Now Novel
Jordan Kantey is an editor, writer and writing workshop facilitator. He’s been helping authors develop their stories for ten years. He achieved his Honours in English Literature with distinction from the University of Cape Town. He has had poems published in several journals and an anthology. He blogs about writing craft and process at Now Novel and loves to help aspiring authors reach their goals.
Indirect characterization is writing that paints in character detail by showing rather than telling. Rather than only tell readers about characters’ personalities and values, you can reveal them subtly through dialogue, actions and appearances. Read these tips and examples:
Setting the scene for a story is important. Giving readers a vivid sense of where and when events take place anchors action and dialogue. When readers are able to picture the environment clearly, the story is more immersive. Read 6 creative ways to set the scene:
Character tropes (common stock characters) have their place in stories. Satires and spoofs, for example, use types such as the ‘cool mom’ or ‘orphan who must save the world’. Yet character tropes quickly dull a story when characters read as too predictable. To avoid tropes:
Writer’s block is frustrating when you have a story you want to tell but can’t find the words to tell it. However, feeling stuck needn’t be the end. Try the tips below:
You can easily find a novel outline template such as a spreadsheet full of empty fields to fill. Yet columns and rows of blank space are also daunting. Here are 5 tips for an easier outlining process:
‘Motivation’ is a word that comes up time and again when we survey readers and members on writing challenges. There may not be a single, exclusive solution for how to find motivation to write. Yet here are 5 ways to stay fired up and on track:
The word ‘motif’ is often used interchangeably with the word ‘theme’ in writing about stories. What exactly are motifs in stories, and how can you use them effectively? Read a definition followed by tips to use them imaginatively:
In classic stories, characters often step off the page from their first introduction, fully realized. How do you write good character description that reveals enough to hook readers? Try these 5 techniques:
Character development gives fictional characters depth. Like us, characters grow, change, make mistakes and learn (or don’t). Read 9 ways to make your characters grow and take … Read More
