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Suspense writing: Examples and devices for tenser stories
Suspense refers to both genre and a storytelling device that creates tension and builds your reader's desire to find out. Read suspense writing examples, learn suspense-adding story devices you can use, and what experts at creating suspense say. What is suspense? Suspense (defined by Oxfor...
February 27th, 2023
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Writing fantasy: Creating a spellbinding story (complete guide)
Fantasy writing terms Why write fantasy Fantasy worldbuilding Fantasy characters Story structure in fantasy Magic in fantasy Fantasy story conflicts Tips for writing fantasy Fantasy writing is loved by authors and readers of all ages. It offers the wish and wonder ...
February 20th, 2023
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Writing love stories: Creating love letters to readers
Writing love stories is popular for many reasons. Genre romance is one of the biggest categories by sales in the publishing industry, year after year. There is a common misconception writing romantic stories is easy. Yet developing characters who readers are ready to ship, stan, and swoon over i...
February 13th, 2023
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100 character development questions to inspire deeper arcs
Good character development questions and simple questionnaires help to prompt decisions about who your characters are (or where they're off to next). Develop deeper arcs with these 100 prompts organized by category and focus: Build characters' arcs by asking Goal, motivation and conflict ...
February 6th, 2023
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How to describe to immerse readers (complete guide)
Description terms and definitions Why description matters Types of description Describing characters Describing settings Descriptive writing devices Description pitfalls Description examples Knowing how to describe well is sure to immerse readers in your world. Rea...
January 30th, 2023
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Artificial intelligence for writing: 10 helpful AI uses
Artificial intelligence for writing? Will AI replace authors? These are questions that recur in recent writing about emerging AI tech. Alarm is a common response to change. Yet it's not all dystopian in outlook. Here are ten helpful AI uses for writers and reasons to play and explore: 10 ways...
January 23rd, 2023
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Writing dialogue: Complete guide to storied speech
What is dialogue? Key terms Why dialogue matters How to format dialogue Effective vs weak dialogue Dialogue devices Dialogue examples This guide to writing dialogue is all about using speech and conversation in storytelling to make your characters' voices drive plot, te...
January 16th, 2023
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Generating ideas for stories: 10 fun ways (plus prompts)
When you're stumped, generating ideas for stories may turn out to be surprisingly easy. Try these 10 fun approaches (and find prompts from the 'Craft Challenge' writing group on Now Novel): How to generate new story ideas: Try one of these methods to jog creative ideas: Pick words blind ...
January 9th, 2023
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Writing productivity hacks: How to write more and finish
The word 'productivity' sounds dry and technical, like something that belongs in a boardroom. Yet writing productivity - being able to create with the least possible stress and struggle - is what divides prolific from occasional authors. Let's explore ideas about productive habits and ways to cr...
January 2nd, 2023
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Writing coach Nerine Dorman on YA, sci-fi and fantasy
Nerine Dorman is an award-winning author who has been active in the publishing industry since 2007. She's proudly hybrid, with books published by traditional publishers, small presses and self-published. As an editor she works with authors from concept to the moment they press 'send', whether th...
December 12th, 2022
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Story setting and worldbuilding: Complete guide
Story setting terms Genre and setting Setting planning and research Developing settings Setting and conflict Describing settings Worldbuilding tips Use the links above to jump to the setting topic you're interested in right now. What is setting?: Key terms and co...
December 5th, 2022
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Revision in writing: How to improve between drafts
Revision in writing is the stage of the writing process during which you rewrite or make changes informed by how they will impact your composition as a whole. Keep reading for ideas on how to improve between drafts, and why revision is important. Steps and strategies for revision Revision ...
November 28th, 2022
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