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Why write a book? 10 global authors give reasons to write
Why write a book? It's a question authors are asked time and again (or more simply, 'Why do you write?'). To celebrate World Book and Copyright Day - UNESCO's initiative to promote reading, publishing, and access to books - we're sharing international authors' words on the value of writing: W...
April 23rd, 2019
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10 useful apps for writers to help you create
Every part of writing a story has its challenges. A good arsenal of writing tools makes your process easier. Try these writing tools we've grouped by purpose: Finding ideas | Writing productivity | Organising your writing and research | Writing and editing your draft 1. Apps for finding st...
April 15th, 2019
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Indirect characterization: Revealing characters subtly
Indirect characterization is writing that paints in character detail by showing rather than telling. Rather than only tell readers about characters’ personalities and values, you can reveal them subtly through dialogue, actions and appearances. Read these tips and examples: 1. Use il...
April 10th, 2019
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Setting the scene: 6 ways to introduce place in stories
Setting the scene for a story is important. This is vital whether you are writing a fictional story or a nonfiction book, although the scene will not be fictional then, of course. Giving readers a vivid sense of where and when events take place anchors action and dialogue. When readers are able ...
April 1st, 2019
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Character tropes: 5 tips to avoid stock types
Character tropes (common stock characters) have their place in stories. Satires and spoofs, for example, use types such as the 'cool mom' or 'orphan who must save the world'. Yet character tropes quickly dull a story when characters read as too predictable. To avoid tropes: 1. Know your chara...
March 25th, 2019
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How to overcome writer's block: 14 methods
Writer’s block is frustrating when you have a story you want to tell but can't find the words to tell it. However, feeling stuck needn't be the end. Try the tips below: 1. Set a regular writing time Set a regular time for writing. It doesn’t have to be every day. It can be every other day,...
March 22nd, 2019
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Using a novel outline template: 5 tips for story prep
You can easily find a novel outline template such as a spreadsheet full of empty fields to fill. Yet columns and rows of blank space are also daunting. Here are 5 tips for an easier outlining process: 1. Choose a flexible story outline template The word 'template' has connotations of sten...
March 18th, 2019
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How to find motivation to write: Value, engage, reward
'Motivation' is a word that comes up time and again when we survey readers and members on writing challenges. There may not be a single, exclusive solution for how to find motivation to write. Yet here are 5 ways to stay fired up and on track: 1. Focus on writing tasks that give intrinsic val...
March 14th, 2019
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What is motif in literature? Using repetition creatively
The word 'motif' is often used interchangeably with the word 'theme' in writing about stories. What exactly are motifs in stories, and how can you use them effectively? Read a definition followed by tips to use them imaginatively: What is a motif? Motif vs theme Oxford dictionaries define ...
March 11th, 2019
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How do you write good character description? 5 techniques
In classic stories, characters often step off the page from their first introduction, fully realized. How do you write good character description that reveals enough to hook readers? Try these 5 techniques: 1. Give character description via action Writer's who are still developing their cr...
March 4th, 2019
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Character development: 9 tips for arcs with depth
Character development gives fictional characters depth. Like us, characters grow, change, make mistakes and learn (or don't). Read 9 ways to make your characters grow and take readers on a great character arc: How to take character development deeper: Plan characters' goals and motivation...
February 28th, 2019
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How do you write a dystopian story? 5 tips
Dystopian stories about characters or societies grappling with 'bad places' like post-apocalyptic wastelands remain popular for several reasons. For one, their situations naturally supply intense conflict, drama and suspense. How do you write a dystopian story? Start with these 5 tips: First,...
February 25th, 2019
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