One important technique is to have a clear and compelling headline that grabs the reader's attention. Also, the lead should summarize the main point of the story quickly.
To write effective dialogue, start by listening to real conversations. Notice how people interrupt, talk over each other, and use body language (which you can translate into dialogue tags or descriptions). For example, if someone is nervous while talking, they might stutter or use filler words like 'um' or 'uh'.
For fiction writers, a great exercise is to limit your word count and tell a complete story within that constraint. It forces you to be concise and focus on the essential elements. Another one is to take a character you have and put them in a completely new and unexpected situation and see how they react. This helps develop character depth and unpredictability.
I think breaking the writing process into smaller chunks can be helpful. Set daily or weekly writing goals to keep the momentum going. Also, do lots of research if your novel requires it to make the story more rich and believable.
For a successful novel, you need strong character development. Make your characters relatable and complex. Also, a unique and engaging writing style can go a long way. It helps to keep the readers hooked.
You could try writing a story based on a random prompt or word. It forces you to think creatively and come up with unique plots. Also, doing character sketches of fictional people you invent helps flesh out your characters and make them more believable.
Another useful one is to take a common plot and try to give it an unexpected twist. It stretches your creativity and makes your story more engaging. Also, writing short stories within a limited word count can enhance your ability to be concise and focused.