Stop telling your readers everything
This is one of the biggest mistakes I see new writers making.
When you start a new project, youâre so excited to get into the story and have your readers get to know your characters, that you overshare.
You tell them way too much, ahead of time, and you likely end up spoiling your plot or upcoming character developments.
The truth is â your readers need to know very little in order to be intrigued by your project.
Striking a good balance in telling them just enough can be really difficult, and itâs a skill you will develop the more you write.
Itâs also something that becomes a lot easier when you write your second draft, rather than the first.
The absolute best way not to overshare is by placing yourself firmly in your characterâs shoes.
their current external situation
whatâs going on around them
how thatâs making them feel internally
how it might tie into their deeper flaw
what other thoughts it might relate to and bring up organically
If a character is simply eating an apple and they suddenly tell the reader how they had a bad break-up ten years ago, there is no logical explanation as to why you chose to share this information right now.
If their break-up happened underneath an apple tree, then you suddenly have a link between their external situation and their thoughts.
Always search for links in your narrative to share important information.
And donât assume your reader needs explicit information to deduce whatâs happening.
Sometimes itâs so much stronger to hint at things and leave them up to interpretation. It creates more intrigue for your readers and keeps them flipping those pages to see if they were right.
Did you hear my first book is coming out soon? Itâs my writing craft guide! You can pre-order it now through the [link here] or below!