Writing Tips

**This is a page for writing tips, anyone can contribute to the page.**
**So, not delete anyone's tip unless you're a mod, or have confirmed with a mod that it's against the rules and have been given permission to remove it.**

**Furthermore, do not edit anyone's tip, unless there is a spelling error, you're a mod, or you're adding their user next to the tip. Hope this page helps all the new writers.**

***Note From Moderator, MUST READ***
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**Halcyonmetanoia**, a content moderator, will be regularly checking this page. She will be rephrasing and changing tips to fit a format, make more sense, sound kinder, be more helpful, abide by the rules, and look nicer. She will also be writing notes of her own next to tips, this is to show her opinion on those tips and not meant to deter anyone from following them/using them.

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***It's a requirement* that will help keep things organized, help moderators recognize who broke the rules without checking the page's history, help readers get tips from their favorite writers on this wiki, etc. Failure to abide by this requirement will result in your tip being removed, and depending on how much you don't follow this requirement, you may receive a warning. Thank you.**

* Always double enter when writing on a website that only enters once, like this website. It makes it easier to read. - Echo

* Always make a new paragraph when someone else speaks. There are multiple reasons you would need to make another paragraph other than voice change (remember tiptop),

-**Ti**me, when there is a time change, always make another paragraph.

-**p**lace, if there is a place change, then change your paragraph, same goes for if they are moving.

-**to**pic, if there is a topic change, in story telling, dialogue, or an essay, you need a new paragraph.

-**p**erson, if another person is speaking, or if your focusing on the person now, you need a new paragraph. - Echo

* Punctuation is important, it helps readers understand what you're saying in a more clear way. Try reading over your writing out loud, listen for when your voice naturally pauses/needs a breath and add the necessary punctuation. **You can look here for more tips and information on punctuation.**

- Tip by Illusion, edited to *sound kinder, be more helpful, and include a future page that will be a helpful resource* by **Halcyonmetanoia**.

* Don't write 2 sentenced paragraphs, it makes it more complicated to read. At the same time, don't write paragraphs with 17, 18 sentences. On an average, keep your paragraph length to at least 7-8 sentences or so. (It depends on the length of the sentences as well.) - Illusion

 Small note from Halcyonmetanoia on this one above: I, personally, suggest 3-5 sentences when it comes to having longer sentences. For shorter sentences, 7-8 sentences are okay, just don't go overboard, as you can overwhelm the reader.
* Refrain from adding too many unnecessary details. Unless it plays an important part in your story, don't add things that the reader doesn't want to know about. - Illusion

 Additional note on this one from **Halcyonmetanoia**: I believe that writers, no matter how hard they try, will never know what the readers want unless the reader specifically says they want that or don't want that. The writer should read their writing and determine if:

- 1. What they wrote feels unnecessary; read it for yourself and see if it keeps your interest on the story you're trying to tell or not.

- 2. If the thing they wrote helps to move the story along; what did you write? If you remove it, does the story look strange without it? Try and see if it helps people get to know the scene, setting, character, etc.

- 3. If they *want* to keep what they wrote there; do you like what you wrote, even if it feels unnecessary?

* Re-check and edit your work. Don't know how many of you actually do this, but go back and read your writing (even if you die of cringe) and edit it. It may seem unnecessary, however, it'll improve the quality of your writing and will get you more reads/comments/upvotes. -

@LordShadowraith:

Don't add too much details on a character or thing. Add a okay amount of details and let the reader fill in the rest of it mentally. Trust me, it works you won't bore the reader to death with your endless details then.

* Dont keep on using one name (Martha, Jack, ect) over and over again. Include pronouns but reuse the character's name every so often. You should also use the characters name usually when you start a new paragraph or somebody is talking about them. If a character simply said "She's really fun!", you wouldn't who the person is referring to unless the topic was about that one person who is "really fun".

- Hazel

* Do something or watch something you enjoy when you get frustrated or you have ran out of creativity! It can help you a lot.

- Hazel

* Don't write everything at once! Write bits and pieces at a time and read over your writing every now and then. You might find some spelling mistakes or want to rewrite a sentence or two. Don't also rush yourself to finish a chapter or a certain amount of paragraphs! Good stories take awhile to be made and your writing for fun! Dont write more just because you feel like you have to or if you dont enjoy it anymore. I also suggest when your really in the mood to do some writing, work on your story and write a bunch!

- Hazel