Now that you have a story to tell, you've done your research, and have a series of interesting, well-developed characters, a sense of the dialogue that will feel authentic to the characters and the time and place of your story, and you're armed with your handwritten outline, you're now ready to start writing your story.
But before the first keystroke, you're in your writing place and you think, boy I could use some guidelines before I start, maybe some writing tips from some of the big-time best-selling authors. Google searches will turn up plenty of writing tips from authors like Annie Proulx, Stephen King, and Michael Connelly. Besides the free tips, there are a number of online MasterClass sessions with writers like David Baldacci, Judy Blume, Dan Brown, and Neil Gaiman.
My favourite tips for good writing are provided by Elmore Leonard, the winner of the Grand Master Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Mystery Writers of America. His 10 tips for good writing are simple and straightforward.
Never open a book with the weather.
Avoid prologues.
Never use another verb other than "said" to carry dialogue.
4. Never use an adverb to modify the verb "said"...he admonished gravely.
Keep your exclamations points under control.
Never use the words "suddenly" or "all hell breaks loose."
Use regional dialect, patois, sparingly.
Avoid detailed descriptions of characters
Don't get into great detail describing places and things.
Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.
There are many tips available for first-time authors. These are just a few of mine. Happy writing.