Martin Cavannagh

Contributor

Writer, presenter, and Head of Content at Reedsy. As the host of Reedsy Live, Martin has had the pleasure of sharing cutting-edge insights from some of the world's best editors, designers, marketers, and the occasional bestselling author. His newsletters, live streams, and blog posts reach millions of writers each month, inspiring the next generation of beloved writers. 

Martin has appeared on various panels (both virtual and in-person), including the Writer's Summit at the 2024 London Book Fair. Outside of books, his interests include hillwalking, the films of Wong Kar-Wai, and discovering great local noodle dishes.

Recent posts

50 fun group writing exercises

'Fill in the blank' writing exercises are fun to do in a group. Writing exercises with some set parameters highlight the diverse, interesting ways different writers interpret and respond to the same prompts. Try one of 50 'fill in the blank' creative writing prompts below, and share your creativ...

December 20th, 2021

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How to self-publish your book: A simple guide

Self-publishing your book is a viable option for launching and distributing your writing to the reading public. Take the first steps and learn how to self-publish a book. We also cover the pros and cons of indie publishing vs traditional publishing, and more: What is self-publishing? Self-...

November 26th, 2021

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How to give constructive feedback on writing that rocks

Learning how to give constructive feedback on writing is a valuable communication skill. Understanding the difference between helpful and unhelpful feedback is wisdom you can apply in other areas of life - in relationships; when a friend asks your honest opinion. Learn how to give sensitive, use...

November 15th, 2021

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How long it takes to write a novel (hacks to finish faster)

How long does it take to write a novel? The answer to that question depends on which author you ask and many other factors. Genre and the volume of research your story requires, for example. Read more on how long it takes to write a typical 90,000-word paperback, plus hacks to finish your projec...

November 3rd, 2021

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How to create a plot and guarantee a better story

Acclaimed authors have often said that it's not plot that matters, but rather story. Yet knowing how to create a plot that uses universal storytelling elements such as action and reaction, incident and coincidence, helps you grab and keep your reader's attention. Learn how to come up with a plot...

October 11th, 2021

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How to write story exposition that hooks readers fast

'Story exposition' is often described as background, the necessary part to include so that readers know when, where and why your story takes place. Yet the exposition in a novel or short story is also an opportunity to entice, amuse, alarm and surprise your reader, foregrounding engaging themes ...

September 6th, 2021

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