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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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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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What will help me write a book? 7 steps
If you’ve tried to write a novel and have put it aside, you might ask ‘What will help me write a book?’ It’s crucial, on the one hand, to choose a book idea that allows for story development, for rising and falling action. Here are 7 steps to make your process easier: 1: Choose what to w...
January 16th, 2017
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How to describe setting: 6 ways to bring setting to life
Knowing how to describe setting vividly helps you craft settings that mirror your characters' psychologies and personalities. A character's home, for example, can give readers insightful details about them. Here are six ways to bring setting to life (sign up to Now Novel to get feedbac...
December 19th, 2016
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10 of 2016's best articles on writing
Read our list of 10 useful and insightful posts on the craft and psychology of writing from the past year: 1. ‘6 Tips for How to Organize your Novel’s Edits’ – K.M. Weiland Katie Weiland shares helpful tips for how to edit your novel methodically. Weiland advises to ‘clear out th...
December 15th, 2016
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Best writing articles: Top of 2016
As the year draws to a close, we're rounding up the most popular posts from the Now Novel blog in 2016 as well as some of the best writing articles for authors from around the web: 2016's best writing articles on Now Novel 1. How to write a book series: 10 tips for writing smash ...
December 12th, 2016
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