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How to write a rough draft: Finish your novel faster
In learning how to write a rough draft, there's no one-size-fits-all approach that suits every writer equally. This being said, writing a story draft as quickly as possible helps. Working quicker for the first pass helps to keep you from becoming discouraged or losing interest in your ...
July 26th, 2018
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Elements of fantasy: Writing a more magical story
What makes a fantasy story? Our first instinct might be to answer 'magic' - spells, mythical beasts, potions. Yet fantasy contains multiple key elements. Read the following simple breakdown of elements of the fantasy genre and tips to write magical, fantastical tales: What are the main e...
July 23rd, 2018
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Online writing courses: 7 tips to get more out
Online writing courses and workshops have many pros. Improving your writing without having to commute to meet-ups. Completing courses at your own pace and being able to fit when you engage around your own schedule. Use these tips to get the most from the next writing course you enroll in: ...
July 16th, 2018
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Writing hacks: 10 rules to keep up writing motivation
It's difficult to keep writing when motivation wavers. Persistence is a key characteristic that separates prolific authors from writers who never finish. Try these simple writing hacks to boost your productivity and keep your motivation to write strong: 1. Make writing non-negotiable ...
July 12th, 2018
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Person vs society: 6 types of story conflict
External conflicts in fiction - conflicts between characters and outside sources rather than inner battles - are an important part of storytelling. 'Man vs society' (or, rather, person vs society) is a conflict authors often use to explore society and culture. This conflict in literature ex...
July 9th, 2018
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How to write a series: 10 tips for writing smash hits
If you want to make the big time, learn how to write a series. Why? Because once readers are hooked on book one and know that books two through four are on the way, you'll have a captive, invested book audience. These 10 tips for writing series will help you plan an intriguing, addictive multi-n...
July 5th, 2018
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6 intriguing conflict types in fiction: Man vs nature
Conflict in fiction is a crucial ingredient of tension and suspense. Whether it involves character vs character or character vs environment, conflict makes plots tick onward. Read tips for creating man vs nature (or person vs nature) conflict that shows characters struggling with their environme...
July 2nd, 2018
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6 conflict types in fiction: Man vs self
One of the oldest and most compelling types of conflict we encounter in stories is man vs self. Man vs self - or person vs self - is a staple of tragedy in particular. In tragedy, a character's ignorance, arrogance or other trait often leads to downfall. Read a definition of this type of st...
June 28th, 2018
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How to write dialogue: 7 steps for great conversation
Learning how to write dialogue in a story is crucial. Writing gripping conversations that include conflict and disagreement and further your story will make readers want to read on. Here are 7 steps to improve your dialogue writing skills: 7 steps to write better dialogue: Learn how to fo...
June 25th, 2018
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How to start a scene: 5 ways to reel readers in
Knowing how to start a scene so your reader is involved from the beginning is a skill anyone can develop. Read the following tips to ensure each set of unfolding events in your story captivates from the first few lines: What is a scene? A quick definition A scene is 'A sequence of continuo...
June 19th, 2018
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Writing riveting inciting action: 7 ideas
The inciting event or incident - the situation that ignites circumstances fueling your story - is an opportunity to intrigue and win your reader's commitment. Remember these 7 tips to write riveting inciting action: 1: Make readers care 2: Stoke expectations 3: Promise development 4:...
June 11th, 2018
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421 ways to say said? Simplify dialogue instead
If you search for alternative dialogue tags to use in your story, you'll find many lists. While some synonyms for 'said' read naturally (such as words conveying volume like 'whispered'), others come across as overwritten and forced, particularly in the wrong context. Here are 5 simple ways to...
June 7th, 2018
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