🎉 NowNovel has a new look! Allow us to introduce ourselves.
How to write memoir: 9 ideas for a vivid slice of life
Knowing how to write memoir with some of the conventions of fiction (plus what makes life-writing compelling) will ensure your memoir interests and immerses readers. Read nine ideas to vivify your slice-of-life story: How to write memoirs that move and interest readers Know memoir vs auto...
July 25th, 2022
Read post...
Types of stories: 7 story archetypes (and ways to use them)
Many types of stories recur across eras and cultures. Story archetypes such as 'voyage and return' are powerful in delivering drama, emotion, and satisfying change. Learn about the seven basic plots and ways to use familiar stories your own way: What are story archetypes? The word archetyp...
September 5th, 2022
Read post...
Writing first drafts: 10 ideas to reach final drafts
Writing first drafts is the stage of the writing process many authors find daunting. Read ten ideas and strategies to stay focused, reach your writing goals, and make this part of your writing process work for you. First draft to final draft: 10 ideas to try The drafting process in writin...
November 21st, 2022
Read post...
Plot conflict: Striking true adversity in stories
In plot - as in life - conflict is a core driver of action and reaction, dilemmas and decisions. Conflict - with others or within a person - prompts change. Internal and external conflict make stories move. Read 7 tips to strike up adversity in stories and make plot conflict matter. How to p...
October 13th, 2022
Read post...
How to start a novel: Hook readers from page one
How to start a novel? Creating curiosity is key. Read examples of first lines from novels that provoke questions, plus tips to avoid info dump beginnings and more: How to start a novel that grabs attention: 10 ideas Read ideas on how to start a novel and evoke curiosity. Keep reading for m...
October 24th, 2022
Read post...
Book title ideas: How to come up with the best
Finding a title for a book or story that is apt, intriguing and evocative is challenging. Read ten ideas for how to come up with a book title, with examples from classics and contemporary bestsellers: What types of book titles are common? Before we explore ways to title stories, what are c...
November 7th, 2022
Read post...
Generating ideas for stories: 10 fun ways (plus prompts)
When you're stumped, generating ideas for stories may turn out to be surprisingly easy. Try these 10 fun approaches (and find prompts from the 'Craft Challenge' writing group on Now Novel): How to generate new story ideas: Try one of these methods to jog creative ideas: Pick words blind ...
January 9th, 2023
Read post...
How to start a story: Writing better preview pages
Knowing how to start a story so that your reader invests from page one is crucial to standing out. Make your preview pages work for your book sales with these ideas on how to hook readers, establish intriguing scenarios, and more from Chapter One: How to start a story and get your reader to ...
September 12th, 2022
Read post...
Story plotting and structure: Complete guide
Plotting terms Types of plot Plot ideas Plot development Plotting and conflict Plot devices Story structure This story plotting guide covers everything from brainstorming plot ideas to plot development, story structure and more. Use the links above to jump to the sect...
October 3rd, 2022
Read post...
How to write a book chapter: 7 popular novels' insights
The word 'chapter' comes from the Latin for 'head'. Like a head, a book chapter is full of moving parts and vital functions. Learn how to write a book chapter that moves your story with insights from popular novels: How to write a book chapter with purpose: Effective story chapters hold an...
October 17th, 2022
Read post...
What is prewriting? Preparing to write with purpose
The writing process has seven core stages: Discovery/idea-finding, prewriting, drafting, getting feedback, revision, editing and publishing. What is prewriting, the first stage? Read a simple guide including prewriting strategies plus tips to make a preparatory process work for you. What is ...
November 14th, 2022
Read post...
Writing dialogue: Complete guide to storied speech
What is dialogue? Key terms Why dialogue matters How to format dialogue Effective vs weak dialogue Dialogue devices Dialogue examples This guide to writing dialogue is all about using speech and conversation in storytelling to make your characters' voices drive plot, te...
January 16th, 2023
Read post...
