Now that you have developed story ideas for your next fiction novel, congratulations. Now comes the most challenging part: engaging your readers from start to finish.
To write and publish a good book is one thing but to keep readers interested is another, which should be the most ultimate goal of every fiction writer. Of what good is a ‘good’ book if readers get bored halfway through? This is what the previews and the reviews on Amazon and Google Books are for: to help potential readers determine whether a book is really worth it.
It is always important that you hook your readers into your story right from the start. This is the way you can build a connection between your readers and your book, be it romance, science fiction, mystery thriller, or historical fiction.
Readers love a good story but they need persuading. How will you persuade them to read your fiction book?
- Stir your readers’ curiosity
Curiosity is a force that makes us act. It is what that will compel your readers to pick up your book. As a storyteller, it is your duty to awaken your readers’ curiosity to figure out where your story will lead them to and find out what the outcome will be.
Challenge your readers right from the very start. Make them wonder. Surprise them with scenes and dialogues and unusual situations that will not only get them to think but also put themselves in the position of characters and envision scenes that should have happened otherwise. As they anticipate every scene, they ‘participate’ in the narrative as it unfolds before them.
- Introduce likable characters
Your characters will help your readers immerse in your story. You might want to be careful in this department because if they feel something’s off with your characters, they will drop your book like hot potatoes.
Give every character development a serious thought. Give your characters the attributes that befit them. Introduce each character with an appealing backstory and hold readers’ attention to them through unique physical description, emotions and attitudes, and other characters’ words while also considering the story’s setting (era, geographical location, customs and cultures, and social caste).
- Elicit emotion, explore feeling
One reason why people read fiction is to feel or experience something. Readers do not turn to your story to feel and experience what you, the author, or even your characters have felt and experienced.
People read fiction to have their own feelings and experiences. Your characters vehicles through which your readers create their own emotional experiences.
As a storyteller, it is your duty to facilitate these feelings and experiences. You use your characters to get your readers feel and experience something on their own. Readers ‘participate’ in the narrative by following – and even relating to – the characters’ internal struggles; it is as if they are even part of the story.
- Keep it short and simple
Wouldn’t it be easier for you to hook your readers if you keep your words short and simple and direct to the point? Your readers would appreciate it if you do not attempt to hook them with a ‘wordy’ yawn.
Give your readers enough without giving too much away. Open up possibilities that readers cannot escape from, which leave them with no choice but to stay with your book until the final page. As a fiction writer and storyteller, you need to master this task.
Publish your fiction book with ReadersMagnet, to know more about our self-publishing services, call 1 (800) 805 0762 or email us at info@beta.readersmagnet.com
Currently experiencing writer’s block and happened to come across this article. Adding unusual situations might just be what I needed for my book. Thank you for this!
I’m writing a book myself. Have you perhaps seen any tips for memoir writing?