To all my fellow writers.

Have you grown as a writer?

If you answer yes to this question, I congratulate you.

If your answer is negative, you are not alone in this journey.

To help you and myself, I came up with some hints while writing my stories. I hope these hints will allow us to pave the road to writing that coveted bestseller. I invite you to bring your suggestions and kind and positive comments. Remember that we are all on a crusade to become better writers and persons.

1. Are you able to create the promise of a great reading?

2.- You must be able to create expectations.

3.- Use simple words. Clear sentences.

4.- Learn to combine your power as a writer with the power of your words. Your power lies in your creativity. Apply this power to the words you write.

5.- You must lead the reader to something that will happen. Remember, from A to B, there must be a twist. It is better if it greatly surprises the reader. What we are looking for here is for the WOW!

6.- Add subtle hints that the reader can follow to continue turning page after page. Feed the reader with scenes, not words. This way, you will create suspense, expectation, and tension. If you can achieve these qualities, your book will become a page-turner.

7.- If you know something the reader should know, let the reader know it or give hints at the earlier stages of your novel. Don't keep important issues stored away.

8.- Don't spend too much in a scene unless that scene is vital for the story's development.

9.- Do not include too many details. Excessive details may dilute the character. The contrary is also valid: Do not be too vague in details.

10.- Pay attention to the vocabulary the characters use. It must be appropriate as you define the character. Suppose your character is a caveman; he cannot speak like a professor. It could, but it doesn't make sense unless your character is a professor disguised as a caveman during Halloween.

11.- Do not unnecessarily prolong a momentous event only because you want to build expectations. If not well done, it usually backfires. You will annoy the reader with so many unnecessary words and descriptions.

12.- Do not attempt humour when there is none.

13.- Don't explain dialogues.

14.- Do not place irrelevant information to appear so knowledgeable to the reader's eyes.

15.- Don't put words and sentences that mean nothing to the advance of the novel.

16.- Focus on the conflict.

17.- Characters should never be static. Keep the characters growing.

18.- Don't introduce an event of importance without providing details about it. I.e., "The pest took the lives of many." Either you forgot to provide information on "the pest," or "the pest" has no consequences for the plot's development.

19.- If you are in love with a scene, you probably need someone else to comment on it. Don't ever feel satisfied with your opinion.

20.- Be careful with names and the introduction of new characters. Don't confuse readers. Show, don't tell. Develop your character through the story.