Learn how to craft compelling narratives and master pacing strategies that will keep your readers engaged from start to finish.
How to Keep Readers Engaged: Best Practices for Building Tension in Stories Read More »
Scrivener vs. Plottr: How to choose the right novel writing software for your process Are you wrestling with which novel writing software to choose? I’ve been a professional author for more than 20 years, and I have some thoughts… You’re probably familiar with the buzz around Scrivener and Plottr. (Others are available, but these are
Scrivener vs. Plottr: how to choose the right tool for your writing process Read More »
How to Find and Fix Plot Holes (Before they derail your story) Much like the Spanish Inquisition, nobody expects a plot hole. They’re sneaky like that. There you are, happily crafting away at your story, and all of a sudden it hits you: this part of your narrative… just doesn’t logically work. You’ve got yourself
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Foreshadowing: Planting Narrative Seeds for a Satisfying Payoff Foreshadowing is a powerful literary device that allows create anticipation and tension by hinting at future narrative events. By strategically planting seeds throughout a narrative, authors can build intrigue, heighten suspense, and even improve plot cohesion. All of these factors help create a satisfying payoff in your
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What’s the 3-Act Structure And How Can It Help with Plotting a Novel or Short Story? The 3-act structure is a foundational storytelling framework that’s been used for centuries across various mediums, including literature, theatre, and film. This structure provides a clear roadmap for writers, helping them to organize their thoughts, develop character arcs, and
What’s the 3-Act Structure in Storytelling? Read More »
The importance of stakes How to raise the tension in your plot Tension is the lifeblood of storytelling. Keeping your readers on the edge of their seats, doling out just enough information to keep them guessing, is how you get them engaged and eagerly turning the page to find out more. One of the most
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Explore narrative structure through Freytag’s Pyramid and discover how this framework can help you create compelling novels and screenplays.
What is Freytag’s Pyramid? Read More »
Understanding the Inciting Incident In the world of storytelling, the inciting incident is the spark that ignites the narrative flame. This critical moment disrupts the status quo and sets the protagonist on a journey filled with conflict, growth, and transformation. But what exactly constitutes an inciting incident, and how does it shape what comes next
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The 6 Best Books to Help You Write Your Novel in 2025 So. It’s time to start writing the novel that’s been in your head for as long as you can remember. But you’ve never written a book before. And you could do with some help getting started. Luckily, there’s no shortage of guides available,
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Gifts for the author in your life (to suit any budget) Looking for the perfect gift to show your loved one how much their writing means to you? I’m an author and writing mentor, which means I’m both the target audience for these gifts and I spend most of my days in the company of the
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