Author: Derek Murphy
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The Writerly Way has a New Home for Writing Advice!
Hey there – we’ve recently moved our content from thewriterlyway.com to this new website (fixyourfiction) because we feel it’s more on brand for what we’re trying to do: help authors tell their best stories! About Fix Your Fiction Fix Your Fiction is your ultimate destination for elevating your writing craft. At Fix Your Fiction, we’re…
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Seven Steps of Self-Editing: How to Polish Your Manuscript to Perfection
Congratulations on completing your manuscript! But writing is only half the battle. Now, it’s time to refine, polish, and ensure your work shines. Here’s a simple seven-step guide to help you self-edit like a pro. 1. Give It Time:Let it Rest: After finishing your draft, take a break. A week, maybe even a month. This…
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Best YA Book Review Blogs For Reading Recommendations Teens Will LOVE!
Young Adult (YA) literature has seen a massive surge in popularity over the last couple of decades, and with this surge, there’s been an increase in dedicated bloggers and reviewers who cover the genre extensively. Here’s a list of some of the most recognized and influential YA book review blogs: Remember to check out each…
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Best sites for writer and authors
Here’s a compilation of some of the most informative and valuable websites for writers and authors, each with a brief description: These sites offer a mix of advice, resources, and community for writers of all backgrounds and levels. Always keep in mind the rapidly evolving nature of the online space; it’s a good practice to…
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Mastering Multi-POV: Juggling Multiple Perspectives in Your Novel
Ah, the multi-POV (point-of-view) narrative. It’s like hosting a dinner party with a bunch of loud, opinionated guests and trying not to let any of them dominate the conversation. But when done right, it offers depth, complexity, and a panoramic view of the story world. Buckle up; it’s going to be a thrilling (and perhaps…
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Embracing Ambiguity: How and When to Leave Questions Unanswered
Here’s the unvarnished truth: Readers are a lot smarter than many give them credit for. They don’t always need to be spoon-fed every answer. Sometimes, they enjoy a good noodle scratcher. They want to be left in awe, or confusion, or pondering the what-ifs. Welcome to the intricate dance of ambiguity! 1. Know Your Why:…
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Bridging Genres: The How-Tos of Hybrid Fiction
There’s a quiet revolution happening in the literary world. It’s the era of genre-blending, where authors dare to tread the lines between established categories. Why stay confined within the boundaries of a single genre when you can be a trailblazer, merging two or more to create an entirely fresh narrative experience? 1. Identify Core Elements:…
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Setting as Character: Making Your Locations Come Alive
It’s no secret that a story’s setting can hold as much weight as its characters. The howling winds of the moors in “Wuthering Heights” or the oppressive confines of the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining” come to mind. A truly memorable setting is more than a backdrop; it has personality, desires, and, in many ways,…
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Twists on Tropes: Reimagining the Classics in Modern Fiction
Tropes. They’re the familiar narrative elements that pop up in stories again and again — from the Chosen One to the Love Triangle. But before you roll your eyes at yet another prophecy foretelling of a hero’s rise, remember: it’s not the trope itself that’s trite, but its execution. With a sprinkle of creativity and…
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Beyond Prose: Incorporating Mixed Media in Your Narrative
In our dynamic digital age, storytelling isn’t limited to mere words. The inclusion of mixed media – be it images, hyperlinks, audio snippets, or even video clips – has revolutionized narrative techniques, making stories more immersive and interactive. Dive into the depths of mixed media storytelling with these strategies and tips. 1. Define Your Purpose:Before…