There are some common pieces of advice that authors seem to follow when writing an ebook. Following these tips will create an experience that is close to perfect.
Choose A Main Character That You Can Immerse Yourself In
The main character is the focal point of the story. It is the character that the reader will invest the most time in reading about. Choose a character that you can envision existing in real life. If you want to write an adventure story, then pick a character that is a combination of Indiana Jones and Ed Wood. On the other hand, if you want to write a coming-of-age story, then you should choose a protagonist who is like you or someone you know. The main character should be relatable; something that the reader will connect with and feel as though they are able to identify with.
Outline The Most Important Events In The Story
An event is something that happens in the story that has an effect on the overall plot. Events can be big or small, relevant or irrelevant. The events in your story should revolve around the central themes that you established in the outline. These events should serve as stepping stones to bring the reader further into the world of your book. Make sure that each event is written with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It is not crucial that these elements be written in the order that they appear in the story, but it would be a good idea to write each section as you go along. When you finish writing a particular event, you should go back and re-read what you have written. This will improve your ability to write a novel, giving you a fresh set of eyes to spot any errors.
Use An Active Voice
An active voice is one that uses the present tense. Instead of saying “I walk into a store and see a beautiful dress on the floor,” your narrator should say “I walk into a store and see a dress on the floor.” Using the present tense shows that the action is occurring in the moment. Your clothes should match the story’s time frame. If your story takes place in the 1960s, then your clothes should reflect that era. In the same vein, if your story takes place in the 21st century, then you should use technology to represent that era. For instance, early in the story your protagonist might type a text message on their phone or send an email. As the story progresses, the technology should evolve along with the story.
Dress The Main Character Relatable
Dress the main character more according to your theme. If you want to write a historical story, then you should choose a historical costume for your main character. If your story takes place in a contemporary setting, then you can opt for a more realistic look by simply outfitting your character with modern clothing. The choice is entirely up to you. It is advisable to choose an outfit that is similar to what real people wore in the time period that you have chosen. This will give your readers a more authentic experience. You also need to consider the climate that you will create for your story. If you live in a place with a lot of cold, then you should use a lot of heavy clothing, including scarves, hats, and gloves. If you are writing in a warmer climate, then it is advisable to opt for lighter clothing, such as shorts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and sun hats. As for the location of your story, you can either set it in a specific place or pick an imaginary one that you create. You should try to research the place that you have chosen. If you have never been there, then do your best to make it seem real. If your readers can walk in the shoes of your main character, then they will experience your story as if it were real. Sometimes it is easier to make things seem real than it is to make them sound realistic.
Give Your Characters Good Mating Options
Your characters should be able to have good mating options. If you decide to write a historical story, then your characters should have good compatibility with each other. They should be able to have healthy families and live happily ever after. If you want to write a swashbuckling adventure story, then your main character should have options with both male and female characters. This is to make the story more interesting to read. Your characters should not be limited to traditional gender pairings either. You can opt for various combinations of gender, race, and sexual orientation in your stories. Just make sure that your characters’ relationship options don’t contradict the time period that you have picked for your story. For instance, if you are writing in the 18th century and your character is a male, then he should not be able to have a gay relationship. The list of do’s and don’ts is endless when it comes to mating options. This is something that you will need to consider when you are writing the blurb for your ebook.
One More Thing
If you want to write a historical story, then you should research the attire that people from that time period wore. It is also advisable to research the food that was served at that time. If you want to write an adventure story, then you should research the vehicles and weapons that were available at the time. When possible, you should research as much as you can about the places that you will visit in your story. A good travel guide can help you visualize the locations that you have never been to and give you a sense of what the place is like. If you want to write a coming-of-age story, then you should research the social customs and expectations of the time period. You can research books and articles about this topic and even ask other people for their opinions. Remember: your characters’ opinions don’t have to make sense. They are just there to enhance the story. The main thing is that you are able to imagine that you are there, researching, and putting into practice everything that you have learned. This will give your story a more realistic feel. You should also research places that you will include in your story. If you don’t know much about the location, then do your best to find out. If you include pictures in your story, then make sure that they are of good quality. This will help your readers visualize the place that you have described. To wrap it up, make sure that your story is as coherent as possible. Revise and edit the story as much as you can so that it sounds more professional. Once you have finished writing, then ask a trusted colleague or friend to read through the story and tell you what they think. This will help improve your writing skills and give you fresh set of eyes to find any errors in your story. Good luck out there.