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How to develop story themes: 5 theme examples
The recurring ideas or broad themes of books give us insights into ideas such as 'love', 'honor', 'good vs evil' and much more. Read 5 common theme examples from books that show how to take your story's 'big ideas' and use them to create additional characters and subplots: What is a them...
August 23rd, 2018
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Character flaw list: 30 intriguing character flaws
Great, character-driven stories often have deeply flawed characters at their heart. Human flaws such as lust for power, greed and jealousy explain the errors many tragic figures from books make, from Mr Kurtz to Lord Voldemort. Let's briefly look at three types of character flaws. A minor ch...
August 20th, 2018
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Character mannerisms: Describing character quirks and tics
Character mannerisms - the things people repeatedly do with their faces, hands, or voices without always realizing - help to create detailed characters. Sometimes we use mannerisms for humour, at other times to tell characters apart. Read tips for creating mannerisms, believable quirks and tics,...
August 16th, 2018
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Character description: 7 ways to avoid weak imagery
Strong character description is key to creating vivid and realistic characters. We may be tempted to reach first for obvious elements of physical description, such as eye and hair color. Yet strong imagery tells us more about a character's personality, quirks, strengths and flaws. To avoid weak ...
August 14th, 2018
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How to write chapters: Create a compelling Chapter 3
We've written about how to structure a chapter generally, writing good opening paragraphs and pages, and developing Chapter One's intrigue in your second chapter. Writing a good third chapter is equally important. Your early chapters hook readers and build interest you can sustain. Read ideas an...
July 30th, 2018
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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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