The oldest cliche for writers is “Write what you know!” For a beginner, it is good advice.  Here are some tips to help you on your way:

A plot is simply a problem and a solution. Ensure that the solution is plausible.

Make each event in your story an inevitable outgrowth of preceding events.

If finding names fo your characters is difficut, the telephone  directory is a great help.

Keep a  notebook  for jotting down ideas as they come to you.

Don’t show your work at frequent intervals to anyone while you are working on it.

Find the people who write as you would like and study them.

If you are using a character from real life, change him enough so he can’t be identified.

The background of your story is important … paint an exotic picture, that might evoke a nostalgic mood – readers will be captivated.

Be careful not to let too much description get in the way of your story.

You have an unseen attendant looking over your shoulder when you are at work.  He represents the reader you are trying to reach. If you have to make a decision between your taste and his, always yield to him.

I always look forward to your comments.  You can get my books by contacting me at About Me  above, and read about my work under Books.

Hapy writing.