Writing Tips: Making Judicious Choices

Writing fiction is a creative endeavor that involves making numerous choices, often requiring careful consideration and discernment. These choices shape the story, characters, and overall reading experience. Here are some writing tips concerning the types of judicious choices that writers must make:

1. Plot Choices:

   • Select a compelling and engaging plot that captures readers' interest from the beginning.
   • Determine the pacing of the story, balancing moments of tension and calm to maintain reader engagement.
   • Make strategic decisions about plot twists and surprises to keep the story intriguing and unpredictable.
   • Choose when and how to reveal important information to create suspense and maintain reader curiosity.

2. Character Choices:

   • Develop well-rounded and relatable characters that readers can connect with emotionally.
   • Make deliberate choices about character motivations and goals to drive the story forward.
   • Decide on character relationships and dynamics, considering how they interact and influence one another.
   • Ensure character growth and development by making choices that challenge and transform them throughout the narrative.

3. Setting Choices:

   • Select vivid and evocative settings that enhance the mood and atmosphere of the story.
   • Determine the time period and cultural context that best serve the narrative and its themes.
   • Make judicious choices about the level of detail in setting descriptions, focusing on what is most relevant to the story and characters.

4. Dialogue Choices:

   • Craft authentic and distinct dialogue that reflects each character's voice, personality, and background.
   • Choose dialogue that advances the plot, reveals character traits, and develops relationships.
   • Consider pacing and rhythm in dialogue, balancing exposition, action, and moments of reflection.

5. Theme Choices:

   • Identify the central themes and messages of the story, making choices that reinforce and explore these themes.
   • Decide how to incorporate and develop sub-themes that add depth and complexity to the narrative.
   • Make deliberate choices about symbolism and imagery to enhance thematic resonance.

6. Language Choices:

   • Select the appropriate tone and style of language that aligns with the genre, atmosphere, and characters.
   • Make careful word choices to evoke the desired emotions, imagery, and sensory experiences.
   • Utilize figurative language and literary devices judiciously to enhance the narrative without overwhelming it.

7. Structure Choices:

   • Determine the most effective narrative structure for the story, such as linear, non-linear, or multiple perspectives.
   • Make choices regarding chapter or section breaks to create momentum and anticipation.
   • Consider how the structure supports the pacing, reveals information, and maximizes impact.

8. Editing and Revision Choices:

   • Review and revise the manuscript with a critical eye, making choices to enhance clarity, coherence, and flow.
   • Cut unnecessary scenes, dialogue, or descriptions that do not contribute to the story's development.
   • Seek feedback from trusted readers or editors and make choices based on constructive criticism.

Remember, the art of writing fiction is an iterative process that involves making and revising choices. Each choice contributes to the overall vision of the story, its themes, and the reader's experience. By exercising discernment and thoughtfulness, writers can create captivating and meaningful narratives.