How to Write Creative Fiction: Umberto Eco's Four Rules

Sometimes flashes of ideas can come out of nowhere, but normally, creating a whole world requires a long and slow intake of relevant material.

A lot of contextual information is required for creative writing, which only comes from reading and observing the world.

Instead of sitting and brainstorming, fishing for inspiration, a better way is to just be curious about what we would love to know.

Everything has to be written while keeping your ‘story world’ in mind, a place having consistent rules and logic, and making sense to the reader.

We can sketch fictional maps and diagrams about your world, helping us construct it in front of our eyes while aiding the flow of creativity.

While it may look paradoxical, constraints lead to a better, faster and more creative output, making it easier to sprout new ideas.

Certain plot points, like the lead character having to reach somewhere at a particular time, or a character getting eliminated, can lead to movement in your story. Adding more constraints can clear writer's block, contrary to the popular notion of removing them.

• The structure of our writing often sets the pace for the reader.
• Short, snappy words pedal fast movement, indicating intense action and speed.
• Lengthy descriptions keep the speed slow, putting the reader in a comfort zone.