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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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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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Author interview: Mark Lamont on Whisky & Wildflowers
We chat to Now Novel member and debut author Mark Lamont about his novel, Whisky & Wildflowers. In the book, David Carter journeys through grief to presence after his wife's passing to cancer. Mark talks writing inspiration, writing fiction from personal experience, Jane Austen and other inf...
October 7th, 2022
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Story plotting and structure: Complete guide
Plotting terms Types of plot Plot ideas Plot development Plotting and conflict Plot devices Story structure This story plotting guide covers everything from brainstorming plot ideas to plot development, story structure and more. Use the links above to jump to the sect...
October 3rd, 2022
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Editor interview: Jordan Kantey on helping writers
[youtube id="qqtW6UlFICU"] On coaching and editing writers Brendan McNulty 00:12So Jordan, you've done quite a bit of coaching in addition to editing over the years. Can you tell me what's the most fulfilling part of coaching? Jordan Kantey 00:23I think really the connections you make ...
September 29th, 2022
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Character writing: Complete guide to creating your cast
Character terms Types of character Character ideas Character development Characters and conflict Describing characters Narration and POV Character questions This character writing guide is a one-stop resource for creating types of characters in fiction. Learn key c...
September 19th, 2022
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How to start a story: Writing better preview pages
Knowing how to start a story so that your reader invests from page one is crucial to standing out. Make your preview pages work for your book sales with these ideas on how to hook readers, establish intriguing scenarios, and more from Chapter One: How to start a story and get your reader to ...
September 12th, 2022
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How to write a thriller: 8 tips for page-turners
Learning how to write a thriller, and popular thriller types, will help you write an electric read. Read tips from the best thriller authors plus tricks to ratchet up suspense and keep fast pace: How to write a thriller novel Here's a summary of how to write a thriller story that has fast ...
August 22nd, 2022
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Book cover art ideas: 9 insights from AI
The best book cover art ideas distill genre, themes, and the unique appeal of the story between the covers. Strong book cover design is vital for ensuring your book stands out in a crowded physical or digital marketplace. Read 9 insights from using AI to find book cover design inspiration: We...
August 15th, 2022
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Science fiction writing tips: Ideas from 8 authors
If you love good science fiction, you know the genre is so much more than deep space adventures or scientific mishaps like Frakenstein's monster. Read tips on writing science fiction from eight sci-fi authors: How to write good science fiction: Decide your type of science fiction Imagi...
August 8th, 2022
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