Secrets Of Magic Quills

Greetings Everyone! I created this column for writers of all genres and styles. It is intended to cover all the basic aspects of a story that is both appreciative and well-written.

I find it best to write my story at the computer, making sure I do not make spelling mistakes or get lost in the swamp of commas and punctuations.

Structure:

It is considered folly to start off at a story, pausing to think and write. Do not abruptly begin to write stories. Take it slowly, thoughtfully and step by step.

• Pick out the genre you are best at. It is always good to let practice different genres, but every author has their own befitting genre. You must feel completely comfortable in that category. Do not force yourself to write, get inspired and feel the magic of the quill take you over.

• Once you have chosen the genre, draw a rough outline of your plot. Best to do this on paper. Just visualize. Try to make sure that you are doing something new. Clichés are never appreciated, but rather criticized harshly.

Character Sketches:

The plot being done, it is time to set up your characters. Here, apply new, original people. Try to create them suitable to the plot.

Never create a character in perfection. Admit their flaws and weaknesses, plus their good points. Stories and adventures can befall average looker as well, so don’t make your character a “Handsome blonde, blue eyes, perfect hair, gorgeous features …” These sorts of characters leave your story with an unrealistic and fake tone.

Characters should be interesting. Try to create variety, this always help. Creating people that clash with each other in personality and looks and behavior can lead to a great story setting, as well as dialogue and plot. Bringing interest is the key to knowing that your characters are well-planned.

Grammar and Punctuation:

Is it very hard to read through your text? No, not at all. It is always considered wise to go through your written context. Make sure your commas are placed correctly. Commas that are misplaced and not needed are criticized and show a major weakness of the author – his punctuation.

Keep a single tone throughout the story. Sometimes people start of with the past tense and put in sentences that belong to the present. This creates a distorted look, and holds the reader in a mist of confusion.

Grammar and punctuation should be very strictly looked out for.

Flow:

Having a good flow is an excellent quality in a story. Creating good currents that let your reader get engulfed by the words is very hard and when achieved, brings in excellent results.

The tip here is to keep a slow, steady tone. Do not overdo your writings. Do not add unnecessary details that leave the reader out of place.  Do not add limited details that have the reader wanting for more. The best thing to do is to identify the noticeable objects and scenes and detail them in simple words.

The tone must be steady. Write necessary things and do not jump from one point to the other. Keep the detail quantity constant throughout the context.

Opening and Closing:

Openings are very hard or at least considered to be very hard. The key to a good opening is to create a natural atmosphere that clings to the writer. This is your chance to captivate the reader. Make it interesting and good.

Closings should be done in a manner that let the reader satisfied. People have different tastes but the best closing is the solved one. It is good to bring a twist, though it leaves a nasty “darn it” feel. Best to make sure everything is clear and the reader is not confused.

Five Senses:

The usage of all five senses is another excellent quality of a story. Pieces of famous literature include all senses. Sight, feel, touch, taste and hearing. It is not necessary to describe everything in the five senses.
Objects are different in nature, yet only the most noticeable features should be detailed. Example:

Tea: sight, smell and taste.
Floor: Sight, feel.
Market: sight, hearing, smell.

Clarity:

Clarity and understanding are two very basic requirements for stories. Make sure the reader gets your message, make it visible. Poems should be ambiguous – not stories. Best to leave your story accurate and well-thought out.


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These rules and advices are collections of research, teachers’ knowledge, English literature books and my own personal experience. I hope this was helpful to everyone.