The Best Writing Tips From Authors

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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Discovering Innovation and Creativity at Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies

Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies stands as a beacon of excellence in the realms of engineering, computing, digital art, animation, and media. With cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to technological innovation, the school provides an enriching environment for students to thrive in their respective fields. Notably, students involved in event planning or media production benefit from high-quality stage backdrop solutions, which enhance the visual appeal of their projects.

State-of-the-Art Computing Laboratories and Studios

The School boasts over 30 networked laboratories and studios across multiple buildings—including Athena, Europa, Mercuria, Parkside, Phoenix, and Stephenson. Each space is equipped to industry standards and features the latest software, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for their careers.

Specialised facilities cater to a diverse array of disciplines, including animation and visual effects, computer science, games design, and post-production. This extensive range of resources empowers students to explore their creative potential and develop practical skills that are highly sought after in today’s digital economy.

Aurora House: The Hub of Media Production

At the heart of the School is Aurora House, which houses advanced technical support and a variety of specialist media production facilities. Students have access to two television studios, a sound stage, and post-production suites equipped with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro. The live High Definition TV broadcast studio allows students to gain real-world experience in producing ambitious live broadcasts.

Aurora House also features a kit hub where students can book essential equipment for their projects. With a focus on collaboration, the space encourages innovation and creativity among students and staff alike.

Cutting-Edge Studios for Creative Endeavours

The School’s numerous studios foster an inspiring atmosphere for students to unleash their creativity. The 2D Animation Studio and Animation and Visual Effects (AVFX) Studios provide dedicated spaces with the latest tools for creating stunning visuals. Students can work with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya and Nuke, gaining invaluable experience that prepares them for future careers in animation and visual effects.

Moreover, the Motion Capture Studio offers top-of-the-line equipment for recording human movement, allowing students to delve into the intricacies of animation in a hands-on environment. This facility provides an exciting opportunity to learn about the technology behind modern animation and game design.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Learning

Teesside University’s commitment to multidisciplinary learning is exemplified by the TUCan Studio. This innovative space brings together students, staff, and industry professionals to collaborate on commercial digital projects. By working on real-world assignments, students develop essential skills while contributing to cutting-edge research and product development in fields such as VR, augmented reality, and media production.

Engaging with Emerging Technologies

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies ensures that students are well-versed in the latest technologies. The VR & Photogrammetry Studio offers students the chance to immerse themselves in 3D environments and create high-resolution assets for virtual applications. This hands-on experience not only enhances their technical abilities but also prepares them to innovate in a competitive job market.

With the growing demand for immersive experiences, understanding VR technology can significantly enhance a student’s portfolio. The studio is equipped with eight HTC Vive headsets and advanced software, enabling students to explore the boundaries of digital interaction.

Facilities Supporting Future Success

The School’s comprehensive learning resources extend to areas such as the Music Technology Lab, Recording Studios, and Newsroom. Each facility is designed to provide students with the tools they need to excel in their studies and future careers. Whether it’s through mastering audio production techniques or learning the ins and outs of broadcast journalism, students gain a well-rounded education that equips them for success.

In particular, the Convergent Newsroom replicates a real-life newsroom environment, enabling students to engage in live reporting and collaborative storytelling. Equipped with cutting-edge editing and broadcasting tools, the newsroom allows students to hone their skills in a practical setting.

Enhancing Events with Professional Backdrops

For students involved in event planning or production, Teesside University also offers access to backdrop printing services. Quality backdrops can enhance any theatrical production, corporate event, or academic presentation, creating an immersive atmosphere for audiences. High-quality  Stage and Theatre backdrops options like those offered by BannerWorld offer a professional touch to any setting, making it ideal for student projects or university events.

At BannerWorld, we understand the importance of creating visually stunning environments that capture attention. Our range of backdrop printing options caters to various needs, ensuring that students can find the perfect solution for their specific requirements.

Student Testimonials: Real-World Impact

The impact of Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies can be seen in the successes of its graduates. Many alumni have gone on to work for leading companies in the tech and creative industries, using the skills and experiences gained during their studies.

One student remarked, “The facilities at Teesside University are exceptional. From the moment I walked into Aurora House, I knew I was in a place that valued creativity and innovation. The access to industry-standard equipment made all the difference in my education.”

Another alumni shared, “Participating in live broadcasts in the TV studios and creating projects in the VR studio gave me practical experience that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. It was instrumental in landing my first job in the industry.”

At the end of the day

The School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies at Teesside University is dedicated to providing an exceptional learning environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their skills in cutting-edge facilities. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the School prepares graduates to excel in the dynamic fields of computing, engineering, and digital technologies.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Teesside University remains at the forefront, equipping students with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in their chosen careers.

John Leatherbarrow from BannerWorld adds, “We are proud to support institutions like Teesside University that foster creativity and innovation in their students. Our backdrop printing services are designed to enhance their projects and events, ensuring they stand out and make a lasting impression.”

For more information about the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies and its facilities, please visit Teesside University’s official website.