Four Ways for Fiction Writers to Engage Their Readers
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
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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.
2. 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).
3. Elicit emotion, explore