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What is a Cliché? Definition, Examples, and How to Avoid Them
Clichés can set readers on high alert — making them question the author's ability and imagination and pulling them out of the story. But what are some examples, and how can you avoid them in your writing?
February 21st, 2025
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What Makes a Good Story? 10 Key Elements
What makes a good story? Understanding the key elements of a great story and what satisfies readers regardless of finer details (such as genre) will help you write a more successful book. Let's break down ten key elements of every great story.
February 13th, 2025
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Main Antagonist: Iconic Opponents in Literature and Movies
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly an antagonist is, why they are important to a story, and what makes a great main antagonist, drawing examples from literature and films.
February 6th, 2025
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What Is a Protagonist? Protagonist Definition + 26 Examples
They say that everyone is the protagonist of their own story — but what actually is a protagonist? In this post, we’ll walk you through what a protagonist is, some of the most prominent categories they can fall into, and five examples of each.
February 5th, 2025
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How to Write Your First Book: 10 Dos and Don'ts
When you're starting out, nobody shows you how to write a first novel. Writing a novel requires focus, planning, motivation and discipline. Here are 10 do's and don'ts for writing your first book: 1. DO go in with a strong premise...
February 4th, 2025
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How to Plan a Novel: The Ultimate 4-Step Plan
Opinion is divided on whether or not you should plan a novel in detail — me personally, I’m a planner. If you’re also thinking about how to plan your book, this post is for you! Here, I’ll give you my best tips on the novel planning process and create a map that will lead to your own destination: a finished book.
February 4th, 2025
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How to Format a Book Like a Pro: A 5-Step Guide
Follow these formatting principles to create a professional-looking book that delivers a great reading experience—giving your book the best chance of success.
January 31st, 2025
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How to Write a Murder Mystery: 8 Tips to Captivate Readers
Writing a murder mystery is like baking a cake: you need the right ratio of suspense, clues, and red herrings, with a surprising but welcome filling hidden in the center. In this post, I’ll walk you through all the ingredients you need to cook up a killer murder mystery.
January 30th, 2025
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How to Write a Book and Get It Published in 10 Steps
If you’re looking to write and publish a book, I won’t sugarcoat it: you’ve got quite a journey ahead of you! But with a bit of creativity, determination, and knowledge of the writing and publishing process, you too can become a published author and share your book with the world. Here’s how to write and publish a book in 10 steps.
January 30th, 2025
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6 Types of Antagonists in Storytelling (With Examples)
You can't have a story without someone (or something) opposing your main character. In this post, we'll dive into six types of antagonists, with examples from literature and film.
January 29th, 2025
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Direct vs Indirect Characterization: How to Show and Tell
Characterization describes the way a writer or actor creates or implies a character's personality, their inner life and psyche. Two main ways to reveal your characters are direct characterization and indirect characterization. What are these character creation techniques? Read on for examples of...
January 29th, 2025
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55 Positive Character Traits - And How to Use Them
Think of your favorite fictional character, and try to describe why you like them in just a few words. Maybe they’re strong, friendly, and wise; or perhaps they’re honest, resourceful, and passionate — no matter what combination of characteristics it is, odds are you've identified something fundamental that makes their personality compelling.
January 27th, 2025
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