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Writing prose: 5 steps to better style
Writing prose, like writing poetry, involves specific challenges. Although prose is closer to 'ordinary', 'everyday' speech than poetry, it is easy to write purple prose and make other small mistakes. Here are 5 steps to refine your prose writing style: First: How do you define prose? T...
June 4th, 2018
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Descriptive verb list: 30 words to replace dull actions
Sayings such as βthe road to hell is paved with adverbs' scare many aspiring authors off using adverbs to describe characters' actions. Yet writers say this because there are often more descriptive, common verbs you could use instead of a duller verb-plus-adverb. Use this list of descriptive str...
May 31st, 2018
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Strong first person narrative: Engaging narrators
First person narrative lets your main character take the reader into their confidence. The intimacy and immediacy of first person, how it closely involves your reader in your narrator's world, makes this point of view (POV) naturally engaging. Here are 5 tips to make a good first person narrativ...
May 28th, 2018
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Romance story ideas: 5 tips for affecting arcs
Inspiration for romance story ideas is everywhere. From news headlines (TV actresses marrying members of the British royal family) to a sweet interaction you might witness in a restaurant. How can you develop a strong, affecting romance story idea? Read the following tips and use them to cr...
May 24th, 2018
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Comedy writing: How to create humor in writing
There are many articles on writing serious characters, creating action, intrigue, and high drama. Yet what about comedy writing? Read the following ideas and examples for tips on using humor in your writing: 1. Know your audience Toni Morrison said 'If there's a book you want to read, then...
May 21st, 2018
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Using conflicts in a story: 6 helpful conflict examples
What are conflicts in literature? Why do they matter and what purposes do they serve? Read six examples of story conflicts from books and why they work. This will help you create your own interesting, dramatic oppositions: What is conflict in a story and why does it matter? Conflict i...
May 17th, 2018
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How to start a story in first person: 8 pointers
There is no single 'right' approach to how to start a story in first person. That being said, there are several ways to start a story using first person point of view and hook readers from the start. Here are 8 pointers for beginning a book in first person Perfect your character in...
May 14th, 2018
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How to write a rewarding series arc
Structuring a story is challenging, especially when your story spans multiple books (or, in the case of TV, episodes). Read on for ideas to make your series arcs - of character and plot - rewarding: 1. Outline ideas for individual books' arcs A writing project as large-scale as a seri...
May 7th, 2018
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Finding story topics when stuck: 5 simple methods
Story topics are all around us, yet having a wide breadth of choice can be daunting. Sometimes we know what we want to write already, at least vaguely, as it's the reason we've chosen to write a book in the first place. Yet what if you're between projects and can't think of a new idea? Or you si...
May 3rd, 2018
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What is a plot point? Find and plan clear story events
What is a plot point, and why is it helpful to think in terms of plot points? Read on for a definition and tips for making significant events in your novel or story count: What is a plot point? Many writers attach strict roles and functions to plot points. Some say, for example, a first pl...
April 26th, 2018
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Quotes for writers: 35 global authors' advice
Respected authors from around the world often share useful advice and ideas on writing. World Book Day is all about celebrating 'the power of books to promote open and inclusive knowledge societies', as UNESCO says. With that in mind, here are valuable insights from authors from the USA to Peru,...
April 23rd, 2018
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Types of antagonists: Creating riveting opponents
There are many types of antagonists. Sometimes in a story a primary antagonist starts out as a close ally. Characters who oppose your main character's goals aren't necessarily 'bad', yet they serve a primary function: Standing between another character and their destiny. Here are 5 types of...
April 16th, 2018
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