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Foreshadowing examples: How to tease plot developments
Foreshadowing - a 'warning or indication of a future event' - is a useful device in storytelling. Hinting at what will happen serves multiple purposes (such as building tension and suspense). Read foreshadowing examples showing how to tease approaching plot developments: First, a definition: ...
February 22nd, 2018
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Writing Chapter 2: Developing your opening hook
The opening chapter of a book needs to hook your reader. How? By creating intrigue, suspense, lovable (or at least compelling) characters and interesting setting or action. Writing chapter one is a challenge, yet for many authors writing chapter two is the stumbling block - how can you develop f...
February 19th, 2018
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Writing dialogue between multiple characters
The Oxford dictionary defines dialogue as 'a conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or film' (OED). Yet the 'or more' (dialogue between more than two characters) is often confusing to write. How do you write and format dialogue well in a scene involving more t...
February 12th, 2018
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The parts of a story: Creating a cohesive whole
When you're writing a first or even second draft, the parts of a story - exposition, development, and ending - often feel disconnected. For a cohesive plot, think in long-form development (character and story arcs) rather than in individual, isolated plot events. Read tips to make the separate p...
February 5th, 2018
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How to start a book: Getting process and story right
There are two sides to learning how to start a book: Deciding on a process for starting and finding the beginning of the story itself. Here are tips for both aspects: How to start a book: Refining your process It's key to have an idea of how to start writing a book before you wor...
January 29th, 2018
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How to start writing a book: Developing rough ideas
Many aspiring authors contact us with this problem: 'I don't know how to start writing a book. I only have a few rough ideas.' There are variations: 'I have so many ideas, but I'm not sure where to start,' for example. Yet the general theme is the same: How, in terms of actual steps, should I st...
January 25th, 2018
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12 international writing contests to enter this year
Writing contests are useful for developing your writing craft and giving yourself a deadline to finish something polished. Often, you receive valuable feedback from experienced judges. It's best to see writing competition prizes as a possible bonus. Treat international writing contests as exerci...
January 22nd, 2018
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Learn how to write as you read: Improve your craft
What is the one most common piece of advice established authors give aspiring ones? It's not 'show, don't tell' or 'kill your darlings'. It's 'read more'. Reading as much as you can helps you learn how to write as you read. Here are ideas for how to improve your writing through conscious reading...
January 18th, 2018
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Writing movement and action in dialogue: 6 tips
Great dialogue in fiction sweeps us up in the story. Movement and action in dialogue are two important elements that serve multiple purposes. Here are tips for writing dialogue that connects your characters to their world: How to use movement and action in dialogue writing: Use background...
January 15th, 2018
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Submitting your novel: Key elements of success
This is a guest post by Samar Hammam, literary agent and founder of Rocking Chair Books. Submitting your novel to an agent or publisher is a multi-stage process. It helps to know the fundamentals of what makes a strong submission. At book fairs, aspiring authors often ask, 'How can I get...
January 11th, 2018
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Being a fiction writing coach: 5 valuable lessons
Being a fiction writing coach gives daily insights into the common and different struggles aspiring authors face. It also helps us find solutions we can apply to challenges in our own creative work. Here are 5 valuable lessons we've learned through working with diverse writers: 1. Beckett was...
January 4th, 2018
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Common pantser writing challenges (and how to solve them)
Are you a plotter or pantser? Pantsers write without planning while plotters prepare beforehand with extensive outlines. Both types of writing have their uses. Yet not having a plan sometimes creates problems. Here are common pantser writing challenges we've found coaching authors (and ways...
December 14th, 2017
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