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Novel editing insights: 9 big lessons from critique

Editing fiction provides many learning opportunities. Guiding authors and helping them align what they're saying to what they want to say takes a precise set of skills, but also delivers expansive writing insights with every completed project. Read 9 insights from working as a fiction editor (pl...

October 18th, 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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Interview: Writing and poetic process with Natasha Bredle

We spoke to poet and aspiring author Natasha Bredle about her poetry, being a younger writer with a cause, and what inspires her. About Natasha and what drives her storytelling Jordan: Hi Natasha, thank you for sharing news about publication of your poems. You’ve been a Now Novel membe...

October 6th, 2021

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How to develop a story idea: 7 essential exercises

Learning how to develop a story idea comes with practice and staying curious. These 7 story development exercises will help you ask questions and flesh out rudimentary ideas with greater substance and detail: How to develop your story from first ideas: Ask expansive, hypothetical question...

October 4th, 2021

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9 exposition examples: How to write clear introductions

There are many types of exposition in stories, in literature, film and other media. Exposition introduces your reader to important and intriguing details of your story – who, what, why, where and when – as well as key background information. Read 9 examples of exposition examples that show how t...

September 30th, 2021

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How to write an adventure story: Creating amazing journeys

Adventure stories were many readers' first introduction to the joy of reading. What is an adventure story? How do you write an imaginative, engrossing journey? Learn about key adventure story elements, plus tips to write incredible journeys: What is an adventure story? As Don D'Ammassa wr...

September 27th, 2021

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Writing a book online? 8 vital questions answered

Writing a book online comes with many questions and choices. For example, what is the best website to write your book on? How much money can you make from writing a book and self-publishing on Amazon's KDP or joining a platform with a per-reader revenue sharing scheme? Here are 8 questions we an...

September 23rd, 2021

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What are good topics for novels? 14 ways to find winners

Whether you're between projects or planning on writing your first book, there are many ways to decide what are good novel topics. Here are 14 ideas for how to find book topics: What are good book topics? 14 story starters: Use Google News Search the classifieds/back pages Create a game of...

September 13th, 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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How a novel writing coach helps you get better faster

The benefits of coaching in athletics and business are well known. How does a novel writing coach help you write your story, though? Read on for eight insights into how coaching works, and why: 8 reasons why a writing coach makes writing easier: You set and achieve SMART goals Coaching...

August 30th, 2021

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Writing focus: 9 ways to improve yours

When you're writing, your focus isn't 'on' every day of the week. Improve your writing focus so you can get to work and finish your story. Try these 9 strategies for the busy writer: 9 ways to build your focus to write: Start with freewriting Keep active Plan ahead Remove distractions Joi...

August 23rd, 2021

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Author interview: Writing historical romance with Fil Reid

We chat to Now Novel member Fil Reid who recently won Dragonblade Publishing's "The Write Stuff" contest, about writing historical romance. About Fil and her winning publishing contest entry Jordan: Hi Fil, thank you for sharing the news that you won Dragonblade Publishing's contest and a ...

August 19th, 2021

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