Category: writing tips
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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 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…
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Dynamic Duos: Writing Compelling Relationships and Friendships
In the great stage of fiction, relationships and friendships are the unsung heroes, often driving narratives as much as (if not more than) plot twists or main characters themselves. Sherlock had Watson, Harry had Ron and Hermione, and Frodo had Sam. How can you create partnerships that resonate and remain memorable? 1. Chemistry Matters:Differing personalities,…
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Unforgettable First Impressions: Crafting Memorable Character Introductions
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Nowhere does this ring truer than in fiction. When a reader meets a character for the first time, that initial encounter sets the tone for their entire relationship. 1. The Vivid Visual:An iconic introduction doesn’t necessarily mean an elaborate description. Sometimes, a single striking…