by Martha Jette

Created on: February 23, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

The following information will give you insight into the various genre available for you to write about. Choose the one that not only suits your writing style, but also reflects the area in which you have the most knowledge. Writing about "what you know" is a good rule of thumb, especially for new writers. You will also find some tips to help you along in whichever genre you choose.

FICTION WRITING

Fiction writing is base on imagination and if you have a good one, your story will be good. It can also be plot-driven, or based on an idea or concept. The thing to remember as we go through each aspect of fiction writing is that although your story is fantasy, it must still make sense.

The next thing to consider is the physical setting of your story. It must be authentic enough to be believed and include everything from scenery, to atmosphere and perhaps even weather. These elements might have a profound affect on the actions or moods of your characters. For instance, does your story take place in a run down factory, a dance hall or spaceship? All of these evoke extremely different images. Then you need to ask yourself, do I want my setting to be simply a background or something more powerful?

Choosing the right point of view' and narrative voice' for your story is also very important. Writing in the first person, gives the reader the impression that you are personally invested in your story. A third person point of view' is more detached.

Time is another element that must be established. First of all, what time of day is it? Although you don't need to specifically state that it's 2 p.m., your story must indicate through other details that it is mid-afternoon. Different time periods immediately create pictures in the minds of readers. For instance, there is a world of difference between Washington in 2006 and Boston in the 1800s.

Next, the characters in your story must be considered. Are they the primary focus, rather than the plot? Who is the main character and how will you write your book to show that this person is the most important? A good way to answer these questions is to write down character outlines. Your main character will be the one who is most affected in the story and/or plays the biggest role. He or she will be the one with the most force of action, the biggest problem, the most painful hurt or seeking to accomplish the most tantamount goal. Then, unless you are placing yourself in the story, decide which character will tell the tale. This is the viewpoint

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