A. In general, I believe there are
three main qualities you need to write good fiction:
(1) Obviously, you
need the ability to write, which means having a decent vocabulary and knowing
the rules of grammar, syntax, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. If
you can’t form words into proper sentences and sentences into paragraphs—and
make them interesting to total strangers—then writing a book is probably not your
best career option.
(2) You also need perpetual
curiosity, or what I call the “what if” gene. I think a fiction author needs to
go beyond just seeing things for what they are and wonder “what if this” and “what if
that.” For example, if you plant a tree and all you see is a tree, a shovel
and a hole, you’re probably not going to write a book about the experience—unless
it’s a book about gardening. But if you plant that tree and wonder, “What if I found something I didn’t
expect,” and you imagine what it could be, then you’re off to a good start on
your story.
Some of the most famous
inventors, writers, musicians and artists of all kinds have that “what if”
gene. They wouldn’t be what they are without it.
(3) Finally, you
need a vivid imagination. If you have the curiosity to ask the question “what
if,” you need a vibrant and active imagination to conjure up an answer. It’s
your imagination that tells you what’s in the time capsule, who found it, what he
did, who he told, what was the mystery and what happened next. It’s your
imagination that takes a simple “what if” idea and turns it into a book.
Next: Who are
some of those famous “what if” people you mentioned?
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