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Quotes for writers: 35 global authors' advice

Respected authors from around the world often share useful advice and ideas on writing. World Book Day is all about celebrating 'the power of books to promote open and inclusive knowledge societies', as UNESCO says. With that in mind, here are valuable insights from authors from the USA to Peru,...

April 23rd, 2018

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Writing techniques to polish your prose

Writing techniques make individual authors' styles distinctive. From poetic devices (such as metaphor and simile) to narrative strategies, writers use various literary techniques and in doing so create their (often unmistakable) personal styles. Here are writing techniques you can use to elevate...

April 12th, 2018

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How to begin a novel: 8 ways to captivate

How satisfying is a novel that sinks its hooks in from the first page? Knowing how to begin a novel so that you captivate readers from the first chapter is key to writing a publishable book. Here are 8 ways to begin your book compellingly: 1. Begin a novel by making your reader need answ...

April 9th, 2018

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How to build narrative pace using grammar

There are multiple factors that determine narrative pace, the rate at which your story's narrated action unfolds. Tone and word choice are two factors. Yet having a good command of grammar helps too. Try these tips to build better pacing: 1. Master the participial phrase A participle is a ...

April 5th, 2018

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Archetype examples: Write great characters from universals

Archetypes are useful for imagining diverse, interesting characters. Literature is full of jesters and jokers, lovers, warriors, wise sages, and fools. Some of these are literal (the fool is a literal court jester who entertains a king), others metaphorical (the 'class clown' who loves to entert...

March 29th, 2018

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Good character flaws: Create complex antagonists

Good character flaws are key to a believable character. Flawed characters create suspense - we wonder whether their flaws will get the best of them. The imbalances in their natures may create weaknesses that give others the upper hand. Here are tips to create flaws for antagonists or villains (i...

March 22nd, 2018

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