Nothing is worse than an unprepared writer. Sure you can just write a book, but in order to write a book that will sell, you need to apply lessons learned from others. It is rare the person who can just throw some words on paper and turn it into a book. If you are a fiction writer, it is even more important to learn and apply because when you write fiction you are entering into the world of make believe.

If you are thinking about becoming a fiction writer there are some things you need to consider; practical tips to help you create lasting memorable fiction and make your life a little easier. Take a moment to browse through the following list and see if you need to work on any of them.

• Be specific in your writing. You are writing a story that, in essence, is not real; so you need to capture each moment of the story you write and make it as real as you can. The more specific the detail, the more real the story will seem to the reader.

• Ask yourself if you are a good storyteller. The best fiction can come from the outrageous imaginations of writers who are good storytellers.

• Don’t get into fiction and think it will be a “get rich quick scheme”. Very few people make a living at writing fiction. So while you write, keep your day job; and if your book gets publish, you had better not turn in your resignation too soon.

• Revision is important, but don’t over do it. A writer can afford to, and needs to, do one or two revisions. Just remember that at some point the writer has to stop revising and get the work published.

• Accept constructive, not destructive criticism. There is nothing worse than a person who puts you down at every turn. It is best to find a source of positive support. Even if your writing sucks, you want someone to be able to tell you why and how you can improve without making you feel horrible about what you put on paper.

• Type instead of write. You will save time, paper, and even help the environment. If you hate typing, and can afford it, hire a good transcriptionist to transcribe your work.

• Know the audience you want to reach. The author must know who they want to reach. If you are trying to reach the older audience, writing about a high school romance, will not work.

This list is not conclusive in the least, but it is a great start for those looking for a few practical tips for fiction writers.