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How to use central conflict and drama to drive your novel
The central conflict of your story is the primary opposition that stands between a character and their goals. Learn what the main conflict is and why it matters. Find ways to use conflict to propel your story to a resolution or 'to be continued...' What is a central conflict? The definitio...
April 4th, 2022
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Author interview: Bonnie Traymore on Killer Motives
Watch the interview and read the full transcript of our chat below: [youtube id="hd20j57IzUQ"] Interview transcript: topics discussed Writing inspiration The writing process and working with a writing coach Studying history and writing fiction Editing and error blindness Writing what y...
April 1st, 2022
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Author interview: Karen Jennings on An Island
Interview topics Inspirations for An Island Academic research and writing The writing process Editing and writing Writing and discipline Prose style choices Short stories as groundwork Working with small publishers Representation and authority The uses of fables ...
March 24th, 2022
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Prologues and epilogues: Writing prefaces and after chapters
Many authors include a prologue to their story that gives context, exposition or backstory, or an afterword that supplies further resolution or intrigue. What is a prologue or epilogue exactly? Read on for definitions, examples and tips for using them in your own books: What is a prologu...
March 21st, 2022
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Writing a cozy mystery: 10 feel-good suspense tips
In a recent Now Novel writing webinar, we sat down with cozy mystery author Catherine Coles to chat about writing this popular mystery subgenre. Read 10 tips for writing a cozy mystery novel or a cozy mystery series, drawing from this conversation and other sources: Writing a cozy mystery? 10...
March 14th, 2022
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How to copyright a book or novel (and keep to fair use)
Knowing how to copyright a book or novel (and whether registration is necessary) protects your work. Keeping to fair use yourself will also help you avoid the stress of legal action over your own creative work. How to copyright your book (and navigate intellectual property rights): Unders...
February 21st, 2022
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Writing romance: Advice from 8 authors and agents
Read eight romance writing tips by respected romance authors and agents: Advice from eight romance writers and agents: Learn what makes commercial romance sell Persevere and keep writing love stories Grow your platform, your way Build your tribe of romance writers Let your own...
February 14th, 2022
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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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