Writing & Editing Advice to Help You Succeed
You don’t need to describe every detail of your character like you're building a police sketch.
Skip the laundry list of hair color, eye shape, and questionable fashion choices.
Instead, show who they are by what they do. Does your character stomp into the room, or do they glide like they own the place? Does their smile light up the room, or is it more of a grimace?
Actions, quirks, and behaviors say far more about a person than a lengthy physical description ever could. Let readers piece them together through their actions. It’s more fun—and way less boring!
Your reader’s imagination is the secret sauce to great writing, so make them use it!
Don’t spoon-feed every detail—leave some gaps for them to fill in. Instead of describing the haunted house down to the last cobweb, hint at shadows and strange creaks. Let their mind conjure up the terrifying details.
Readers love being part of the storytelling process, so give them something to do! It not only makes your story more engaging but also creates a personal experience for each reader.
Remember: their imagination is your greatest tool—so give them a nudge, then let their brains run wild!
Your first line isn’t there to flirt with the reader; it’s there to grab them by the collar and yank them into your story.
Don’t give them a polite little tease—hit them with something that makes them sit up and demand to know what happens next. Whether it’s a shocking revelation, a quirky observation, or a line dripping with intrigue, that opener should be irresistible.
Imagine your reader at the bookstore, flipping through pages—they’ve got seconds before they move on. Don’t waste it!
Make that first line so bold they can’t help but dive into the rest of your story.
In flash fiction, brevity is key—every single word must serve a purpose. With such a limited word count, there's no room for fluff or unnecessary details.
Each word should advance the plot, develop characters, or enhance the setting. If a sentence or phrase doesn’t contribute to the story’s momentum or depth, it’s time to cut it.
Precision and economy in language are crucial; every element must drive the narrative forward.
By eliminating anything extraneous, you ensure that every word carries weight, creating a powerful and compelling story within the constraints of flash fiction.
Keep it tight and impactful.
Writing can be daunting when you’re focused on pleasing others, but the best stories come from genuine passion. Write the story that excites you, not just what you think will be popular or well-received.
When you’re true to your vision, your enthusiasm will shine through and resonate with readers.
Authenticity makes your narrative unique and engaging, while trying to cater to external expectations often leads to a bland, uninspired manuscript.
Trust your instincts and write what you love—your story will be richer and more compelling for it.
The best plot twists catch readers off guard, but on a second read, the clues are obvious. A great twist doesn’t come from nowhere—it’s a skillful manipulation of detail.
Seamlessly weave in subtle hints, red herrings and foreshadowing so that readers overlook them the first time. But when they revisit the story, those breadcrumbs lead straight to the reveal, making them wonder how they missed it.
This balance—surprising yet inevitable—elevates a twist from cheap trick to masterful storytelling.
When done right, the twist enhances the narrative, rewarding both first-time and repeat readers with fresh insights.
The best stories don't just tell you what's happening—they make you feel it. Engaging all the senses in your writing pulls the reader into your world. It's not enough to say it’s raining; describe the cold droplets on skin, the earthy smell of wet soil, the muted sound of water hitting pavement.
Sensory details allow the reader to experience the story beyond the visual. Taste, sound, smell, touch—they create a richer, more immersive experience. When readers can feel the crackling fire or hear the wind through trees, they're not just reading—they're living in your world. Sensory writing is powerful and so much more engaging.
Check out my blog post on The 6 Sensational Benefits of Writing with All Your Senses and how it can dramatically help your writing!
When writing, it's tempting to include every detail, but restraint is key. By selecting only a few significant elements, you create focus and depth. Highlighting a character’s trembling hands or the sound of distant footsteps allows these moments to resonate, while the rest remains in shadow.
Readers thrive on filling in the gaps, using their imagination to build the world around what’s left unsaid. This not only engages them but also keeps them curious.
Let their minds work in the spaces between your words—it will make your story more immersive and powerful.
Less is more in storytelling.
Challenge yourself. Always. You'll be amazed at how you can exceed your most demanding expectations. Don't limit yourself by imposing restrictions that feed into your self-doubt.
Yes, you will always be constantly improving your writing craft, but at every stage, you are a LOT better than you give yourself credit for.
Ignore your head - it wraps you in self-doubt to protect you. Trust your gut - it's your subconscious telling you what you are capable of.
So start your writing with a light jog, not a walk... you'll get there fitter, quicker and with a far more impressive sense of achievement.
Remember how stories triggered your imagination as a child? Remember how your young, creative mind built such vivid imagery, making an incredibly believable imagined reality? Remember believing in Santa Claus?
As we age, we dismiss that creative brilliance, replacing it with sensible "real life".
The good news is that your inner child is still there. Let it out. Let it run around your writing desk, making as much noise as it can. It will serve you exceptionally well when you write and will transform your writing into the unimaginable.
Check out my blog post on 8 Ways Unleashing Your Inner Child Boosts Your Writing and how it can dramatically help your writing!
Your story’s environment isn’t just background noise—it’s a character in itself.
Whether it’s a bustling city or a desolate wasteland, the setting shapes everything: mood, plot, and even your characters' actions. Don’t treat it as an afterthought.
Think of how a storm can mirror emotional turmoil or how a crowded cafe can amplify isolation.
The environment can elevate tension, deepen themes, or provide comfort—sometimes without saying a word. So, give it the attention it deserves. Make it breathe, change, and interact with your characters.
When you treat the setting as vital, it transforms your entire story.
Don’t just tell me what’s happening—make me feel it.
The best writing doesn't sit on the surface; it pulls the reader right into the heart of the scene.
Instead of saying the room is cold, describe how the character shivers, how their breath fogs in front of them, and how they rub their hands together for warmth.
Show me the flickering light, the smell of damp wood, the tension in the air. Make every detail work to immerse me in that moment.
Your job as a writer? Put me in the room and let me experience it firsthand.
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