1. Abuse the thesaurus. You know what I'm talking about, the one who thinks that in order to sound smarter he replaces words with their synymoms. (Sentences such as these may be formed as a result: "The harum-scarum blighter dovetailed the intumescing and pernicious hoi polloi.")
When Writing An AU:
1. Show a bit of variety. Yeah, yeah, Serena loves Darien although he doesn't want to be in a relationship, etc., etc. But does it have to be so boring and straightforward? Mix in a bit, create a subplot. While Serena may love Darien and totally feel heartbroken, and all, she may still have other responsibilities and an overall life outside of pining after "her one true love." For example, she may have a sick mother whom she has to take care of while her father works two jobs in order to provide for his family. Then he could get injured, and the family is forced to go on welfare. But the money isn't enough and it's up to Serena to take on a job to make a few extra bucks. Show some imagination, have her interested in other boys if Darien's "unavailable." Make it believable, because I doubt that both character--if you're writing about them in their teens--would just go up and confess their love for each other. If you'd have taken the time to think about it and look at the people around you, you'd have noticed that teenage years are very awkward for most, what with the chance of rejection and public humiliation, readers will know what you're cooking if you end your story six chapters in.
