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The articles in this section aim to provide writers, particularly new writers, with an insight into the world of fiction writing.
Motivation
Using proverb based themes for story ideas - Part One
Using proverb based themes for story ideas - Part Two
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Plot: The Fiction Writer's Itinerary
Choosing and Describing a Perfect Setting
Characterisation
Learn to be quiet
Delving into your past
Regaining your writing confidence
Using inclusive language in writing
Copyright: Where To Find Information
Critiquing guidelines
Anti-Virus Tip for Writers
All Rights Remain With the Author: Fact or Fiction?
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If you live in a city you might be accustomed to noise. You might be so accustomed to noise that you only hear one background noise which is actually a combination of many noises. As a writer you need to learn to be quiet, so you can hear each individual noise. When reading your work, readers need to hear individual sounds to help them capture the atmosphere you describe. It's up to you to take time out to listen to and focus on particular sounds. The hum of a computer, a bus going up a hill, an early morning bird, a helicopter passing over, a sneeze in a shopping centre, footsteps on the road late at night. There are so many sounds around us, but unless you learn to be quiet and listen to them, you won't be able to reproduce them in your writing.
Listening to one sound in particular is essential if you want to write effectively and believably. That sound is people conversing. Learn to be quiet every now and then. Listen not only to what people are saying, but the way they're saying it. You'll be amazed at how this will improve your dialogue in fiction writing.
© Justin O'Leary 1998
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