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What is cliché? Cliché examples (and how to avoid)
Ever wanted to groan out loud at how obvious and unoriginal a phrase, plot point or character in a book was? Common clichés in fiction weaken the dramatic effect and imaginative power of a story. Read on for a definition of cliché, examples of plot, character and descriptive clichés, and how to ...
March 30th, 2017
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How to introduce characters: 6 ways to be memorable
Knowing how to introduce characters so that they stick in readers' minds is a skill. Here are six techniques to create memorable first impressions: 6 ways to introduce your characters: Use backstory to reveal relevant character history Introduce a character through another POV Show typica...
March 27th, 2017
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Characterization examples: 5 ways to reveal characters
Characterization (or character development) – how you make a fictional character seem like a real, living, breathing person – is tricky. Besides giving a physical description of characters you need to convey their motivations, goals, personalities, character traits and flaws to make characters t...
March 20th, 2017
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External and internal conflict: Examples and tips
Conflict is a key ingredient of an engrossing story. 'Internal conflict' and 'external conflict' are two terms you'll often hear when people discuss character creation. Read definitions of these types of story conflict, then how to use them to develop your story: Internal conflict vs ext...
March 6th, 2017
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Central idea vs theme: Developing your novel's ideas
The central idea of a story is the seed from which the offshoots of plot, character and theme grow. It's the core scenario that sets the action in motion. The themes of a novel are the general ideas and principles the story explores. When you examine central idea vs theme, both form the fun...
March 2nd, 2017
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Finding a literary agent: Q&A with Mark Gottlieb
We interview literary agent Mark Gottlieb of Trident Media Group. Mark shares his insights into the process and benefits of finding a literary agent, the factors that influence publishers' manuscript choices, and more. Primary factors in publishers' manuscript choices Q: As an agent ...
February 27th, 2017
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In medias res: 6 steps to start stories from the middle
The Latin term in medias res literally means 'in the midst of things' and is a literary technique that describes a story that skips exposition and starts with events already underway. Read further explanation of this term and 6 steps to make your own in medias res story opening strong:...
February 23rd, 2017
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Story setting ideas: 6 effective setting examples and tips
The best book setting ideas are highly effective. Setting is a literary device where a writer establishes a time frame, location and the environment of a story. In a novel where the author performs careful worldbuilding, the story setting enriches plot events with atmosphere and...
February 20th, 2017
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Naming characters: 5 steps to find fictional character names
Naming characters for a novel or short story is sometimes tricky. Finding fictional character names that suit characters' personalities or carry apt connotations is rewarding, though. Here are 5 steps to choose a great character name: Step 1: Think about how each primary character's name rela...
February 16th, 2017
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How to write a romance novel: Avoid romance writing mistakes
Writing romance is perennially popular, and romance novels continue to sell in great numbers. Learn how to write a romance novel and avoid clichés in your love story ideas, themes and characters. Start with these 9 romance writing tips: Know the romance genre (and your own subgenre) inside o...
February 13th, 2017
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Writing tenses: 5 tips for past, present, future
Understanding how to use writing tenses is challenging. How do you mix past, present and future tense without making the reader giddy? What is the difference between 'simple' and 'perfect' tense? Read this simple guide for answers to these questions and more: What are the main writing tenses?...
January 26th, 2017
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How to make a good story excellent: 9 steps
Learning how to make a good story great requires mastering the essentials of writing craft: Plot (cause and effect), characterization, narration, description and dialogue. If you've written a good story but feel it could be more interesting, these 9 steps will help you transform it into a b...
January 23rd, 2017
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