I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Can a “Translation Notes” section also be used for terms used in my fictional world?

How do you use foreign words in fiction?

Use italics for words not widely known in English.



If you’re writing a word in Spanish, Arabic, or Klingon and it’s not commonly used in English, it should be italicized. Using italics gives your readers a heads-up that something different has occurred.

What are the factors that a writer should consider when creating a fictional world?

Characters, setting, plot, conflict, point of view, and theme are six key elements for writing fiction.

How do you write a story in multiple languages?

5 Ways To Incorporate Multiple Languages Into Your Fantasy Novel

  1. Write the meaning, not the words. One option is to explain in narration what characters are saying in another language.
  2. Use dialogue tags.
  3. Include a translation guide.
  4. Sprinkle dialogue with key foreign words.
  5. Mark languages with different punctuation.


How do you create a fantasy world history?

Begin by writing a true or legendary origin or origins for the world. Next, you’ll need a map of your fantasy world. In order for the world to feel as real as possible, the readers needs to be able to understand the boundaries and locations and how they logistically relate to one another.

What should you not do in fiction writing?

Nine Common Fiction Writing Mistakes

  • Beginning the story too early. Many writers start their stories before the interesting part.
  • Leaving out the plot.
  • Letting the characters off too easily.
  • Being unwilling to make things up.
  • Muddying point of view.
  • Rushing.
  • Using incorrect format.
  • Playing it safe.

How do you read notes in fiction?

Helpful tips

  1. Write notes in your own words instead of copying down information from the book.
  2. Avoid over-highlighting.
  3. Wait until the end of a page to take notes so that you can better focus on what you are reading and so that you can try to summarize in your own words rather than copy.

What are elements of fiction notes?

The elements of fiction are: character, plot, theme, setting, and style. Of these five elements, character is the who, plot and theme are the what, setting is the where and when, and style is the how of a story.

What are the techniques to be used for fictional stories?

Powerful Fiction Techniques

  • Setting changes.
  • A variety of narrative styles.
  • Playing with point of view and voice.
  • Character development.
  • Exploration of the five senses.
  • Language experimentation.
  • Focusing on beginnings and endings.


What 6 elements does a fiction story need to have mention them?

Here are six elements of fiction to know:

  • Character.
  • Plot.
  • Point of View.
  • Setting.
  • Style.
  • Theme.


Why do authors use foreign words?

When our fiction is set in another country or our characters speak other languages, we have the opportunity to use foreign words and phrases to enhance our writing, to establish a real sense of place, to create an atmosphere that is distinctly not American.



Should you italicize foreign words in fiction?

In broad terms, unfamiliar foreign words or phrases should be italicized in English writing. This is common when referring to technical terms used by non-English writers.

What is the function of foreign words?

Incorporating foreign words and phrases into your story can be a good way to showcase a way of life your readers may not be familiar with, whether the story features another country, culture, or a unique subset of society.