Writing is more than just stringing sentences together—it’s about crafting an experience that pulls the reader in and refuses to let go. Every great story, whether it’s a novel, blog, or even a witty social media post, thrives on key foundational concepts. Let’s break them down.
1. Voice: Your Story’s Signature Sound
Your writing voice is like your fingerprint—unique, unmistakable, and entirely yours. It’s the tone, rhythm, and personality that seep into every word. Whether sharp and sarcastic, lyrical and poetic, or crisp and direct, developing your voice is what transforms plain words into something unforgettable.
2. Character Depth: More Than Just Names on a Page
Memorable characters feel like real people—flawed, complex, and compelling. Give them motivation, layered personalities, and a little mystery. Readers should care about them, root for them, or even rage at their decisions. Make them breathe on the page.
3. Pacing: The Art of Not Losing Your Reader
Too fast, and your story reads like a runaway train. Too slow, and it drags like a Monday morning. Pacing is about balance—knowing when to linger in a moment and when to propel the story forward. Action, tension, and emotional beats should keep the rhythm engaging.
4. Dialogue: Conversations That Matter
Realistic dialogue isn’t just about sounding natural—it’s about revealing character and driving the story. Every line should serve a purpose, whether exposing relationships, building tension, or sprinkling in humor. Cut filler phrases like “um” and “so,” unless they’re intentional.
5. Show, Don’t Tell: Let the Reader Feel It
Instead of saying “She was angry,” show her slamming a book shut, stiffening her posture, or narrowing her eyes. Sensory details—what a character sees, hears, touches, tastes, and smells—make writing immersive. Make the reader experience the moment rather than just read about it.
6. Conflict: The Heartbeat of Any Story
Without conflict, a story is just people floating around, thinking deep thoughts. Whether it’s internal struggles, external challenges, or dramatic rivalries, every great story thrives on tension. Readers need something to be invested in—whether it’s a hero’s moral dilemma or a full-blown battle.
7. The Power of Editing: Brutal, Necessary, Liberating
First drafts are messy. That’s their job. The magic happens in revision—sharpening sentences, trimming fluff, and making each word earn its place. Editing isn’t about cutting your soul out of the story—it’s about clarifying your vision.
Final Thought: Writing is a Craft, Not Just a Talent
Great writing doesn’t happen because of pure talent—it happens because of practice, patience, and the willingness to experiment. So whether you’re crafting novels, screenplays, blog posts, or anything in between, the core concepts are the foundation that makes your voice, your story, your world shine.
Now, grab that coffee (or tea, if you’re fancy), and let’s get writing.
Ledia Runnels—forever a dreamer, even if the dreams are fiction stories that go where I would personally never dare.💕
All content in this post is copyrighted by Ledia Runnels. No portion may be copied, distributed, or used without explicit permission.
Hello, fellow writers, dreamers, and serial rewriters,
If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, convinced it’s judging you—or if your characters have staged a mutiny mid-chapter—welcome. You’re among friends.
Writing is equal parts art, discipline, and sheer stubbornness, and I’m here to help make the journey smoother, more inspired, and, most importantly, fun. This blog series isn’t about rigid rules (because let’s be honest, rules in writing are made to be bent with flair). It’s about unlocking your voice, understanding what makes stories unforgettable, and navigating the creative chaos with confidence.
Here’s what you can expect:
Practical tips that actually help—not just vague advice like “write more” (we both already know that).
Techniques to master character depth, pacing, dialogue, and world-building.
Encouragement for when self-doubt creeps in (because it does, even for seasoned writers).
A little humor—because writing can feel dramatic enough without taking ourselves too seriously.
So whether you’re plotting your next novel, fine-tuning your blog, or just trying to get words onto a page without throwing your coffee in frustration—stick around. Let’s make something great together.
Are you ready? Because your words are.
Ledia Runnels—Unlocking stories, One Word at a Time💕📒✏️📖
All content in this post is copyrighted by Ledia Runnels. No portion may be copied, distributed, or used without explicit permission.
For writers and serious readers, George Saunders is anything but a newcomer. Saunders published his first short story with The New Yorkerback in 1992, and his new stories have regularly debuted in the magazine’s Fiction section ever since. Over the years, he has gained the reputation of being a “writer’s writer,” with authors like Tobias Wolff saying about Saunders: “He’s been one of the luminous spots of our literature for the past 20 years.” But despite his literary accomplishments, and despite winning the prestigious MacArthur award in 2006, George Saunders never quite became a household name until January 6 of this year. On that day,The New York Times published an article with the title, “George Saunders Has Written the Best Book You’ll Read This Year,” a pretty bold declaration given that 2013 still had 359 days to go. Since then, Saunders has found himself in the limelight talking about Tenth of December, his newly-published collection of short stories. You can watch him give a reading at Google above, or make appearances on the PBS News Hour and The Colbert Report.
If you’re not familiar with Saunders’ writing, then we have you covered. Below we’ve collected 10 stories by the author, all free to read online. Even better, the list features three stories from Tenth of December, including the story after which the book takes its name. All stories from the new collection have an asterisk next to the title.
You write for people like us. You have got too many followers. But the snobs won’t take you seriously. Their noses are so high that when they sneeze the ceiling gets wet. You don’t know if you want to laugh or cry over it. Actually, you are not bothered, and eventually you make a statement on what you are.
The Perfectionist
The world adores you, but you can’t stand yourself. Whatever echoes within yourself doesn’t take shape the way you want. You are still brilliant, but you simply won’t accept it.
The Modest and the Refined
Good Sir, thou knowest thy worth, but thou art too humble to say it. Modesty forbids what the law does not. In the name of polite and noble behavior, you are unkind to yourself.
Some believe that listening to music helps with concentration and prepares the brain to learn more effectively. Below are several YouTube music videos that proclaim to enhance concentration. When writing fiction, I found that music helps my mind travel to a more creative place. What are you thoughts?
When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock. Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…. Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the town’s council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations? Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults. (from Amazon.com)
Author J.K. Rowling reads from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the Easter Egg Roll at White House. Screenshot taken from official White House video. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Joanne “Jo” Rowling was born 31 July 1965), pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British novelist, best known as the author of the Harry Potterfantasy series.
writingtipsforbetterwriting.wordpress.com 