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How to write the first chapter of a book: 7 ideas
There is no single method for how to write the first chapter of a book. Each story creates its own structure. Yet first chapters achieve similar feats. Read seven ideas for making your first chapter work: How to write the first chapter of a novel: Tease but don't give the game away Set...
February 7th, 2022
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Publishing a novel in 2022: 10 useful insights
Publishers and book industry insiders often share useful insights about book sales, readers' behavior and more. Publishing a novel in 2022 (or further along the writing process with this goal in mind)? Read 10 insights from forecasts for the year ahead: Publishing a novel in 2022? Remember: ...
January 31st, 2022
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Book coach interview: Zee Monodee on feel-good romance
We chatted to Now Novel Coach Zee Monodee about writing feel-good romance, the book coaching process, being a Mauritian author, favorite romance tropes, and more. Watch the video and read the full interview transcript. [youtube id="G00I8rm97Ug"] Lascelles Marais: 00:00 Hello everyone and w...
January 20th, 2022
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Manuscript assessments: 6 insights from writing reports
Writers seek manuscript assessments for many reasons. Sense-checking the bones of a story are in the right place. Answering common questions such as, 'Is this interesting?' or 'My pacing feels off, how could I fix it?' Read six insights gathered from writing comprehensive readers' reports: Id...
January 17th, 2022
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8 benefits of writing mentors for authors
Writing mentors wear many hats, like the Greek Goddess Athena who disguises herself an an old tutor named 'Mentor' in Homer's Odyssey. Read 8 benefits of working with a mentor, according to authors: Writing mentors share: Spaces for writing feedback and growth Insights that shift thinkin...
January 10th, 2022
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10 writing resolutions for a novel year
Writing resolutions, like other goals, are best when they're SMART. Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Choosing realistic goals and taking purpose-driven steps towards them will ensure this is your year of making great strides in your writing: 10 writing resolutions: I...
January 3rd, 2022
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Writing resources: Our best of 2021
This year, we've explored many writing craft and writing process topics on the blog and in our monthly webinars. First, see the most popular articles on the blog this year, then tips from our webinars and good reads from elsewhere: 10 most read articles on Now Novel this year: 1. Dialogue ...
December 27th, 2021
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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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7 values driving good author coaching programs
Choosing an author coaching program for help with writing a book involves many factors. Read seven values to look for in (and bring to) your collaborative writing process. 7 values to look for in an author coaching program: Building and maintaining trust Two-way communication Practical he...
December 13th, 2021
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Writing mentor interview: Hedi Lampert on creative memoir
We chat to Now Novel writing mentor Hedi Lampert about writing creative memoir based on family history, the challenges of juggling multiple creative interests and vocations, and more. [youtube id="VNw9wn6m4mY"] Lascelles Marais 00:00Hello everyone and welcome! My name is Lascelles Marais...
December 8th, 2021
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10 things serious writers do without fail
Serious writers' habits teach us a lot about what it takes to start and finish writing projects. Read ten habits of serious writers and what distinguishes a professional writer from a novice: What are 10 habits of serious writers? There are at least 10 (and many more) things that writers w...
December 6th, 2021
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Writing coach interview: Romy Sommer on romance and founding ROSA
We chat to Now Novel writing coach and hybrid-published romance author Romy Sommer about writing romance, founding the Romance Writers of South Africa non-profit (ROSA), and the joys of helping other writers fulfil their true potential. Watch the video and read the full transcript to learn more....
December 3rd, 2021
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