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Inciting incident: Definition, tips and examples
In writing fiction, the opening events that set your story in motion are pivotal. They set the tone and mood, establish key details of character and setting (time and place), and build intrigue. Read a full definition of the inciting incident and tips and examples for making your own gripping: ...
October 16th, 2017
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How to write a character unlike you
In this guest contribution by ESL teacher Ethan Miller, Ethan shares ideas for creating characters who are completely different from yourself. Character creation is a key element of writing a novel. Authors, knowingly or unknowingly, often create characters that borrow heavily from their own...
October 5th, 2017
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Worldbuilding societies: How to create a civilization
In novel-writing, world building is an important concept, especially in genres such as fantasy and science fiction that explore alternate worlds. Good world building questions will help you create a detailed and immersive world. Here are some questions to ask: First, what do we mean by 'civil...
October 2nd, 2017
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Realistic dialogue: 5 missteps to avoid
Realistic dialogue doesn't necessarily mimic everyday speech. There's a lot of real-world filler we remove when writing dialogue (e.g. pleasantries, 'Fine thanks and you?') Yet for dialogue to feel real, it's important to avoid missteps that make dialogue ring hollow: 1: Writing info dumps (t...
September 11th, 2017
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Story plots: 7 tips to be more original
Clichéd story plots weaken an otherwise good story, a story where characters and settings are vivid. To tell a story that feels original and inventive, it's key to learn plot clichés to avoid. Yet many original stories do use common tropes. The key is to make famous story types and scenario...
August 24th, 2017
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Famous characters teach us about characterization
From Anna Karenina to Jon Snow, Don Quixote to Harry Potter, famous characters from fiction worm their way under our skin. Here are lessons from several memorable characters in classic and modern novels: 1. Give characters internal and external conflicts Most famous characters from books h...
August 21st, 2017
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Inner monologue examples: Characters’ hidden lives
Internal or inner monologue is a useful literary device. Dialogue reveals character relationships, their converging or competing goals. Inner monologue gives readers more private feelings and dilemmas. Learn more on how to use inner monologue effectively. First, what is ‘inner monologue’? ...
August 17th, 2017
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5 types of dialogue your novel needs
Dialogue is a key part of any character-driven novel. What characters say and how/why/when/where they say it is revealing. Read 5 types of dialogue your novel needs, and illustrative examples from books: 1: Dialogue introducing key characters Dialogue is useful for introducing characters b...
August 14th, 2017
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Using a book editor: How to get more value
This is a guest contribution by publishing network Reedsy, a succinct guide to working with a book editor. If you're not quite at the editing and publishing stage yet, join Now Novel for help planning and finishing your novel. How many editors does it take to change a light bu...
August 10th, 2017
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Plot twist ideas: 7 examples and tips for twists
A good plot twist adds intrigue, suspense or surprise to a novel. Plot twists are particularly popular in suspense-heavy novels such as murder mysteries, because they prolong suspense-creating questions about cause and identity. Read 7 examples of effective plot twists and what they teach us: ...
August 7th, 2017
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Writing styles: 10 tips to master ways of writing
Developing the story content of your writing – your characters, plots, dialogue and other areas – is important. Yet mastering different writing styles is equally important if you want to convey your story to readers with creative precision. Read 10 tips for developing and mastering your language...
August 3rd, 2017
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Antagonist examples: How to write great adversaries
Literature is full of fantastic antagonists who make it hard for the story's central characters to reach their goals. Read antagonist examples from successful novels, along with tips we can take from fictional villains and opponents: How to write a good antagonist: Give an antagonist unsa...
July 24th, 2017
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