Ever wonder what’s the secret sauce to a page-turning book that readers won’t want to put down?

Wonder no more!

These 7 easy tips can be used immediately no matter where you are in your writing. All you need to do is get started and watch the magic unfold!

7 Tips for Writing Novels That'll Make Readers Cancel Their Plans

Tip #1 Characters With More Layers Than an Onion

Let's face it, nobody likes a flat character, not even in a pancake. Craft characters with so many layers that readers can't help but dive deep into their complexities. 

Imagine a character like Sarah, a top-notch lawyer who volunteers at animal shelters and secretly loves competitive karaoke.  She's tough in the courtroom but melts at the sight of a puppy. This complexity makes her relatable and intriguing.

TLDr; Every hero has a bit of a villain in them, and every villain a touch of hero.

Tip #2 Plot Twists Galore

Keep your readers guessing, and just when they think they've figured it out, bam! Hit them with another twist. It's like a surprise party for their brain.

Think of a story where the protagonist, Alex, discovers the villain is actually their long-lost sibling. Just as they process this, it's revealed that the sibling is undercover, working against a greater evil.

TLDr; Give your plot more twists than a pretzel factory. 

Tip #3 Settings That Pop Off the Page

Make your settings so vivid that readers need to use Google Maps to make sure they haven't magically teleported. 

Picture a small coastal town described so vividly that you can smell the salty sea air, hear the gulls, and feel the sand between your toes. That’s what we’re going for, a full sensory experience.

TLDr; Whether it's a bustling city or a misty forest, make it so real that readers wish they were there.

Tip #4 Dialogue That Delivers The Goods

Each conversation between your characters is a chance to reveal secrets, dreams, and the occasional embarrassing story.

Envision a witty exchange between two opposite-attract characters, where they playfully argue about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Just think how much romantic tension you can build from a conversation like this!

TLDr; Make your characters' conversations so natural and engaging that readers will feel like they're eavesdropping. 

Tip #5 Pacing That's Just Right

Your novel's pace should be like a good workout session - a mix of sprints, jogs, and cool-down walks. It's all about that rhythm!

Imagine a thriller novel that starts with a high-speed chase, slows down as the protagonist uncovers clues about a mysterious disappearance, and then accelerates again towards a heart-racing showdown.

TLDr; Keep your readers' hearts racing, but let them catch their breath too.

Tip #6 Themes With a Punch

Go for the big, bold, and beautiful - themes that resonate on a universal level but are also relatable to the here and now.

Consider a story centered around the theme of 'forgiveness in an unforgiving world'. It weaves through the narrative, exploring how different characters confront and deal with forgiveness, providing a resonant and thought-provoking theme.

TLDr; Choose themes that hit as hard as a morning coffee. 

Tip #7 Write Endings That Stick

Leave your readers satisfied, but also staring into the distance, wondering what just happened and when they can get more.

Think of a novel ending where the main character achieves their goal, but it's bittersweet. Maybe they've won the battle but lost friends along the way, leaving readers satisfied with the resolution but reflective on the journey.

TLDr; Nail your ending like a gold-medal gymnast at the Olympics.

Keeping these 7 tips front of mind as you write will not only help to make you a better writer, but will sharpen your storytelling skills and set your book up to be a future page turner.

And remember…if it ever gets to be too much…

"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." — Terry Pratchett

Here’s to telling your story!