5 Helpful Writing Habits

Five helpful writing habits to get into!

1. Try Something Different

If you usually write basically the same sort of story, why not try moving out of your comfort zone and writing something different – whether that’s a different genre, historical instead of contemporary, or even trying a pocket novel or some poetry?

Likewise with word counts. Authors sometimes find that they become comfortable or are good at writing a certain word count, so they stick to that. Trying a new word count is a good writing discipline.

2. Pay Attention To Presentation

Here on the Fiction Team we’re reading lots of stories every day.

So, anything that helps make the text clear and easy to read is helpful.

Please use a clear, legible font, and make sure your type size is at least 12 pt.

Don’t use formatting, and only send Word Documents. Please name each file correctly – Word Count Title Season If Any.

3. Let Each Story ‘Settle’

Some ‘Friend’ authors have told us that letting a story ‘sit’ for a day or a week after writing can be helpful.

Going back to a written story helps you see it with a fresh eye, and may make it easier to spot any spelling errors, plot problems or continuity errors.

4. Read More, And Write More

When we ask our Writers Of The Week for their tips, one thing that is often suggested is, to read more and write more.

Practice makes perfect!

5. Take Feedback On Board

Even the most well-loved ‘Friend’ authors occasionally receive a story rejection, so if you receive one from anywhere you’ve submitted and you’re given feedback, do view it as a positive.

Listen carefully to what your editor has to say – their intention is never to hurt or offend, but to give pointers to help steer you towards success.

Win-win!