Tips for Fiction

Do you like to write for kids?  Would you like to see your stories published in a children's magazine?  Here are some tips to help you create great fiction. 

Introduce the main character in first paragraph.

Make the main character likable even though she may have faults.  
Establish the place or setting in the first or second paragraph.

Create conflict in the first third of the story.

Have the main character solve the dilemma without any help from others.

Use ‘said’ for dialogue tags.  Avoid using she frowned, he promised, she cried, etc.  

Try to incorporate the senses into the story.

Drive the story with action.  

Give the ending an unexpected twist.

Have main character grow or change by the end of the story.

After you have finished your story, put it on the back burner for a few days.  When you come back to it, read again to check for punctuation and spelling errors.  Trim words. Make sure the piece flows smoothly.  Then, give the story to a trusted reader for his opinions and suggestions. Edit again.  And again.  

Before you send out your story, read over the helpful tips.  Have you followed those suggestions?  Fantastic!   And congratulations!  You have created fiction that will be ready to submit to a children's magazine.