Writing is never easy. It’s hard and complicated. There are many things to consider and goals to hit. But, along that complexity is a burning passion for creating a story that can teach and inspire. Hence, in order to write a book that can captivate the readers, it must have notable qualities worthy of their time and attention. There are many ways to achieve your desired output while having fun instead of being caught by the roadblocks of writing.
If you are an aspiring author with a story to tell, then it must be the best time to start turning your ideas into words. Below is the ultimate guide in writing a captivating book that you should know.
Build a seamless timeline
Every element of a story is essential, but the timeline needs more work. It helps you build a series of events, linking one timeframe to another to show the progress of the story. Prior to writing, you must have a concrete and perfect timeline relevant to your story’s motif. This allows you to plan and picture out the initial events in your book.
It also enables you to create a stronger foundation for your work through accuracy, especially if your story is inspired by real happenings. Take Jerry Delaney’s book Bannack: A Growing Up Story In The Vigilante West, for example. The timeline revolves around the Civil War, which is a 4-year movement. Thus, he captured the messy, violent, and brutal atmosphere and activities during those times.
Mold notable characters
Characters set books apart. They are among the easily recognized and most influential elements of a story. But that’s not the only reason why you should put effort into bringing them to life. Characters propel the story forward and help in both creating and resolving conflicts. They are also part of the tools that give readers an amazing reading experience by showing and allowing them to follow through the story, especially when matched with a good point-of-view.
Thus, give them different qualities, backstories, and motivations. In that way, readers can see the variations and analyze them objectively. Make them closer to humans but still fictional, which means that they should possess a couple of human characteristics while still dominating their imaginary world. Another important thing that you should put more effort into is their development. Ensure that they also progress like the plot instead of keeping them stagnant.
Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle
You probably have heard of the phrase “show, don’t tell” a bunch of times. It’s an essential principle in writing that many writers apply and prioritize. This allows you to fully immerse the readers and enable them to better visualize the events and other aspects of the story. Hence, use descriptive words to tell the story and describe characters and objects instead of directly telling the readers the events in the book. In that way, readers can work up their imagination and can ignite relevant emotions while reading. Don’t cut their excitement by plainly telling them what’s taking place; instead, let them explore and figure things out.
Add an element of surprise
Imagine a book without plot twists? It would impact its interesting factor. So, do not forget to inflict a bunch of twists and turns so you can hook your readers and compel them to turn page by page. The element of surprise increases the tension and thrill in your work. As a result, readers will be more curious and be more impressed after you’ve exceeded their expectations. Thus, you are hitting two birds with one stone by keeping the interests of the readers and enhancing the quality of your book by using an element of surprise.
Finish strong
How you end the book is as important as how you’ve worked through its beginning and middle. In writing the conclusion, you can either use a literary device to have an unconventional ending or go with the normal plot structure. Regardless of what method you’ve chosen, just make sure that you have already resolved each conflict, communicated the theme, patched the plot holes, developed the characters, and other aspects that can make your work perfect from top to bottom.
The Damsel’s Files 