Jordan K

Contributor

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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Recent posts

What is motif in literature? Using repetition creatively

The word 'motif' is often used interchangeably with the word 'theme' in writing about stories. What exactly are motifs in stories, and how can you use them effectively? Read a definition followed by tips to use them imaginatively: What is a motif? Motif vs theme Oxford dictionaries define ...

March 11th, 2019

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How do you write good character description? 5 techniques

In classic stories, characters often step off the page from their first introduction, fully realized. How do you write good character description that reveals enough to hook readers? Try these 5 techniques: 1. Give character description via action Writer's who are still developing their cr...

March 4th, 2019

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Character development: 9 tips for arcs with depth

Character development gives fictional characters depth. Like us, characters grow, change, make mistakes and learn (or don't). Read 9 ways to make your characters grow and take readers on a great character arc: How to take character development deeper: Plan characters' goals and motivation...

February 28th, 2019

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How do you write a dystopian story? 5 tips

Dystopian stories about characters or societies grappling with 'bad places' like post-apocalyptic wastelands remain popular for several reasons. For one, their situations naturally supply intense conflict, drama and suspense. How do you write a dystopian story? Start with these 5 tips: First,...

February 25th, 2019

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Developing stories by asking 'What if...?': 5 uses

Developing stories from the foundations of an idea to full novels is challenging. Yet the simple question 'What if?' is a powerful tool. Read 5 examples of ways you can use this versatile question to imagine story developments: 1. Ask 'What if...?' to find your story scenario's scope A 'sc...

February 21st, 2019

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How to plot a novel: 7 tips for success

Learning how to plot a novel means first understanding the elements of great plots. Here are 7 tips for plotting a story that will engage readers from the first chapter: First: What do we mean when we talk about 'plot'? Let's look at plot vs. story. The British author E.M. Forster des...

February 18th, 2019

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