Savannah Cordova

Contributor

Savannah Cordova specializes in content about fiction writing and the editorial process. Her work has appeared in Slate, Kirkus, BookTrib, DIY MFA, and various other outlets focused on writing and publishing. She particularly enjoys analyzing wider publishing trends and trying to predict what will happen next in the industry.

Savannah's short fiction has also been published in the Owl Canyon Press anthology No Bars and a Dead Battery. Her non-publishing interests include cooking, watching rom-coms, and visiting various art museums around London, where she is currently based.

Recent posts

Dialogue words: Other words for 'said' (and what to avoid)

Writing effective, compelling dialogue has multiple elements. It's not only what characters say but how they say it that matters. Read other words for said as well as tips for keeping your dialogue natural and engrossing: What is a 'dialogue tag' (or speech tag)? Tags (like name tags) iden...

November 6th, 2017

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Novel characters: 15 top character creation tips

Great novel characters share common features: Distinct, authentic voices, character development, clear goals and motivations, strengths and flaws. Here are 15 of our top character creation tips gathered from some of the best writing blogs and websites: 15 character creation tips for...

November 2nd, 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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Famous characters teach us about characterization

From Anna Karenina to Jon Snow, Don Quixote to Harry Potter, famous characters from fiction worm their way under our skin. Here are lessons from several memorable characters in classic and modern novels: 1. Give characters internal and external conflicts Most famous characters from books h...

August 21st, 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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How to edit your novel: 8 simple steps

Learning how to edit your novel before a professional editor even sees it is smart. When there are fewer minor errors, a hired editor can focus on large-scale issues: Plot holes and inconsistencies and issues of style and tone. To edit your own writing, try these 8 simple steps: ...

May 25th, 2017

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