Writing Better Fiction - Faster
and Selling More of Your Work

Writing better and faster means selling more.

You'll get the tools you need to compose better fiction, faster and more efficiently than you ever thought possible. And they'll be your stories, told your way, while being highly desirable to your audience. That means - people will buy, read and recommend your stories to their friends.

Efficiently means: not only creating a good story but telling it well, and with a minimum of confusion, hesitation or re-doing your work.

Whoever said, "Writing is re-re-re-writing" lied to us.

This site exposes this lie and the countless others that have suppressed writers for generations. These are some of the most deadly Fiction Myths. They can literally kill a writer and/or kill his work. Look these over to make sure you're not buying into any of them.

If the subject of writing stories seems confusing and difficult - it's not your fault.

Study these pages and learn the simple truth of the subject - and the truth will set you free.

  • If you're going to Write - Publish.
  • If you're going to Publish - Self Publish.
  • If you're going to Self Publish - Get The Facts before you dive in and waste a lot of time and money, and make a damn fool of yourself.

Introduction to the Subject of Writing Fiction

The following is a broad overview of the subject. As the site develops, each of the line items will be turned into a link connecting to one or more articles discussing that concept in detail. Consider the following a sort of, "table of contents" for the subject as it will be discussed on this site.

To understand this subject the best place to start is with the product.

  1. Product
  2. What product do we "storytellers" produce? What product do we exchange with our readers?

    1. Story
    2. Fiction writers produce stories because that's what our readers are buying - a story.

    3. Why do we tell stories, what's the purpose?
    4. Stories are how we make sense out of life and how a culture defines itself. Stories are how we attempt to understand where we've come from, who we are, and where we're going.

    5. What is a story - exactly?
    6. Definition: story - a fictional narrative, consisting of an introduction leading either to an event (or two causally related incidents, culminating in an event) and ending with a conclusion of the premise of the narration.

      (note: you will not find this definition in any dictionary)

    7. What the reader wants
    8. All the buying public wants is: a good story, well told.

    9. Familiarity
    10. Our familiarity with the product is the problem. It gets in the way of our actually studying the subject of fiction, as a subject.

      We've been reading, watching, and hearing stories our whole lives. So we start off as writers thinking we know what they are.

      But reading fiction is vastly different than writing fiction. The trick is to replace familiarity with certainty and guess-work with expertise. Composing good fiction is simple, once we know how. But that's the trick, isn't it - learning how to create good story's and telling them well.

  3. How do we learn to write effective fiction?
  4. Any subject to be learned must be systematized. The student can't learn and the teacher can't teach a non-system. To be understood, any subject must be sorted into its components and organized into a hierarchy of functions, relationships and dependencies.

    Simply put, it's like understanding the engine of a car. We must not only know what each component is, and what it does, but we must understand how each of these pieces work with all the others to make the wheels turn and propel us down the road. And to understand that we also have to understand (at least in broad general terms) the laws of physics as they apply to the workings of engines.

    So too it is with learning to write fiction. There are laws of storytelling like there are laws of physics. There are component parts to a story like there are component parts to an engine. And then there is how the laws apply and how the components interact to take our reader on an emotional and intellectual ride down the road of our story.

    To the degree that we understand stories and storytelling -- like a mechanic understands car engines -- we can tune, adjust, repair, rebuild and even build them from scratch.

    But if we don’t understand stories like a mechanic understands car engines, when it doesn't run right or we can't get it started - all we can do is kick the tires and call a tow-truck. And the readers of our stories won't hesitate to call the tow-truck and rent some other story.

    So, if we are going to build and sell our books, then we must become story mechanics.

    To improve our ability to create stories and tell them well we need to learn a lot more (dare I say everything) about what stories are, how they work, and what they do.

  5. Where do we start?
  6. There are two major subdivisions to the subject of writing fiction -
    A.) creating a good story and B.) telling it well.

    1. Good story
    2. To understand what constitutes a "good story" we have to look at purpose. What is the reader buying and why are they buying it?

      Entertainment is too shallow an answer. People only buy solutions to their problems. And stories solve two problems for the reader: relief from boredom, and distraction from his problems. That's what the reader is buying - relief from his life or problems. They could use booze, drugs, a movie or a rollercoaster ride. Any of those things could provide some "relief" but some of these solutions are more beneficial than others.

      To the degree our story solves the reader's problem, it's a good story.

    3. Well told
    4. What makes a story "well told"? What is "telling well"?

      Again we have to look at purpose. To achieve "relief", the telling of the story (and the story itself) must catch and hold the attention of the reader long enough for him to experience enough relief that they feel satisfied.

      A story must also provide an emotional and intellectual experience. This is part of how it catches and holds the readers attention. It engages their attention on an emotional and intellectual level - some of each. Emotional and intellectual are the two ends of a gradient scale. Each story could be placed at some point on the scale between total emotional and total intellectual.

      No story can be written that is all one and nothing of the other.

  7. How do we proceed?
    1. Writing fiction is a subject - like any other
    2. First we must understand that fiction is a subject like any other subject. There is something to know and it can be known.

      Any subject is easy once we understand it. The problem is getting to that point of understanding.

    3. Organize to understand
    4. This subject of composing fiction must be organized before it can be studied and it must be studied before it can be understood.

    5. What do we need to know?
    6. There are things that we need to know. And there are things that we don't need to know to understand a subject.

      In the category of "need to know" are these categories: product, nomenclature, tools, resources, structures, sequences, and techniques -- in about that order of importance.

    7. Product
    8. The writers product is a "story" which we already covered above. However what you might not realize is that the above definition is "new". We writers haven't had such a workable definition for what a story is, for over 1,000 years. And ones ability to create stories is directly proportional to ones understanding of exactly what they are.

      But we have no product unless and until someone reads what we've written.

    9. Nomenclature
    10. Words are best understood as a hierarchy of related concepts. The words of a subject are related to each other like the leaves on a tree. An important part of any word's meaning is its relationship with other words of the subject.

      There is a nomenclature associated with the composition of fiction and we must understand all the terminology of the subject.

    11. Tools
    12. This is a long list starting with words, grammar, spelling and punctuation, all the way up to and including human nature, history, geology, geography, physics, etc.

    13. Resources
    14. The ability to observe, research, think about, and evaluate information is undoubtedly the writer's greatest single resource.

    15. Structure
    16. There are only two basic story structures.

      1. Long story: introduction, first incident, second incident, event, conclusion
      2. Short story: introduction, event, conclusion
    17. Sequence
    18. The story creation sequence is simple, if we don't skip any steps.

      1. Story Conception
      2. Story conception is just getting an idea that can be turned into a premise.

      3. Story Design
      4. Designing a story is simply working out the general idea of the major components that make up any story such as: premise, antagonist, protagonist, objective, problem, duration, location, time, motivation, consequences, and outcome.

        Design also includes decisions regarding the genre, target audience, and word length.

        And from there the design would move on to the major actions of the introduction, first incident, second incident, event and conclusion, and the smaller actions leading up to and away from each of these.

      5. Story Composition
      6. Composition is what most people think of as "writing". But there are two steps before composition; otherwise one would not know what they were writing about, why they were writing about it or the point they were trying to make with their narrative.

      7. Story Editing
      8. Good editing starts broad and works down into the details. Does the story work? Is it doing what it was intended it to do? Does it illustrate the intended premise? And working down to things like: Is each scene pulling its weight? Does the dialogue work? Is the tension right? etc.

    19. Techniques
    20. Techniques are often referred to as systems, or methodologies. There are techniques for conceiving, designing, composing and editing. For example, some of the techniques of composition are: prose, poetry, exposition, dialogue, suspense, mock-ups, scenes, person, viewpoint, etc.

  8. General Principles
  9. Only to the degree that we can systematize and structure the data that comprises the subject we can master the subject. Each component of the subject must be understood, not only in and of itself, but in relation to the whole.

    The subject of storytelling is ancient and it's gathered a lot of false information over the centuries. So, we must be able to sort out and discard the false information while learning the correct information. That means; we must be able to tell the difference between what works and what doesn't.

The above is only a broad outline of the subject. To master the subject one obviously would need to study the details - many of which you will find on this site.

Write on...

Richard A. McCullough

The Truth about Self Publishing

"Self Publishing – the Dangerous Opportunity"
Get this FREE 79 page Special Report

  • Separate the hype from the opportunity
  • Self Publish without getting ripped-off
  • For a limited time only
  • Download this $37 dollar value

  • *** FREE Now ***

    Self Publishing

Copyright 2011 - Richard A McCullough is the creator & editor of http://www.write-better-fiction.com the Fiction Writers source for Producing Better Fiction Faster and Selling More of What You Write.

Copyright - you may freely republish this article, provided the text, author's credit, active links and this copyright notice remain intact.

Fiction Writers Survey
Interesting survey for fiction writers. Fill out this short survey and discover what you have in common with other fiction writers.
e-Zine Membership
Get your Subscription to The W.B.F. e-Zine membership - the information packed, Free monthly e-zine for Fiction Writers and receive my special thank you gift.
Writing Better Fiction - Blog
Blog for fiction writers
Free "How-To" Videos
Free "How-To" Videos show you how-to Write Better Fiction Faster and easier than you ever thought possible.
Book Publishing
If you're a writer you should be engaged in book publishing; whether selfpublishing (which I recommend) or through a conventional publisher; and you need to know the ropes.
Self Publishing – summary of the advantages and disadvantages of self publishing
Read this simple, concise summary of the advantages and disadvantages of self publishing before you get ripped off. You'll be shocked and surprised.
Self-Publishing is easier but just as treacherous as conventional publishing.
Follow a fellow writer while I navigate the shark infested waters of self-publishing.
eBook Publishing – The Writers Revolution Begins
As more writers turn to ebook publishing the competition increases for the minds and hearts of readers. Why you must Write Better Fiction and Promote better what you publish.
Fiction Writing - Revealed - Learn its Secrets, Tips & Tricks
Master fiction writing with these Exclusive Secrets, Tips & Tricks - Learn all the secrets to fiction that sells - Here
How to Write a Novel
Contrary to what you've been told; How to write a Novel isn't hard, the only problem is What to write. For that you need a process.
How to Write a Novel
How to Write a Novel - The top 5 mistakes of the aspiring novelist, and how to solve each one to keep you manuscript out of the rejection pile.
How to Write a Novel - Introducing the Conception and Design processes
These how to write a novel tools vastly improve the odds of not only finishing the manuscript but ensuring that it's a good salable story.
How to Write Fiction better and faster - The big picture
How to Write Fiction - A top down approach based on the 6 Key Categories of knowledge that Every Writer Must Know
Realistic Fiction must be more real than reality
Writing realistic fiction is the goal of every fiction writer. Because experiencing realistic fiction is the desire of every reader.
Short Fiction Stories - The Problem
Short Fiction Stories are more difficult for the writer and less desirable for the reader - than the longer format of the Novel.
18 Elements of Fiction Writing
The elements of fiction are the fundamental principles of writing effective fiction
The Fiction Book - what is it and why you should care
The elusive fiction book - The Holly Grail of every fiction writer. Find Out - What is it, exactly - How do I write one of these.
13 Fiction Writing Tips - to Survive and Thrive as a Fiction Writer
Of all the fiction writing tips one could possibly get these 13 are more valuable than all the rest.
Writing Myths
There are many common writing myths. Here are a few of the most deadly.
Books For Writers
See this comprehensive list of books for writers built from my personal library of the best books regarding the art and craft of writing good fiction.
FAQ's - Writers Resources
The best writers resources are the comments and advise of other writers. Ask questions and share your advice - in this writers community.
Fiction Writing news, Self-publishing and Books in the news.
Stay up to date with news and trends about Fiction Writing news, Self Publishing and Books streaming from the major news services.
Writers Resources - The Truth about Writing and Drugs
A Writers Resources does not include drugs. The Truth about Writing and Drugs. Don't be duped into thinking that any drug including alcohol will "enhance" your ability to write.
Dictionaries and Synonyms
A writers resources should include a good dictionary. But dictionaries have a few flaws that can give a writer a very warped understanding of words.
While this is not a site about poetry per se the subject must be addressed because there is a great deal of confusion about poetic and prosaic, and the relationship between "poems", and "stories".
Types of Poetry
There is an infinited varity of Types of Poetry both in terms of form and subject - this page presents some unique ideas about poetry in general and a few examples of the authors work.
Poetry and Prose
This page addressed the confusion between poetry and prose, storytelling and the writing of fiction in general.
Writing Poetry
Writing Poetry is a highly compressed and stylized form of storytelling and therefore the Mount Everest of writing fiction and not the training ground for aspiring writers.
Flowers for Mother's Day
Flowers for Mother's Day is a poem for all mothers, young and old
types of poetry - 55-Chevy
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem celebrating my first love affair, with a 55 Chevy
types of poetry - The Wind
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A short poem celebrating the wind.
types of poetry - Rain
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem... about the rain in Seattle
types of poetry - Janice
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem about young love; and the many mistakes we make. Some might consider this not a poem, but then... people can think what they wish.
types of poetry - The Epitaph
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem celebrating the circle of life.
types of poetry - Summer Runner
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem about summer, and the dreams and visions that only children can see.
types of poetry - Red Robin
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem about The Red Robin. I spent many a weekend drinking in this little collage bar.
types of poetry - The Pin-Ball Player
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem about The Pin-Ball Player, one of the many residents of "The Red Robin"; a little collage bar.
types of poetry - The Bridge
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem about The Bridge, outside of "The Red Robin"; a little collage bar.
types of poetry - Seattle Sound Sunset
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A very short poem about the Seattle "Sound" at Sunset.
types of poetry - short series
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A series of very short poems about..... "The Red Robin"
types of poetry - Heidelberg
This is one of the Types of Poetry. More reflections from the..... "The Red Robin"
types of poetry - We Whisper
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A poem about the barriers of this thing called "love".
types of poetry - Naked To Her Shame
This is one of the Types of Poetry. Love has many faces. This is a poem about... believing what we want to believe.
types of poetry - Love Me Quick
This is one of the Types of Poetry. Love has many faces. This is a poem about... what we need and what we get.
types of poetry - Sandals
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A short poem about... Sandals... and travelers... and other things.
types of poetry - My Children
This is one of the Types of Poetry. An Ode to my other children - the words I birth onto the page.
types of poetry - Duchess of Denmark
This is one of the Types of Poetry. A 2,500 word epic poem about magic, evil and faith.
types of poetry - Gettin' Dizzy
This is one of the Types of Poetry. Children see the world differently.
types of poetry - The Train
Types of Poetry. A children's epic tail of trains and things... Children see the world through different eyes.
About Us
About Us page of www.Write-Better-Fiction.com
Testimonials, & Comments Re: material contained on www.Write-Better-Ficiton.com
Testimonials for www.Write-Better-Fiction.com and the principles we teach
Who is Richard A McCullough
Who is Richard A McCullough of www.Write-Better-Fiction.com
My Philosophy
My Philosophy consists of a few basic philosophical datums that I use to think and evaluate data with.
The Right Way
There is the right way for doing something and then there are all the other ways.
Datums of Comparable Magnitude
Datums of Comparable Magnitude must be used in evaluating any subject.
Gradient Scales
Infinity valued logic and the resulting concept of gradient scales is the most significant advancement in the history of philosophy and a fiction writer's best friend.
Start With the Product
Start with the product to plan any project such as writing a novel this. This is one of the tools of that I use.
Truth and Simplicity
Truth and simplicity go hand and hand and in studying any subject such a writing friction this is one of the tools of evaluation that I use.
Workable Truth
Workable truth and its pursuit is a slippery subject, hence we need a methodology for considering the relative truthfulness of a given datum.
Goals and Purposes of Write-Better-Fiction.com
The Goals and Purposes of www.Write-Better-Fiction.com
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Write-Better-Fiction.com
Contact Us
Contact Us page for www.Write-Better-Fiction.com
Disclaimer for www.Write-Better-Fiction.com
Book Publishing Company
Amazon continues its shift from bookseller to book publishing company. And this time the global bookseller is joining the establishment rather than defying it.
Writing Systems for Fiction Writers
The writing systems of the great writers of the Golden Age of Fiction (1910-1960) relied on Story Technology. Discover what they knew - that you're missing.
Writing Styles
Find out why writing styles are far less important for the fiction writer than simply creating a good story and telling well.
Creative Writing Ideas
There is no shortage of creative writing ideas. The problem is knowing what to do with the idea when you get one. For that you need The Story Engine.
Story Starters
Before you waste a lot of time with story starters; discover how to actually Conceive, Design, and Research your story before you try Composing it.
Writing a Novel
Writing a Novel is simple when you understand how. Here's what you need to know and how to get started.
Creative Writing Tips
These creative writing tips are the simplest, most powerful, and sought after tips for fiction writers. They debunk many of the myths about the craft.
Becoming a Writer
Becoming a writer is not what it's cracked up to be. Discover what they don't want you to know to see why you should be an author/publisher instead of a writer.

New! Comments


Get Your
Free Resource Guide
For Writers

Click Here For Your Free Resource Guide For Writers