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Plot vs character: What drives a great novel?
Choosing whether your novel will be plot driven or character driven is an important part of writing a novel. Plot vs character isn't a simple choice, as each emphasis has its own benefits (and disadvantages if it is emphasized far more than the other). Read the pros and cons of each story type, ...
May 10th, 2016
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140 characters contest: Who won (and what do they teach us)?
We loved reading your entries to our '140 characters' contest. The diversity of your entries made our task challenging. Find out the finalists and grand prize winner below, as well as our thoughts on what made these characters compelling and what we can learn from them. At the bottom of the...
May 5th, 2016
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How to be inspired to write every day: 10 ideas
Writer's block might visit sometimes, but you can learn how to be inspired to write every day. Feeling 'uninspired' can mean many things: That you aren't giving yourself enough breaks, that you're being perfectionist and holding yourself to impossible standards, or it can mean that you genuinely...
May 3rd, 2016
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30 top book writing tips from the best blogs
Quotes on writing are a mixed bag. But the top book writing tips from the best writing blogs are actionable and practical. Here are 30 great pieces of advice from around the blogosphere: 5 tips on writing a helpful book outline 1. When writing a book outline, you have the op...
April 14th, 2016
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Writer software: 6 great tools for writing a book
Writer software has evolved over the years. Now you can organize your writing process, format your book and perform research easier than ever. The best writing software: Speeds up your writing process Makes it easier to collaborate with editors, writing coaches and first readers Helps you tu...
April 11th, 2016
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How can I get help writing a book? 7 tips
If you've always wanted to write a novel but don't know where to start, or you start writing your book and get stuck, you're probably asking 'How can I get help writing a book?' It's easy to find help with each part of writing. 1. Join a writing group or community Writing fiction is sharin...
March 31st, 2016
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Describing characters: How to describe faces imaginatively
Describing characters imaginatively is an essential skill when writing fiction. It helps readers to invest in your characters' storylines and experiences if they feel real. Read on for five tips for describing characters' faces: Describing characters: 5 tips for drawing faces with w...
March 30th, 2016
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How to get inspired to write: 8 effective approaches
Knowing how to get inspired to write quickly will help you rediscover your creative spark when you feel stuck. Here are 8 ways to reconnect with your storytelling gift: 1: Do free writing on a chosen topic Free writing is a great exercise to get ideas flowing when you are feeling stuck. It...
March 17th, 2016
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First person narrative: 7 tips for writing great narrators
Telling a story using mainly first person narrative has both pros and cons. Here are 7 steps to creating a great 'I' narrator, but first: The pros and cons of writing a novel in first person The benefit of telling a story in first person, from a single character's perspective at a time, is...
March 15th, 2016
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How to write a book trilogy: 5 crucial steps
Want to learn how tow write a triad of books that keeps readers with you to the end? Here are 5 key steps for how to write a book trilogy: How to write a trilogy series: Study trilogies' structure and learn what works Plan a thread that builds through all three books Treat the m...
February 29th, 2016
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How to write a short story: 10 steps to a great read
Writing a short story differs from writing a novel in several key ways: There is less space to develop characters, less room for lengthy dialogue, and often a greater emphasis on a twist or an 'a-ha' moment. How to write a short story in ten steps: How to plan a short story, write and publish...
February 22nd, 2016
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Writing a mystery novel: 7 items your story needs
Writing a mystery novel is challenging. It demands a keen sense for plot, characterization and creating suspense. A story that actively engages readers in solving the mystery (or in trying to piece together the narrative threads) needs at least 7 elements: A strong hook Active reader involve...
February 18th, 2016
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