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Writing fan fiction: Valuable platform or fad?
Fan fiction is a popular genre in which authors use existing fictional characters and worlds as the starting point for their own stories adhering to (or altering) 'canon' or the history of an author's work. Learn more about this genre and its practicalities: What is fan fiction? Fan fictio...
June 3rd, 2015
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Banish writer's block - infographic
We've previously explored ways you can break out of a dry spell and get writing. We've condensed ten of our favorite methods into the infographic below. Pin, tweet, or share on Facebook with the writers you know who might appreciate a reminder of the many ways creative paralysis can be...
May 30th, 2015
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43 must-visit sci-fi websites for writers
The imagining of possible worlds is the staple of science fiction. Here are 43 must-visit sci-fi websites for writers: Science Fiction research websites There's a handy science fiction and fantasy resource guide by SuperSummary here Cornell University's science fiction and fantasy resear...
May 18th, 2015
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Fantasy character types: 5 popular kinds
Fantasy novels are full of varied fantasy character types. Read about 5 popular types (and ways to avoid associated overdone tropes): What is a fantasy character type? When we refer to 'types' in fiction, we refer to character molds that recur again and again. For example, Shakespeares'...
May 11th, 2015
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12 famously incarcerated writers
Each year, PEN International marks the Day of the Imprisoned Writer in order to raise awareness about persecuted and incarcerated writers worldwide, but not all writers who have done time have been political prisoners. Here are a dozen writers who went to prison for a variety of reasons: Sir ...
May 4th, 2015
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51 must-visit websites for romance writers
We’ve put together 53 of the best websites for romance writers. Enjoy these romance writing resources and let us know any you think are missing: Romance Writing Advice Romance University is a blog featuring online lectures from successful romance writers. Topics covered include e...
April 28th, 2015
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Writing inspiration: 11 authors on how to get inspired to write
This week we have a bumper guest post: we asked several writers and lit bloggers whose work collectively spans nearly every genre from historical fiction to sci-fi to tell us about their top sources of inspiration. When you're inspired to start writing a book of your own, try the Now Novel proce...
April 13th, 2015
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Historical fiction: 7 elements of research
This guest contribution is by author and historical fiction blogger M.K. Tod of A Writer of History. Mary provides valuable insights into the particular research required of the historical fiction writer, along with practical advice for sourcing the factual material that will help bring a bygone...
March 30th, 2015
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How to appeal to young and old: Roald Dahl
British writer Roald Dahl is one of the most popular and beloved children’s authors in the English language. Writers can study his work to learn how to appeal to young and old and so create fiction for children that lasts. Roald Dahl's longevity Although Dahl died in 1990, his books re...
March 23rd, 2015
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The art of suspense: Donna Tartt
The ability of Donna Tartt to generate suspense is one of the reasons she has as much popular success as she does critical acclaim. Writers can study her use of this element to see how she deploys it to turn her literary novels into page turners that exemplify the art of suspense. Donna Tart...
March 16th, 2015
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Rediscovering the joy of writing
Writing is almost always a labor of love, but sometimes that love falters. When you begin to forget what you ever enjoyed about writing in the first place, it's still possible to restore a sense of joy to your work: Write about writing Try a freewriting exercise. Write about your feelings ...
March 2nd, 2015
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Getting better at writing: Simple ways to improve craft
Writers may sometimes feel overwhelmed by the many aspects of fiction they must attend to when learning to write. Getting better at writing comes with practice, but you can also work on your craft consciously: Consume stories like a writer Sometimes, writers talk about reading as a writer....
February 25th, 2015
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