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How do you write an outline for a novel? 7 easy steps
Many authors enjoy the creative freedom of not having any structure to begin. Yet writing a story outline has many benefits. A flexible plan makes brainstorming ideas, finding possible character arcs and other parts of the writing process so much easier. Read seven simple steps to write an outli...
June 18th, 2019
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Writing scene endings: 6 ways to entice readers
How you end a scene determines whether your reader will read another chapter immediately or not. Here are 6 tips for writing scene endings that entice readers to carry on (with examples): 1. End scenes with surprise When we find stories boring, we might say they were 'predictable'. Unpredictabili...
June 10th, 2019
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Grabbing attention with scene beginnings: 5 tips
Writing scene beginnings readers find compelling is a useful skill to develop. Here are 5 ways to write strong scene beginnings, with examples: 1. Start scenes with unusual events in motion Scenes that begin with 'business as usual' can be fascinating in their own right, if we tell them in...
June 5th, 2019
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Giving writing feedback: Improve your craft
Giving writing feedback is not often presented as a core step in becoming a better writer. Yet many distinguished authors were once (or still are) teachers, too. Here are 6 reasons why giving writing feedback improves your craft: 1. Giving writing feedback helps you problem-solve Problem-...
May 26th, 2019
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8 novel writing tips from accomplished authors
Experienced novelists know the focus and determination it takes to write a novel from start to finish. Read 8 authors' advice on writing a book: 1. Discover when and where you write best The Nobel-winning author Toni Morrison shared insights into her writing process with The Paris Review i...
May 21st, 2019
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Writing action scenes: 6 ways to keep scenes riveting
Whether you're writing a breakneck thriller, action screenplay or a script for a video game or graphic novel, writing action scenes that keep readers (or viewers) entertained is essential. Read 6 ways to make scenes more gripping: 1. Keep exposition focused and relevant to coming action Ex...
May 13th, 2019
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How to evoke powerful images in your reader's mind
Guest author Jerry Jenkins shares his top tips for authors, including 'engaging the theater of your reader's mind' and resisting the urge to explain. A writer wrote me recently and complained she was struggling to get enough detail into her story to give her readers the 'same pictures I see ...
May 9th, 2019
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Writing a scene that engages your reader: 5 tactics
Whether you're writing a novel, a screenplay, graphic novel or other kind of story, writing a scene that engages your reader from start to finish is crucial. Try these 5 tactics to keep scenes engaging: 1. Make your mise-en-scène interesting Mise en scène is a French term from film and ...
May 6th, 2019
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Vivid story setting description: Examples and insights
Vivid story setting descriptions helps us anchor a story's action in place. Listed below are story setting description examples that reveal the varied functions of setting description. 1. Use setting description to highlight characters' turning points What characters do in a place tells us...
April 29th, 2019
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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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