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How to plot a series: 8 steps for multi-book arcs
Plotting just one novel is challenging, never mind plotting a multi-book arc. Having structure and a plan helps. Here's how to plot a series in 8 structured steps. Let's first briefly define what a series is. They can be a set of stories broken down in to a few stories, or books, such as the ...
November 22nd, 2018
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How do you describe a place? 6 setting tips
The setting of your story is key to readers being able to imagine 'being there'. How do you describe a place so it is characterful and contributes effectively to your story? What physical descriptions can you provide to create a vivid image in your reader's mind? Try these 6 tips: How to...
November 19th, 2018
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Writing a short story: 8 ways it will help your craft
The short story has a long and rich tradition, spanning everything from the Gothic tales of Poe to contemporary masterpieces. Writing a short story will improve your writing skills, as you can apply many of the techniques you master in the process to longer forms. Telling a complete story i...
November 15th, 2018
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Character arc template: 5 steps to strong character arcs
Writing character profiles and brainstorming main characters' arcs helps establish story direction. A good character arc template includes facts about your characters' goals, high points and low points. Here are 5 steps to building a dynamic character journey With character arcs you also, of ...
November 12th, 2018
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How to create tension in a story: 8 simple steps
Understanding how to create tension in a story is key to writing a gripping, 'I'll just read one more page before bed' read. Here are eight steps to ensure your story has effective narrative tension. Watch the brief video below, then read the article: 1: Create a conflict crucial to your char...
November 8th, 2018
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Describing characters' first appearances: 6 tips
Think back to the first time you met someone you now know well. Can you remember what you noticed about them first? Describing characters' first appearances effectively is key to building characters who linger in the mind. Here are 6 tips on how to describe your characters at first introduction:...
November 5th, 2018
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Updating our online writing tools: 8 lessons and changes
Over the past year, we've spoken to Now Novel members and visitors to better understand your writing challenges and processes. We've funneled the insights people shared into exciting improvements to our story brainstorming and outlining tools, now live. Here are 8 lessons we learned and ho...
October 31st, 2018
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How to write a book in 30 days: 8 key tips
Annual writing sprints like NaNoWriMo have many experienced and new authors alike testing their limits. Writing a book - a carefully, beautifully constructed book - does take time. Usually, much longer than 30 days. Yet trying this exercise is useful for building discipline, focus and just getti...
October 29th, 2018
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Writing villain characters who feel human: 7 tips
Fiction is full of villainous characters who readers love to hate (and, sometimes, hate to love). Learning how to write a villain that your readers can understand as a complex human being (as opposed to a cardboard cutout) can give your novel depth. How do you write a villain who feels huma...
October 25th, 2018
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How to write a book fast: 5 simple rules
Learning how to write a book fast is a matter of having a process and tools to streamline the parts of writing a book that take the most time. Whether you're preparing for a write-a-thon like NaNoWriMo or have readers breathing down your neck for your next series installment, here are ways to wr...
October 22nd, 2018
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Writing character backstory that feels real: 5 tips
Character backstory - the past events and formative experiences that shape who your characters are - is key to creating characters of breadth and depth. Here are tips to weave backstory into your story believably: First: What is a backstory? 'Backstory' is a literary device authors use to ...
October 18th, 2018
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Dramatic point of view: 5 tips for fly-on-the-wall scenes
'Point of view' is an element of writing that confuses many beginning authors. There are various types, from omniscient to limited third person. Dramatic point of view is one such type. Read a definition of dramatic point of view along with examples and tips to help you use this POV well: Wha...
October 15th, 2018
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