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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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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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