Writing Fiction

Feature Writer: Jennifer Jensen

Welcome to Writing Fiction at Suite101.com.

Whether you write mainstream, genre or children’s fiction, whether novels or short stories, this is a great place to explore fiction techniques such as dialogue, characterization, plot, setting, POV, etc. You’ll find info on critique groups, submission guidelines, publishing, and other writer’s tools. We’ll also have author interviews, book reviews, and even some comments from editors.

I'd love to build a community of writers through the discussion board. Register on Suite 101 if you haven't (it’s easy), then chime in on a discussion or start a new one. Tell us what you’re working on, what problems you’re having, any writing tips you’d like to share, and of course, your successes.

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Jennifer Jensen

May 10, 2008

Reserve Backstory in Fiction

In: Writing Novels

Reveal characters and situations through backstory, a little at a time, instead of telling it all at once. Beloved, One True Thing and CBS's Jericho provide examples. more...

Apr 21, 2008

Four Purposes of Dialogue

In: Writing Fiction (general)

Use dialogue carefully and it will serve different purposes, developing character, story background, plots and pacing. more...

Apr 14, 2008

Avi Gives Advice on Writing

In: Writing Techniques

Newbery Award winning author Avi gives how-to-write advice in "A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing." more...

Apr 3, 2008

Complex Scope of Writing a Novel

In: Writing Novels

To write a novel well is a huge task, incorporating character, theme, voice and much more. Here's how to conquer the intimidation and accompanying writer's block. more...

Mar 29, 2008

Write What You Know

In: Writing Novels

John Grisham, Dick Francis, Jeff Stone and Sara Gruen are great examples for aspiring writers to "write what you know." more...

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Jennifer Jensen

May 20, 2008

Revealing Characters’ Background

Anna Quindlen, Tony Morrison and some television writers introduce us to characters a little at a time, instead of explaining all the backstory up front. Read how.

I don’t know how many of you were Jericho fans (CBS television show that has reportedly been permanently cancelled), but from the time I first watched it, I fell in love with how they developed the characters, and the parallels with good fiction.

It’s important to have fully fleshed out characters and story, and yet start in the middle of the action. But by only revealing the characters’ backstory a bit at a time, you leave some mystery for the reader to follow. If the characters are good, readers are fascinated as they get to know them little by little.

Read Reserve Backstory in Fiction for ideas and literary examples by Toni Morrison and Anna Quindlen, and then give it a try.

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