Millions of words have been strung together on the subject of how to write an awesome book. A book is always going to be a tremendous undertaking that can feel more than a little complicated sometimes. But what if we could simplify the process to just twenty-five ingredients? Last summer, I wrote a post about the Top 25 Ways to Blow a Book. One Wordplayer asked that I also share the Top 25 Ways to Write an Awesome Book. Here they are!

1. Hook readers with a strong first chapter that doesn’t waste time.*

2. Create a sympathetic and/or entertaining character.*

3. Give the character a strong goal.*

4. Obstruct the character’s goal with equally strong opposition.*

5. Create a theme that arises from the character’s inner conflict.*

6. Craft a strong plot with proper structure.*

7. Do your research and get your facts straight.*

8. Expunge unnecessary scenes, settings, and characters.*

9. Balance action and character with properly structured scene/sequel pairings.*

10. Write realistic, entertaining dialogue.*

11. Maintain a consistent POV.*

12. Create original and entertaining voices for narrating characters.*

13. Tighten descriptions with more strong verbs and nouns and fewer modifiers.*

14. Show more than you tell.*

15. Dig deep for original ideas and turns of phrase.*

16. Properly foreshadow your climax—without giving away any big reveals.*

17. Build realistic and engaging settings.*

18. Add only meaningful subplots.*

19. When you build tension—always fulfil it.*

20. Create a dynamic arc of growth for your character.*

21. Add interesting minor characters who can power the plot forward.*

22. Choose the right tone to enhance your plot and theme.*

23. Rock readers with a climax that fulfils all their desires for the story.*

24. Don’t tie off all the loose ends in your story’s ending.*

25. Proofread, proofread, proofread.*

Another great article by K M Weiland. Read more of her posts at http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthor...

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