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Story coach Arja Salafranca on writing and editing
We chat to award-winning author, editor and Now Novel story coach Arja Salafranca about writing poetry, prose and embracing multiple mediums. Arja's advice: Write your passion. Watch the video or read the transcript below. [youtube id="4IFgJaoHwoc"] Getting to know Arja Salafranca Brend...
October 27th, 2022
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How to start a novel: Hook readers from page one
How to start a novel? Creating curiosity is key. Read examples of first lines from novels that provoke questions, plus tips to avoid info dump beginnings and more: How to start a novel that grabs attention: 10 ideas Read ideas on how to start a novel and evoke curiosity. Keep reading for m...
October 24th, 2022
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What is NaNoWriMo? Rules and reasons to do it
What is NaNoWriMo? Why take part? What are the rules? Learn about this annual write-a-thon and why writing a book in a month (or making a good start) is worth doing in November: What is NaNoWriMo? National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo for short) is an annual write-a-thon that takes pl...
October 20th, 2022
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How to write a book chapter: 7 popular novels' insights
The word 'chapter' comes from the Latin for 'head'. Like a head, a book chapter is full of moving parts and vital functions. Learn how to write a book chapter that moves your story with insights from popular novels: How to write a book chapter with purpose: Effective story chapters hold an...
October 17th, 2022
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Plot conflict: Striking true adversity in stories
In plot - as in life - conflict is a core driver of action and reaction, dilemmas and decisions. Conflict - with others or within a person - prompts change. Internal and external conflict make stories move. Read 7 tips to strike up adversity in stories and make plot conflict matter. How to p...
October 13th, 2022
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Creating dynamic characters and static types: 7 ideas
Dynamic characters change while static characters tend to stay the same. Learn more about these character types, with examples: Dynamic characters vs static characters: Definitions What is a dynamic character? A dynamic or round character in fiction has an arc involving significant growt...
October 10th, 2022
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Author interview: Mark Lamont on Whisky & Wildflowers
We chat to Now Novel member and debut author Mark Lamont about his novel, Whisky & Wildflowers. In the book, David Carter journeys through grief to presence after his wife's passing to cancer. Mark talks writing inspiration, writing fiction from personal experience, Jane Austen and other inf...
October 7th, 2022
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Story plotting and structure: Complete guide
Plotting terms Types of plot Plot ideas Plot development Plotting and conflict Plot devices Story structure This story plotting guide covers everything from brainstorming plot ideas to plot development, story structure and more. Use the links above to jump to the sect...
October 3rd, 2022
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Editor interview: Jordan Kantey on helping writers
[youtube id="qqtW6UlFICU"] On coaching and editing writers Brendan McNulty 00:12So Jordan, you've done quite a bit of coaching in addition to editing over the years. Can you tell me what's the most fulfilling part of coaching? Jordan Kantey 00:23I think really the connections you make ...
September 29th, 2022
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Character writing: Complete guide to creating your cast
Character terms Types of character Character ideas Character development Characters and conflict Describing characters Narration and POV Character questions This character writing guide is a one-stop resource for creating types of characters in fiction. Learn key c...
September 19th, 2022
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How to start a story: Writing better preview pages
Knowing how to start a story so that your reader invests from page one is crucial to standing out. Make your preview pages work for your book sales with these ideas on how to hook readers, establish intriguing scenarios, and more from Chapter One: How to start a story and get your reader to ...
September 12th, 2022
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Types of stories: 7 story archetypes (and ways to use them)
Many types of stories recur across eras and cultures. Story archetypes such as 'voyage and return' are powerful in delivering drama, emotion, and satisfying change. Learn about the seven basic plots and ways to use familiar stories your own way: What are story archetypes? The word archetyp...
September 5th, 2022
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