As we were chatting we came up with even more, but here are the five that I presented!

Tips for Writing Fiction

1. Start with a conflict! This is what moves your plot along. You can also base your story on an interesting character, but conflict is essential to plot.

2. Draw on personal experiences. A unique experience or area of expertise can lend depth and detail to your story.

3. Learn something new. Whether it’s a hobby or something more academic, a concrete interest or task that can be woven into the story (ie, your protagonist is a potter or chef or high school math teacher) draws in the reader and makes the story more believable. Rely on expert friends or go to the library for information.

4. Make an outline. This can include plot trajectory, character traits/profiles, themes. Revise as necessary.

5. Decide on narrative structure. First or third person (limited or omniscient)? Past or present tense? Short story or novel? If you can imagine your story being told any other way (by another character, in third person rather than first), try it out that way and see if it works better.