7 Secrets to write better stories

So you want to write your story and you don’t know how to begin? 

I’ve got six quick tips to help you out.

1. Know what you want to write about

To write, you need to have something to say or a story to tell. 

The first question to ask yourself if you want to write your story is “What do I want to talk about?”, “ What do I care about?”

If something major has happened to you,  such as getting married, taking a big trip, retiring, or the birth of a child, you can write about that. 

You could also write about memorable moments, like driving a car for the first time or when you did something spontaneous that changed the trajectory of your life.

Get over the fear that no one will read your story. How would you even know until you’ve written?

2. Start writing

This might sound like strange advice, but it’s really important to just start.

Sit in front of your screen, or if you are more traditional, in front of a blank page and start writing. The words will become paragraphs and finally a complete story!

3. Write authentically 

Almost all the stories are similar: the main character encounters obstacles, searches for a solution, achieves their goal, becomes wiser, and inspires others.

For example, Hayaati Njuki, a hijabi model, told her story of a fun childhood growing up in North London, where her mum was the queen of bodycon dresses and heels. 

As a teenager, she got involved in gang culture and attended a party where she almost got arrested. She then started looking for meaning in her life. Ultimately, she embraced  Islam and became a Hijabi model.

It’s easy to identify with this story because it is real- something that we can relate to.

When telling your story, don't be afraid to talk about your troubles and your failures!  That’s what will humanize you and create a connection with the reader.

4. The first paragraph matters

 You don’t have to tell your story chronologically – you can start with the most interesting part of the story.

It could be an interesting fact, question, or captivating description of a place or people you've met.

If you don’t manage to hook the reader from the start, they may not read the story. 

5. The big plot twist

Who doesn't love unexpected turns? 

For example, a woman who is about to fall off a cliff and is saved at the last minute by her great love. Or a car that rushes at you at full speed but manages to stop just in time. 

What excitement! If you write something that appeals to the reader’s emotions, you will touch them.  

Not only will they finish your story, but they will also remember it for a long time.

6. Use the active voice

If you're using first-person narration as opposed to second- or third-person, keep your voice active. 

For example, you can write, “He made holes in the front door and knocked a door off its hinges. So, the neighbors called the police”.

The passive version of the sentence would be “Holes were made on the front doot and the door was knocked off its hinges.”

Establishing an active voice at the start of your story will hook your readers and make your prose more engaging.

7. Avoid repetition

Repeating a word or phrase happens to the best of us. 

Sometimes you won’t even notice you’ve used the same word or phrase several times in the span of a few pages. 

Those repeats, however, can set off an echo for the reader — a subconscious feeling of “Didn’t she just say that?” 

An echo can be irritating to read and, worse, it can detract from the clarity of your message. 

That's why you should strive to eliminate unnecessary repetition wherever possible. 

You can tell your story now!

You are not ordinary, you are extraordinary. 

We would like to invite people like you, from all walks of life, living in different places to share their experiences in life.  Click here, to tell your unique story.