Writing is a complex art that requires dedication, patience, and a knack for storytelling. Whether you’re delving into the realms of fantasy, romance, crime, thrillers, or sci-fi, every genre has its unique demands and techniques. To help guide you through the challenges of each, I’ve compiled some of the best writing tips from established authors, tailored to the genres they excel in.
Let’s dive into the insights from some of the greatest storytellers in the game and learn how to master the art of writing, one genre at a time.
The Best Writing Tips from Authors on Crime Stories
Crime stories are gripping tales that often revolve around a mystery, investigation, or criminal activity. To create an engaging crime narrative, authors emphasize the importance of tension, pacing, and character complexity.
- Keep Your Reader Guessing
Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery, once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Building suspense early and maintaining it throughout is essential in crime writing. Avoid giving away too much information at the start. Use red herrings, false leads, and unexpected twists to keep readers guessing. - Develop Complex Characters
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot are not just great detectives—they’re complex characters with unique personalities, flaws, and strengths. Create multi-dimensional characters who intrigue readers as much as the plot does. - Research is Key
Patricia Highsmith, author of Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley, believed that understanding the psychology of crime and criminal behaviour added depth to her stories. Researching police procedures, criminal psychology, and real-life cases can bring authenticity to your narrative. - Focus on Motives and Consequences
Every crime has a motive, and every criminal action has consequences. James Ellroy, author of L.A. Confidential, suggests focusing on the “why” of a crime rather than just the “how.” Understanding motives adds depth and can reveal interesting aspects of the characters involved.
Writing Tips from Authors on Fantasy Stories
Fantasy writing is a chance to unleash your imagination and transport readers to worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests. However, creating a believable fantasy world is no easy task. Here’s what successful fantasy authors suggest.
- World-Building is Everything
J.R.R. Tolkien set the standard for world-building with The Lord of the Rings. Create a detailed, consistent world with its own rules, geography, history, and culture. Readers should feel that your fantasy world exists beyond the immediate storyline. - Define Your Magic System
Brandon Sanderson, known for his Mistborn series, advises defining the limitations and costs of magic in your world. This makes the magic more grounded and prevents it from becoming a convenient solution to plot obstacles. - Craft Relatable Characters
Even in the most fantastical settings, readers crave relatable characters. George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series features characters with real-world emotions and struggles, which makes readers care about their fates despite the fictional setting. Richie Billing’s epic fantasy novel, Pariah’s Lament, also offers relatable underdog-style characters who you can’t help but root for. One of Billing’s biggest writing tips is to zoom in on the characters’ emotions and focus on how they swing and change and develop as they move through the story. This way you can achieve a more compelling narrative.
So those are some fantastic writing tips from authors on fantasy. Let’s take a look at arguably the most popular genre out there.
Writing Advice from Authors on Romances
Romance novels are driven by emotional depth, relationship dynamics, and character growth. If you’re looking to write a compelling love story, here’s what experienced romance authors recommend.
- Build Up the Chemistry
Romance is about chemistry and connection. Nora Roberts, a prolific romance author, believes in the “slow burn”—building attraction between characters over time, allowing tension and anticipation to simmer. This approach gives readers time to connect with the characters’ journey. - Conflict is Essential
Romance without obstacles is unrealistic. Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook, advises introducing challenges to test the relationship. Conflict can stem from misunderstandings, external circumstances, or character flaws, but it’s essential to building a realistic and engaging romance. - Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of stating that a character is in love, show it through actions, thoughts, and body language. Jane Austen, known for her classic romances like Pride and Prejudice, masterfully uses dialogue and mannerisms to convey deep emotions, which helps readers feel the connection. - Create Multi-Dimensional Characters
Romance stories are as much about personal growth as they are about love. Author Julia Quinn, known for her Bridgerton series, suggests giving each character a backstory and a set of personal goals that go beyond the romantic relationship. This adds depth to the story and makes the characters feel real.
Helpful Writing Tips from Authors on Thrillers
Thrillers are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The key to a successful thriller lies in pacing, high stakes, and unexpected twists.
- Create a Ticking Clock
A sense of urgency is crucial in thrillers. Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, uses a ticking clock to drive the action forward and create an atmosphere of suspense. Limiting the timeline of events can increase tension and keep readers hooked. - Start with a Bang
Start your thriller with an intriguing event or shocking revelation. Harlan Coben, known for his gripping thrillers, advises that hooking readers within the first few pages is critical. A strong, attention-grabbing opening sets the tone for the rest of the story. - Focus on the Stakes
Lee Child, the author behind the Jack Reacher series, emphasizes high stakes. Whether it’s life or death, saving loved ones, or stopping a catastrophe, the stakes in thrillers should be significant to keep readers invested. - Surprise, But Play Fair
Readers expect surprises in a thriller, but those surprises should make sense in hindsight. Stephen King recommends dropping subtle hints throughout the story to maintain credibility while delivering the twist.
Writing Tips from Authors on Sci-Fi Stories
Sci-fi offers an exciting blend of imagination and science, where readers explore futuristic worlds and complex technological or societal issues. Writing sci-fi requires balancing creativity with scientific accuracy.
- Think Beyond Technology
Isaac Asimov, known for his Foundation series, emphasized that good sci-fi is about people, not just technology. Focus on how the technology impacts society, politics, or the characters’ daily lives, rather than just the technology itself. - Create Rules for Your World
Much like in fantasy, sci-fi worlds require consistency. Frank Herbert, author of Dune, developed an entire ecosystem for his desert planet, complete with cultural and ecological rules. Clear rules make your fictional world more immersive and believable. - Address Philosophical Questions
Sci-fi often explores deep questions about humanity, ethics, and existence. Philip K. Dick, author of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, used his stories to examine questions of identity, consciousness, and reality. Asking “what if” can spark fascinating themes in sci-fi. - Balance Science and Fiction
Arthur C. Clarke believed that science should be grounded in real possibilities to make the fiction more credible. While your story can involve advanced technologies or distant planets, grounding some aspects in current scientific understanding can make it feel more plausible.
Key Takeaways
- Crime Writing:
- Build suspense with red herrings and plot twists.
- Focus on motives and character complexity.
- Research police procedures and criminal psychology.
- Fantasy Writing:
- Invest time in world-building and define a unique magic system.
- Craft relatable characters with real emotions.
- Create multi-layered conflicts to deepen the plot.
- Romance Writing:
- Develop chemistry and tension gradually.
- Introduce meaningful conflict to challenge the relationship.
- Show emotions through actions rather than statements.
- Thriller Writing:
- Maintain a sense of urgency and start with a strong hook.
- Establish high stakes and surprise readers with credible twists.
- Keep the pacing tight to build tension.
- Sci-Fi Writing:
- Focus on the impact of technology on society and individuals.
- Establish consistent rules for your fictional world.
- Use the genre to explore philosophical questions and ethical dilemmas.