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How to write a flashback scene: 7 key steps
Writing flashbacks is an important skill to master if your novel cuts across time periods or strongly features characters' memories. Here are 7 key steps for how to write a flashback scene: How to write flashbacks: Know why your story needs a flashback Look at flashback examples in fic...
October 10th, 2016
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Writing your first novel: 10 starter tips for success
Writing your first novel is fun but also a challenge. It helps to put in place the structure, habits and resources you need to keep going until you reach the final page. Whether you're writing your first novel for NaNoWriMo or merely want to start a new novel on strong footing, here are 10 ...
October 27th, 2016
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Best writing articles: Top of 2016
As the year draws to a close, we're rounding up the most popular posts from the Now Novel blog in 2016 as well as some of the best writing articles for authors from around the web: 2016's best writing articles on Now Novel 1. How to write a book series: 10 tips for writing smash ...
December 12th, 2016
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10 of 2016's best articles on writing
Read our list of 10 useful and insightful posts on the craft and psychology of writing from the past year: 1. ‘6 Tips for How to Organize your Novel’s Edits’ – K.M. Weiland Katie Weiland shares helpful tips for how to edit your novel methodically. Weiland advises to ‘clear out th...
December 15th, 2016
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What is cliché? Cliché examples (and how to avoid)
Ever wanted to groan out loud at how obvious and unoriginal a phrase, plot point or character in a book was? Common clichés in fiction weaken the dramatic effect and imaginative power of a story. Read on for a definition of cliché, examples of plot, character and descriptive clichés, and how to ...
March 30th, 2017
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Central idea vs theme: Developing your novel's ideas
The central idea of a story is the seed from which the offshoots of plot, character and theme grow. It's the core scenario that sets the action in motion. The themes of a novel are the general ideas and principles the story explores. When you examine central idea vs theme, both form the fun...
March 2nd, 2017
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'Show, don't tell': Examples from books balancing both
'Show, don't tell' is something every aspiring author has heard or read at some point. It's true that telling the reader about your characters' acts and emotions or your settings is often weaker than showing them. Read examples from books that put 'show, don't tell' in context and reveal how to ...
April 3rd, 2017
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In medias res: 6 steps to start stories from the middle
The Latin term in medias res literally means 'in the midst of things' and is a literary technique that describes a story that skips exposition and starts with events already underway. Read further explanation of this term and 6 steps to make your own in medias res story opening strong:...
February 23rd, 2017
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External and internal conflict: Examples and tips
Conflict is a key ingredient of an engrossing story. 'Internal conflict' and 'external conflict' are two terms you'll often hear when people discuss character creation. Read definitions of these types of story conflict, then how to use them to develop your story: Internal conflict vs ext...
March 6th, 2017
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How to create a satisfying story arc: 5 steps
How do you write a novel that has satisfying structure? The story arc or narrative arc of a novel is something you can consciously develop in your outline or as you draft to create cohesive structure. Read 5 steps to make your novel's arcs work: First, a story arc definition The ...
April 10th, 2017
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What is an omniscient narrator? Narrative examples and tips
'Narration' means 'the action or process of telling a story' (OED). There are many choices for how you narrate a story. For example, whose viewpoint is the focus? Or is the narrator a detached omniscient narrator, simply recording events like a CCTV camera? Read examples of omniscient narration ...
April 6th, 2017
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How to make a good story excellent: 9 steps
Learning how to make a good story great requires mastering the essentials of writing craft: Plot (cause and effect), characterization, narration, description and dialogue. If you've written a good story but feel it could be more interesting, these 9 steps will help you transform it into a b...
January 23rd, 2017
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