Author: Jordan

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.

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He has been interviewed about his writing, editing and coaching on YouTube.
He has also shared his writing skills on sites such as Writers helping writers.
In addition, he served as a judge for a number of awards. These include Page Turner Young Writer Award as well as the Elegant Literature’s Behind the Veil’s contest for new writers.
He showcased his writing talents with a five-star rated writing guide, How to Write Scenes: A Concise Guide to Scene Structure, which is available on Amazon.

Articles on the Now Novel blog:

Writing description

Writing descriptive sentences: 6 simple rules

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Great descriptive writing brings story scenes to life. We see the flickering candlelit banquet halls or chaotic battlefields great descriptions conjure. Here are 6 tips to write descriptive sentences that are evocative:

Tags descriptive writing, using adjectives, using adverbs

Dialogue Writing

Dialogue words: Other words for ‘said’ (and what to avoid)

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438 Comments on Dialogue words: Other words for ‘said’ (and what to avoid)

Writing effective, compelling dialogue has multiple elements. It’s not only what characters say but how they say it that matters. Read other words for said as well as tips for keeping your dialogue natural and engrossing:

Tags alternatives for said, dialogue tags, dialogue words, writing dialogue

Character writing

Novel characters: 15 top character creation tips

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Great novel characters share common features: Distinct, authentic voices, character development, clear goals and motivations, strengths and flaws. Here are 15 of our top character creation tips gathered from some of the best writing blogs and websites:

Tags character description, character motivation, foil characters, writing characters

Writing Motivation

Stop procrastinating: 9 ways to write more

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Procrastination is the enemy of writers, of all creative people. If you’ve committed to writing a book or story but are avoiding the task, there are simple ways to write more. Try these strategies to boost your focus and motivation. [When you’re done, join Now Novel for tools and support to stop putting off writing.]

Tags procrastination and writing, ways to write more

Writing suspense and tension

How to create tension in writing: 8 methods

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Suspense and tension are essential for a page-turner. What are some techniques writers use for increasing tension in the rising action of a story or novel? Read these tips to build tension that keeps your reader intrigued and invested in your story arcs:

Tags creating tension, writing crime, writing suspense

Narration Story Structure

Inciting incident: Definition, tips and examples

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In writing fiction, the opening events that set your story in motion are pivotal. They set the tone and mood, establish key details of character and setting (time and place), and build intrigue. Read a full definition of the inciting incident and tips and examples for making your own gripping:

Tags inciting event, inciting incident, inciting incident examples

Character writing

How to write a character unlike you

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In this guest contribution by ESL teacher Ethan Miller, Ethan shares ideas for creating characters who are completely different from yourself.

Tags characterization, how to write characters

Worldbuilding

Worldbuilding societies: How to create a civilization

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In novel-writing, world building is an important concept, especially in genres such as fantasy and science fiction that explore alternate worlds. Good world building questions will help you create a detailed and immersive world. Here are some questions to ask:

Tags world building questions, worldbuilding

Dialogue Writing

Realistic dialogue: 5 missteps to avoid

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Realistic dialogue doesn’t necessarily mimic everyday speech. There’s a lot of real-world filler we remove when writing dialogue (e.g. pleasantries, ‘Fine thanks and you?’) Yet for dialogue to feel real, it’s important to avoid missteps that make dialogue ring hollow:

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