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Writing productivity hacks: How to write more and finish
The word 'productivity' sounds dry and technical, like something that belongs in a boardroom. Yet writing productivity - being able to create with the least possible stress and struggle - is what divides prolific from occasional authors. Let's explore ideas about productive habits and ways to cr...
January 2nd, 2023
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Writing coach Nerine Dorman on YA, sci-fi and fantasy
Nerine Dorman is an award-winning author who has been active in the publishing industry since 2007. She's proudly hybrid, with books published by traditional publishers, small presses and self-published. As an editor she works with authors from concept to the moment they press 'send', whether th...
December 12th, 2022
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Story setting and worldbuilding: Complete guide
Story setting terms Genre and setting Setting planning and research Developing settings Setting and conflict Describing settings Worldbuilding tips Use the links above to jump to the setting topic you're interested in right now. What is setting?: Key terms and co...
December 5th, 2022
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Revision in writing: How to improve between drafts
Revision in writing is the stage of the writing process during which you rewrite or make changes informed by how they will impact your composition as a whole. Keep reading for ideas on how to improve between drafts, and why revision is important. Steps and strategies for revision Revision ...
November 28th, 2022
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Writing first drafts: 10 ideas to reach final drafts
Writing first drafts is the stage of the writing process many authors find daunting. Read ten ideas and strategies to stay focused, reach your writing goals, and make this part of your writing process work for you. First draft to final draft: 10 ideas to try The drafting process in writin...
November 21st, 2022
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Story planning and outlining: Complete guide
Key story planning terms Why outline stories Book planning methods Tools to plan stories Authors on planning This guide to story planning and outlining explores common planning terms and techniques in fiction writing, free and paid tools to plan your story, authors on their...
October 31st, 2022
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Story coach Arja Salafranca on writing and editing
We chat to award-winning author, editor and Now Novel story coach Arja Salafranca about writing poetry, prose and embracing multiple mediums. Arja's advice: Write your passion. Watch the video or read the transcript below. [youtube id="4IFgJaoHwoc"] Getting to know Arja Salafranca Brend...
October 27th, 2022
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How to start a novel: Hook readers from page one
How to start a novel? Creating curiosity is key. Read examples of first lines from novels that provoke questions, plus tips to avoid info dump beginnings and more: How to start a novel that grabs attention: 10 ideas Read ideas on how to start a novel and evoke curiosity. Keep reading for m...
October 24th, 2022
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What is NaNoWriMo? Rules and reasons to do it
What is NaNoWriMo? Why take part? What are the rules? Learn about this annual write-a-thon and why writing a book in a month (or making a good start) is worth doing in November: What is NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo for short) is an annual write-a-thon that takes pl...
October 20th, 2022
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How to write a book chapter: 7 popular novels' insights
The word 'chapter' comes from the Latin for 'head'. Like a head, a book chapter is full of moving parts and vital functions. Learn how to write a book chapter that moves your story with insights from popular novels: How to write a book chapter with purpose: Effective story chapters hold an...
October 17th, 2022
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Plot conflict: Striking true adversity in stories
In plot - as in life - conflict is a core driver of action and reaction, dilemmas and decisions. Conflict - with others or within a person - prompts change. Internal and external conflict make stories move. Read 7 tips to strike up adversity in stories and make plot conflict matter. How to p...
October 13th, 2022
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Creating dynamic characters and static types: 7 ideas
Dynamic characters change while static characters tend to stay the same. Learn more about these character types, with examples: Dynamic characters vs static characters: Definitions What is a dynamic character? A dynamic or round character in fiction has an arc involving significant growt...
October 10th, 2022
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