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Finding an inspiring story premise: 6 sources
Every bestselling or critically acclaimed book began as a story premise. First came the idea the author wouldn't let go. How do you find a compelling premise, one that gives you enough intrigue, direction and potential development to build a book out of its concentrated creative material? 1: ...
April 18th, 2017
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8 foreshadowing laws: How to foreshadow right
What is foreshadowing? Generally, the term means a 'warning or indication (of a future event)' (OED). As a literary term, it means creating earlier scenes to build suspense, anticipation or understanding ahead of later plot developments. Learning how to foreshadow is a useful skill for creating ...
June 29th, 2017
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Writing an affecting novel: Examples of tone and mood
Tone and mood are two powerful elements of writing that affect how readers feel. Tone tells us a lot about characters - a protagonist whose tone is mostly sarcastic, for example, might seem jaded. Mood is closely tied to place. The atmosphere of a story setting, how characters feel about it, aff...
June 8th, 2017
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Structure of a novel: How to write a chapter
The structure of a novel is important because it contributes to the clarity and flow of your story. Chapter structure is satisfying when the beginning, development and end contribute equally to the whole. Read 7 tips to write well-structured chapters, including examples from great fiction: Fi...
July 20th, 2017
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Novel structure: 7 tips for structuring your book
Understanding how to structure a novel makes your story easier and more satisfying to read. Good structure creates plot clarity and cohesion. Read 7 tips for how to structure your book, including story structure examples from accomplished novels: 1: Understand basic story structure 2: Lear...
June 5th, 2017
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How to make a plot captivating: 7 strategies
Sometimes you get half way through a story or novel before you realize that your plot is missing something. Maybe it plods and meanders, or there is a sameness of tension and pace. These 7 strategies will help you make a plot more captivating: 1: Vary the intensity of rising and falling actio...
May 2nd, 2017
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How to choose good themes for stories: 5 tips
A theme, 'an idea that recurs in or pervades a work of art or literature', explores an insightful topic or subject. Through the ways authors treat themes such as 'love', 'alienation', 'hope' and more, we learn and grow through their characters' experiences of these themes. How do ...
May 15th, 2017
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How to write cliffhangers: Suspense examples from books
Learning how to write cliffhangers and suspenseful scenes is a crucial skill, whether you write mystery thrillers, fantasy fiction or another genre. The suspense examples from books below show how to bring readers to the intolerable state of not knowing that makes us race to turn the page. ...
May 22nd, 2017
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How to master plot development: 8 steps
Plot development means ensuring that your novel contains what makes stories enjoyable to read: Action and event, change, wonder and surprise. Here's how to improve your plot-writing skills: Eight steps to develop a plot structure Know the crucial elements: What is plot? Write plot expo...
June 19th, 2017
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Subplot ideas: 5 tips for writing better subplots
What is a subplot? It's a secondary plot in a novel, play or movie. Subplots are the additional minor arcs that help develop characters, themes and settings. Read 5 tips for writing subplots, including useful examples of subplots from books: First, why use subplots? The main story arc in a...
July 17th, 2017
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Inciting incident: Definition, tips and examples
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: ...
October 16th, 2017
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How to create tension in writing: 8 methods
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: First, what is narrative tension? The wor...
October 19th, 2017
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