Not unlike many members, I am here solely to enjoy stacks of fiction. I consider myself predominantly a reader though I am by no means unable to extend myself as a writer.

I have taken (like all female teenagers) a fancy to romance novels, but I must admit I cannot survive without doses of fantasy, humour, history or drama intertwined.

My take on the usual bout of romance fictions on this site:

First and for mostly I think many stories broadcasted here are half-baked clichés. They have little thought, no creativity and the characters are as three dimensional and cheesy as my four year olds cousins drawn version of Dora the Explorer.

On the other hand, there are a few handfuls of fiction that although may be clichés, are written well and have the backing of strong well developed characters and some brilliant sub plots. Many of these and some that are close to being this good reside in my favourites list that at the moment is growing as a rediscover stories I haven read in quite a while.

Developing a good story in Fictionpress:

I am in debt to those who have given me some brilliant support with my writing technique, so as a person who did and at times still does need help with writing, I offer what I think and have learnt to you about (as this section entitles) developing a good story.

Rule Number 1:

Plan what you want in your story or your ideas.

This does not necessarily mean you have to set out your whole story, but try and at least know the direction it is heading in for the next few chapters you write. Starting off on a whim, hoping that a story will just burst to life, is completely ridiculous (I tell you this with unfortunate first hand experience).
Don’t be rushed in developing your ideas. Ponder over them in your head for a good few weeks so that you are completely comfortable with what you want to write.
If you are only planning a couple of chapters ahead know in your mind what your eventual outcome many be. This can be as simple as the girl eventually getting together with the guy. This is important because every action you take in your story should be in some way relevant to your overall outcome (your main and subplots). This allows for no loose end and every reader HATES loose ends.

Rule Number 2:

Plan your chapter.

Draft out what you want to write keeping in mind the ideas you have come up with in relation to your outcome (refer to rule 1). Do not limit yourself to one draft – have multiple versions.

Rule Number 3:

Edit before you post.

God, if there is one thing people hate it is bad grammar, bad spelling and bad punctuation. People who have already posted stories up know exactly what I’m saying. Readers hate it.

If you’re like me and make these mistakes even with continual editing get yourself a beta, or two for that matter (the more the merrier). They are great in both editing and can give opinions on general aspects of your story.

Rule Number 4:

Have a good summary.

This is like my biggest pet peeve. Do not ever, EVER write, ‘I suck at summaries’. (Ahhhhhhhhh!!!) Do not even think about selling yourself short. Number 1 turnoff for readers is looking at a summary and having to read that. What is even worse is that some people can’t even spell summaries! You have 2 lines to sell a story I am sure you have given you blood, sweat and tears for (figuratively speaking) and you waste it on putting yourself down.

Rule Number 5:
Do not beg for reviews.

You WILL get as many as you deserve. Do not beg, threaten or bribe your readers. They will NOT feel pity for someone so desperate and at times will, in fact, snub you for bothering to beg.

Rule Number 6:

Appreciate the reviews you receive.

In accordance with rule 5 you should be a gracious and humble author. After all, people have taken their time to appreciate the story you have written. Return the favour by acknowledging the support.

Rule Number 7:
Do not by any means interrupt your story in the middle by an author note.

That is almost as stupid and writing ‘I suck at summaries’ and begging for reviews. You completely ruin the flow of the story and drag the reader straight out of the action. If you want to comment on something leave it to your authors review at the end.

Okay guys. That seems to be it.

To any authors who read this: I can understand your annoyance at me for completely trashing some things you guys do without even having a story for me to even represent my case with, but I’m working on that.

Well, That’s All Folks

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