Hi, this is Moat. And this is a little bit like the 1000 ways to get kicked out or whatever, those silly games, where everyone c/ps then adds their own. But I am hoping that people will actually submit legitimate tips to help people write better. Move this to forum games if you must. I'll start out.
1001 Tips For Writing 1. Always use good grammar and spelling so that the reader can understand what you're saying 2. Don't use enter too much, or the sentences will be choppy 3. Don't introduce too many factors or characters too quickly. Allow your readers to get a feel for the new thing before introducing another 4. Keep to your point of view. If your story is from the eyes of Ken, then keep it that way, or the reader will become confused 5. Try to create realistic characters and settings. If you make a character with absolutely no problems or flaws, the readers would rather punch them in the face than sympathize with them
There's your starter. Please let this be successful.
5. Try to create realistic characters and settings. If you make a character with absolutely no problems or flaws, the readers would rather punch them in the face than sympathize with them
I might help here: If something is meant to be used later in the story, emphasize it early in the story, and let the reader forget about it. That way it does not come as a surprise (or odd plot twist) but will be something the reader will look forward to finding out.
Example: "He looked through the papers on the desk, then through the drawers. There was nothing special, it seemed, paper clips, pens, clean paper, and a closed envelope made of light blue paper. It was oddly light when he moved it to look at the insurance papers. These was written with..."
Always remember your story. You might not find it odd when in one chapter, the heroes are going to find something at one place, and then they go somewhere else and find it in the next, without a mention of the first place, the search and the failure in finding the item, but your readers will. If you are not good at remembering where you lead the characters, read through the story every time you write something new; that way you are sure of the plot, and might get better in the mood.
Decide on an overall genre. You might want to mix a few genres, but make sure to follow the overall decided genre to avoid confusion. If your story is a comedy, you cannot introduce a macabre murder, fully described with broken ribs poking through skin and removed eyeballs. It has to be done in the tone of the story. Also, if you decide to introduce that murder, make sure to let the characters be affected by the sight, and not just go "Lol, what" in the next scene.
Which lead me to: Characters, if they are portrayed correctly, will be affected by what you throw them into. Not all characters have iron stomachs, and most are not hard core detectives with a cold out view on the world. For a good reference, watch the scene in "Casino Royale" where the wife of one of the minor villains are found killed in a hammock. Watch the reactions of all the characters around, but especially the secretary.
As to Mary Sues (Gary Sues), depending on the story, you could pull one off without problems. It all depends on how you write, and how much you tell.
