Great Descriptions of Setting from Literature
Introducing the subtle artistry of setting in literature: a canvas upon which authors paint the intricate backdrop of their stories, inviting readers into worlds both familiar and fantastical. Setting is more than just a physical landscape; it's an immersive experience, a key ingredient that breathes life into narratives.
How to Create Character Arcs Even in Short Fiction
In the realm of short fiction, where brevity is key and every word holds weight, creating impactful character arcs can be a daunting task. Unlike novels, short stories offer limited space and time to develop characters, making it essential to craft arcs that are both concise and resonant. In this guide, we'll explore the art of constructing character arcs in short fiction, offering practical advice tailored to the unique challenges posed by limited word counts and constrained timelines.
How to Make Writing Fun Again
Seeing our writing as a ‘serious’ venture can lead us to feeling rejected, unhappy, and demotivated with our works in progress. Whether it’s due to difficult themes, or that plot point you just can’t work out, we begin to overthink our work, leading us to be dissatisfied with our writing. Pair that with the string of rejections that comes to all writers and you begin to question if you even want to write any more. It’s all too easy to stop and watch the latest series on Netflix instead. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Remember when writing was just...fun?
100 Writing Tips From Famous Writers
Embarking on the literary journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. Aspiring writers often seek guidance from the seasoned wordsmiths who have navigated the vast seas of storytelling. In this blog post, we've curated a rich tapestry of wisdom from renowned authors, each offering a unique brushstroke to paint the canvas of your writing adventure. From timeless tips on the craft to insights into the writer's mindset, these nuggets of advice are a compass, steering you through the labyrinth of creativity. Join us as we delve into the echoes of experience, discovering the artistry and resilience that define the path of a wordsmith.
How to Punctuate Dialogue
To some writers, endeavoring to use correct punctuation is like pulling teeth with nothing to lessen the pain. Not to worry; I’m here to anesthetize. Merriam Webster’s Pocket Guide to Punctuation, Hodges’ Harbrace College Handbook, the Secretary’s Guide to Modern English Usage, and The Chicago Manual of Style are in a neat, stacked pile next to me. And, of course, there’s Google. Yes, I confess, I’m a punctuation nerd. But don’t feel sorry for me.
How to Battle Self-Doubt as a Writer
What’s the best thing about being a writer? There will be a different answer for every writer, but I promise no one says, “My favorite thing is when I start doubting myself and then want to cry and/or throw stuff.” At the end of the day, though, writer self-doubt is a very real thing that we should talk about.
How to be a Successful Writer
“How do I become a successful writer?” It’s a question that has been whispered to the cosmos by millions. It’s the conundrum that scratches at the back of our minds as we go about our daily grind, and it’s the riddle that keeps us up night. The question is not straightforward. In fact, in order to answer it effectively, we have to properly examine what it is we mean when we ask how to be a successful writer. This is because “success” is subjective – especially in writing.
The Fiction Writer's Guide to Using Prompts Effectively
Using writing prompts is something writers are not always keen to do when writing alone – but if you facilitate writing groups, or attend classes, you have probably taken part in various exercises which result in pieces of writing that might be surprising, or unusual, or perhaps not that great. So, let’s welcome the fact that writing prompts can be hugely beneficial to us all.
How to Stop Procrastinating & Write That Story!
Today is the day. You carved out some time in your busy schedule and a quaint little space in the bedroom, lounge, or home office—perhaps in bed— your idyllic writing haven. Your very own literary sanctuary. You burnt the sage, lit the incense, and poured a cuppa your favourite warm beverage or glass of red, maybe even a tot of the green fairy to get the juices flowing. Then you proceeded to. . .
Proofreading Tools: Which Apps Work Best for Fiction Writers?
You wouldn't go onto an online booking site or store and merrily fill in all the blanks and then go straight to the make payment section without checking that everything is correct, would you? You have spent a lot of time and effort in writing your story. It is essential to go back and check before submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher or entering it into a competition. You need to ensure that it is the best version it can be. Not only for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes but taking an in-depth dive into your story.
Tips for Writing a Satisfying Story Ending
Finishing your story can be a brilliant feeling as an author, when everything comes together and you get to write those two little words we all long for: The End. But how can you ensure that it is just as satisfying to read as it was for you to write? To help you leave your readers basking in your brilliance rather than cursing your name, I’ve compiled this guide for you on how to write a satisfying ending to your story.
How to Write for Young Children
A good book that can be read and reread is one of the greatest ways of introducing children to the world of reading. Intended to be shared with parents, carers and teachers as well as the children themselves, writing these books can be extremely demanding. It can also be great fun.
How to Stay Motivated During the First Draft of Your Novel
Writing the first draft of a novel can make the sanest person question their sanity. There are so many phases and feelings that a writer conquers in order to get the first draft out. Impostor syndrome and writer's block being the biggest.
Here are a few tips to keep yourself grounded and focused on your task and finish that first draft.
How to Revise a Story or Novel
“Every writer I know has trouble writing.” So said Joseph Heller, the author of ‘Catch-22’. There is little doubt that every successful work of fiction is the end result of many scrupulously revised and reworked drafts, from which we can confidently conclude that the perfect first draft has rarely, if ever, been written.
How to Create a Successful Writing Routine
A writing routine is a regular, intentional practice of writing that a writer incorporates into their daily or weekly schedule in order to write more consistently and productively. Human beings thrive on habit, consistency and routine by nature. This means that creating a writing routine will not only make it easier to write everyday but will ensure that you write more words, more effectively.
Blank Page Syndrome: What It Is and How to Beat It
We all need a little space from time to time; a little breathing room to let the creative juices flow. But occasionally, space can trigger a problem. Specifically, the space of a blank page can set off an internal response that makes it feel like an insurmountable obstacle. That blank page looms before us like the sheer face of a mountain, and we’re pretty sure we will never get past it. Welcome to Blank Page Syndrome - a very real, very troubling issue for many writers.
Do Fiction Writers Really Need a Blog?
Blogs aren’t new. They’ve been around for over 20 years. They’ve evolved from being online diaries and shared private thoughts to a much more wide-ranging kind of enterprise. Personal blogs still exist, but alongside company blogs, food blogs, travel blogs, fashion blogs and, more importantly (for the purposes of this article) writer blogs.
But do you really need one to make it as a writer?
BookTok to Bestseller: TikTok Promotion for Fiction Writers
In today’s digital age, social media marketing has become an indispensable tool for any writer to engage their readers. Among the various platforms available, TikTok has emerged as a true phenomenon.
Alpha and Beta Readers: What are they and how do you Find Them?
John Donne’s words “No man is an island”… seem appropriate when I approach the question of alpha and beta readers. Once we create a world and give it form through words, we can get lost in how it looks to us. It can become our perfect palace and we do not consider if anyone else would want to live in it, let alone visit it. We then reach a point where we must accept that our creation might need an alpha and beta reader’s point of view.
9 Effective Ways to Handle Negative Feedback on Your Novel
For aspiring fiction writers, the journey of completing a novel is full of twists and turns. One of the most likely to derail the beginner writer is receiving negative feedback. While it may be disheartening, dealing with critique is an essential part of honing your craft and evolving as a writer.