How to find your author voice When I start working with a new class, I get them to do an exercise in our first session. It’s a deceptively simple writing task: I ask them to describe, in no more than two or three sentences, the room that we’re sitting in. I use this exercise to […]
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Want to sharpen your writing? Discover tips to edit your novel or short story for clear, engaging storytelling. Eliminate the fluff and make your words shine!
Cutting the Fluff: The Art of Ruthless Editing Read More »
Not sure if a professional editor or beta reader is right for you? Learn how to decide so you get the feedback you need to make your manuscript shine.
Beta reader or professional editor: which is right for your manuscript? Read More »
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
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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
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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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The 6 Best Books to Help You Write Your Novel 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, all with
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