
Some additional considerations on the time it takes to write a first draft:
- The writer's motivation and energy levels
- The writer's ability to focus and concentrate
- The writer's writing process
- The writer's access to feedback and support
How long should a first book be?
The length of a first book can vary depending on the genre and target audience. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine an appropriate length for your manuscript.
Genre
- Novels: For a first novel, it is recommended to aim for a length between 70,000 and 100,000 words. This length allows for enough character development, plot complexity and world-building without overwhelming new writers.
- Nonfiction: Books such as memoirs, biographies, and self-help guides typically have a wider range of acceptable lengths. However, it is essential to consider the topic and target audience when deciding on length. A first-time non-fiction author may aim for a length between 50,000 and 70,000 words.
- Short stories: Short stories are typically defined as works of fiction under 10,000 words. While there is no set minimum length, most short stories fall between 1,500 and 7,500 words.
- Poetry: Poetry collections can vary in length, depending on the number and length of the poems included. A first-time poetry author may want to aim for a collection between 40 and 60 pages.
Target audience
- Adults: Adult novels and nonfiction books typically have longer lengths, as adult readers are more accustomed to reading longer works.
- Children and young adults: Children's and young adult books are typically shorter, as younger readers may have shorter attention spans. Middle-grade novels (ages 8-12) are typically between 20,000 and 40,000 words, while young adult novels (ages 12-18) are typically between 40,000 and 80,000 words.
How do I become a successful first-time author?
Success is a subjective concept that varies based on individual goals. Here is a list of 10 practical tips that may improve your odds:
- Read widely in your genre, practice writing regularly, and take writing classes to workshop your work.
- Develop unique ideas, research thoroughly, and create detailed character profiles and plot outlines.
- Set realistic writing goals, find a comfortable writing space, and incorporate writing into your routine. See where top writers choose to work.
- Begin writing without overthinking, focus on getting your ideas on paper — just get it down. Revise later.
- Once you have a first draft, revise for structure, pacing and character development. Edit for grammar, spelling and consistency using the tools suggested above.
- Share your manuscript for feedback with trusted readers, use constructive criticism, while maintaining your vision.
- Research literary agents, write a compelling query letter, and include a synopsis and manuscript chapters.
- Consider traditional, self or hybrid publishing options.
- Develop a marketing plan, network with other authors, and collaborate with book clubs and libraries for promotion.
- Stay patient and persistent throughout the publishing journey.
Can I create writing goals for myself?
Setting writing goals for yourself can be a powerful way to improve your writing skills and get your work published.
Here are some tips to help you create effective writing goals:
1. Start with self-assessment: Assess your current writing strengths and weaknesses. Identify areas you want to improve or genres you want to explore.
2. Define clear and specific goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals (SMART Goals).
For example, "Write a 10,000-word book on the history of the English language by the end of this year" or "Publish a short story in a literary magazine by the end of the month."
3. Break it down: Break your book writing goals into smaller, more manageable steps or milestones. For example, your goal could be to research book marketing strategies, write a book outline, and draft the first three chapters of your book by a certain date.
4. Create a writing schedule: Allocate specific writing time slots in your daily or weekly routine. Whether the first hour of the day or the last at night, consistency is key to reaching your goals.
What should I include in my book writing plan?
Your book writing plan is a crucial roadmap that will guide you through the creative process of writing your book. Here are some elements to include in your plan:
- Genre and theme: Define the genre of your book (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, memoir, etc.). Identify the central theme or message you want to convey.
- Outline: Create a detailed outline of your book's structure. Include chapters or sections, subheadings and key plot points (for fiction) or subtopics (for non-fiction).
- Character development: For fiction, develop detailed profiles for your main characters, including their motivations, backstories and arcs. See the section above for resources on character development.
- Research: Identify any research or background information needed for your book. Make a list of sources (books, articles, interviews, etc.) you will review.
- Writing schedule: Set realistic writing goals and create a timeline for completing each chapter or section. Determine the daily or weekly writing time you will dedicate to your book.
- Revisions and editing: Schedule time for self-editing, getting feedback from beta readers, and working with an editor.
- Marketing and promotion: Consider your book's target audience and potential marketing strategies. Think about how you will promote your book (social media, book signings, online advertising, etc.). This is a task that can be given to someone else if you have the money.
- Publishing plan: Decide whether you want to traditionally publish your book or self-publish (read more on these two options in Should I self-publish or submit my draft to a publisher? above). Research publishers or self-publishing platforms and their requirements.
- Budget: Estimate the potential costs associated with writing, editing, publishing and marketing your book.
- Contingency plan: Have a backup plan in case of unexpected challenges or delays. Consider potential solutions and alternative routes to publication.
- Feedback and accountability: Seek feedback from writing groups, critique partners or a writing coach. Find accountability partners to encourage and support you throughout the process.
- Self-care and motivation: Include strategies for self-care and motivation to sustain your energy and creativity during the writing journey.
- Deadline: Set a realistic deadline for completing your first draft and later revisions.
- Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your plan as the writing process evolves.
What are the key elements of writing a compelling book?
Crafting a book people want to read requires several things. Regardless of the genre or theme, the following elements are commonly found in popular works:
- A captivating storyline with a clear structure: Start with a compelling narrative with a clear beginning, middle and end. Introduce the protagonist's goals and challenges early on, and gradually escalate the stakes as the story progresses. Throw obstacles in their way to heighten tension. Ensure a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends.
- Relatable characters: Create characters that readers can connect with on an emotional level. Give them distinct personalities, motivations and backstories. Explore their inner conflicts (the ones that only they know) and growth throughout the story. Ensure their actions and decisions align with their character traits, making them believable and relatable.
- An engaging setting: Choose a setting that enhances the story's atmosphere and theme. Describe the sensory details that bring the setting to life, such as sights, sounds, smells and textures. Make the setting an active participant in the story, influencing the characters' actions and decisions.
- Clearly, vivid writing: Use rich and descriptive language to paint a colourful picture in the reader's mind. Employ strong verbs, evocative adjectives and sensory details to create an engaging reading experience. Avoid unnecessary jargon and clichés, opting for precise and original expressions.
- Controlled pacing: Vary the pacing of your story to create tension and suspense. Begin with a deliberate pace to set up the setting and characters. Gradually increase the tempo as the plot thickens, using shorter sentences and more frequent scene changes. End with a thrilling climax followed by a satisfying resolution.
- Dialogue that reveals character, plot and conflict: Write conversations that advance the plot, reveal character traits and create conflict. Make each character's words unique and consistent with their personality and motivations. Use subtext and unspoken emotions to add depth to the conversations and keep readers engaged.
- Themes and symbols: Weave universal themes — love, loss, redemption, the search for meaning — into the story's fabric. Use symbols such as overcast skies, traffic jams or difficult bosses to lend subtle meaning to your tale. This will add to the story's layers and allowing readers to interpret it on multiple levels.
- Foreshadowing: Drop subtle hints about what's to come throughout the story to build anticipation and suspense. Plant clues that allow astute readers to piece together future events, while keeping the main twists and turns a surprise. This technique creates a sense of intrigue and keeps readers invested in the story.
Cathy Ngo contributed to this article.
