: Re: Want to write, have ideas, no story telling techniques or experience, feeling lost? I have developed a sci-fi/fantasy mixed universe with many characters, good amount of background lore and I

@Caterina108

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When I started initially to write - it didn't feel right. I've read a
few articles about common writing mistakes and I started to understand
why. I have no experience in writing. I had a lot of character
backstory in the first sentences. Lots of telling, almost no showing.
A ping-pong "he said", "she said" etc.

At least, you know what you're doing wrong. Now, you need to learn how to fix those mistakes and to do that, you need to write. Just reading about them won't help you, you have to experience it yourself.
Write a few paragraphs, stop and read what you wrote. If you find too much backstory, fix it. Ask yourself if it really needs to be there or can be shown at a later stage. If there are too many tags, remove them and show the character who's speaking by making him do an action when he speaks. Maybe: Man 1 sits down. "Hi there."

Short stories could help you with these issues, 'cause you need to keep the writing tight. Try writing short stories based on your world but with different protagonists.

Show don't tell: The best way to learn is by finding a picture you like and describing it. Example: A picture of a wine glass half filled. Not so exciting, I know. But look at the glass. Where is it placed? On a table? And what is the table made of? Glass? Mahogany wood? Old boards? Write a paragraph about it, then read it. If you find 'to be' verbs, stop and think how you can eliminate them. Ex: 'The glass was on the table' can change to- 'The glass sparkled underneath the heavy chandelier. It rested on an oval, mahogany table, a bottle of a deep red Bordeaux next to it.'

It's good to read articles about writing, but in the end, those articles are based on what that author feels best for him and he's just sharing those ideas. It doesn't mean that his ideas are good for you. You need to find your own way and to do that, you need to write. Also, finding an online community to critique your work, could help. Another set of eyes to see what you're doing wrong and point things out.

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