2016-07-07 13:41
Your grasp of novel writing basics such as plot and character needs to be good for readers to enjoy your novels. Here are 10 steps to make your book unputdownable:
Step 1: Promise rev… Read More
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Now Novel Writer's Blog
nownovel.com/blog
A blog that gives you tips on how to write better, motivate yourself and examples from the masters
2016-07-04 14:29
The first article in this two-part series shared 50 practical tips for the first five steps of writing a book, from finding a story idea to writing your first draft. Enjoy the second h… Read More
2016-06-30 13:39
Writing a book is a complex process. In this two-part post, we share 50 tips for the first five of the ten steps to writing a book, from finding a winning novel idea to writi… Read More
2016-06-28 12:30
What is an elevator pitch? It’s a proposal that can be delivered in about 60 seconds verbally or in a single written page of text. The term is standard in marketing. A great elevator… Read More
2016-06-27 11:33
Different writing styles are preferred in different genres. A romcom differs stylistically from a taut thriller. These 7 tips will help you improve your own style. First, though, what is &l&helli…Read More
2016-06-23 13:29
What makes a good story? A story should satisfy readers’ questions about the five w’s – what, where, why, who and when. We’re satisfied when stories entertain… Read More
2016-06-20 11:47
Learning how to write a book and get it published is a process of many parts, so it’s wise to be systematic. Here are 10 steps to write your own bestseller and set about finding an in… Read More
2016-06-18 20:08
Suspense writing, when executed well, turns a simple story into an engrossing page-turner. Tension and pacing, narrative structure, elements of setting and character development are all imp… Read More
2016-06-13 13:15
Learning how to develop a story so that you take readers on an unforgettable journey is key to becoming a great novelist. Here are 10 steps to ensure that the final draft of your book has a… Read More
2016-06-09 14:12
If you want to make the big time, learn how to write a book series. Why? Because once readers are hooked on book one and know that books two through four are on the way, you’ll have a… Read More
2016-06-06 12:29
Inspirational writing quotes by insightful, established fiction authors will help you when you’re feeling stuck. Here are 15 quotes on writing and finding ideas for books as well… Read More
2016-06-02 14:47
Creative writing prompts provide a useful way to jog inspiration and get into an inventive frame of mind. Try these creative writing exercises focused on individual elements of storytelling… Read More
2016-06-01 04:31
What is pacing in writing? Pacing is the rate or speed at which something moves or develops. In fiction, pacing refers to how quickly (or slowly) the action of the story unfolds. Why is pac… Read More
2016-06-01 04:31
What is pacing in writing? Pacing is the rate or speed at which something moves or develops. In fiction, pacing refers to how quickly (or slowly) the action of the story unfolds. Why is pac… Read More
2016-05-30 08:52
Mahi Wasfy, a writer and early childhood educator, recently completed Now Novel’s author coaching process and finished writing her book, ‘In The Heart of Cairo’… Read More
2016-05-26 11:28
Learning how to get better at writing daily will do wonders for your writing style and craft. You can improve writing skills quickly if you set aside as little as half an hour per day to ad… Read More
2016-05-25 08:57
The elements of setting – time, place, mood, social and cultural context – are what help to make a novel feel real and alive. If your setting is fully realized, then your… Read More
2016-05-23 11:48
If you feel you don’t know how to start writing a novel, you don’t need a ‘how to write a novel for dummies’ book. There are several reasons why you could feel… Read More
2016-05-19 14:09
A common question we receive regards how to write a first novel. Whether you are writing your first novel or your fifth, writing a novel requires focus, planning, motivation and discip… Read More
2016-05-16 09:26
Why is setting important? Because setting is the stage for your story and immerses readers in your fictional world. In a novel, setting refers to the place and time (or multiple places and… Read More
2016-05-12 16:58
Esteemed authors often share helpful guidance on how to become a novelist, whether directly or through descriptions of their own writing processes. Published authors know t… Read More
2016-05-10 06:05
Choosing whether your novel will be plot driven or character driven is an important part of writing a novel. Plot vs character isn’t a simple choice, as each emphasis has its own bene… Read More
2016-05-09 12:12
There is no single ‘right’ approach to how to start a story in first person. That being said, there are several ways to start a story using first person point of vie… Read More
2016-05-05 10:44
We’ve had a great time running our ‘140 characters’ contest. The diversity of your entries made our task challenging. Find out the finalists and grand prize winner below, a… Read More
2016-05-03 13:53
Writer’s block might visit sometimes, but you can learn how to be inspired to write every day. Feeling ‘uninspired’ can mean many things: That you aren’t giving your… Read More
2016-04-28 13:42
Character development is crucial in stories exploring how people relate to each other and their environments. If all your characters stay unchanged, even through extreme circumstances, your… Read More
2016-04-25 11:39
Since our ‘140 characters’ writing contest is open for entry still (entries close May 2nd, 2016, at midnight), today’s post focuses on writing believable charact… Read More
2016-04-21 13:29
Great novel characters share common features: A distinct, authentic voice, character development, goals and motivations, strengths and flaws. Because we’re running our ‘140 char… Read More
2016-04-18 09:38
What do authors as diverse as Kurt Vonnegut, Toni Morrison, Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens have in common? The ability to create strong, diverse characters who are able to entice… Read More
2016-04-14 14:19
Quotes on writing are a mixed bag. But the top book writing tips from the best writing blogs are actionable and practical. Here are 30 great pieces of advice from around the… Read More
2016-04-11 11:48
Writer software has evolved over the years. Now you can organize your writing process, format your book and perform research easier than ever. The best writing software:
Speeds up your writ… Read More
2016-04-07 13:29
Here’s how to write dialogue that keeps readers engrossed. Read on after the summary for a more in-depth explanation with examples:
1: Create enlivening disagreement and friction2: Ke… Read More
2016-04-05 10:20
If you’re searching for advice on how to write a book in 30 days, you’re not alone. Questions like these are common on answer-finding websites such as Quora for good reason… Read More
2016-03-31 10:49
If you’ve always wanted to write a novel but don’t know where to start, or you start writing your book and get stuck, you’re probably asking ‘How can I get help writ… Read More
2016-03-30 08:00
Describing characters imaginatively is an essential skill when writing fiction. It helps readers to invest in your characters’ storylines and experiences if they feel real. Read on fo… Read More
2016-03-29 08:30
Views on novel structure differ in people’s opinions of what is ‘good’ structure versus what is ‘bad’. Some writers champion using three act structure. Others… Read More
2016-03-24 16:24
Of all the stages of writing a novel, first draft writing is often most challenging. Because your novel is still a blank canvas, structuring your writing process can be tricky. Here are sev… Read More
2016-03-22 09:52
Dialogue words such as ‘asked’ and ‘said’ make it easier to follow who is speaking in a novel. Ideally they do more than this: they give the feeling behind the… Read More
2016-03-17 11:45
Knowing how to get inspired to write quickly will help you rediscover your creative spark when you feel stuck. Here are 8 ways to reconnect with your storytelling gift:
1: Do free writing o… Read More
2016-03-15 11:24
Telling a story using mainly first person narrative has both pros and cons. Here are 7 steps to creating a great ‘I’ narrator, but first:
The pros and cons of writing a novel in… Read More
2016-03-10 17:31
When talking about story plots, ‘original’ is a word we often use. The word comes from the Latin originalis – ‘beginning, source or birth’. Writing a nov… Read More
2016-03-07 17:49
Learning how to write a novella is excellent preparation for writing your first novel. It is great preparation even if you are an experienced author because it enables you to work… Read More
2016-03-03 14:44
Points of view: 8 tips summarized
Tip 1: Understand what ‘point of view’ means and what the different types are
Tip 2: Understand how POV works within scenes and between chapter… Read More
2016-02-29 08:23
Want to learn how tow write a triad of books that keeps readers with you to the end? Here are 5 key steps on how to write a book trilogy:
Step 1: Examine successful trilogies&rsqu&helli…Read More
2016-02-22 13:07
Writing a short story differs from writing a novel in several key ways: There is less space to develop characters, less room for lengthy dialogue, and often a greater emphasis on a twist or… Read More
2016-02-18 11:26
Writing a mystery novel is challenging. It demands a keen sense for plot, characterization and creating suspense. A story that actively engages readers in solving the mystery (or in trying… Read More
2016-02-16 12:01
To write a book faster, there are 5 essential things you need to do:
One: Put structure in place first – it will keep you from floundering and wasting precious time later.Two:… Read More
2016-02-11 17:43
Knowing how to write a book title that intrigues readers is key to gaining your audience’s attention. Try these five steps to choosing a title for your novel:
Step 1: Study successful… Read More
2016-02-08 12:42
Do ideas for a book just come to you unexpectedly or do you have to work incredibly hard for them? As writers we go through phases of feeling creatively inspired and phases where every word… Read More
2016-02-04 11:05
Many aspiring authors dream of being published and growing a loyal and dedicated audience. This naturally takes time and perseverance, but here are 10 (open) secrets regarding how to become… Read More
2016-02-01 14:13
Writing a good book is something every fiction writer aspires to. When writers ask for feedback from the Now Novel community, a popular question is ‘Is my idea good enough?’ Hav… Read More
2016-01-28 18:22
Why is fantasy book writing popular with aspiring authors of all ages? Some possible reasons:
Nostalgia for childhood make-believe
The mystery and allure of magical phenomena
The major… Read More
2016-01-25 15:03
Finishing a novel takes focus, dedication, motivation and time. Tools for book writing online make it much easier for you to plot a story, create a sustainable writing routine, draft w… Read More
2016-01-21 19:23
How many words are in a novel, on average? It’s a question aspiring authors often ask. Book lengths vary widely. Every now and then a true doorstopper is published. Haruki Murakami&rs&helli…Read More
2016-01-18 10:12
Writing a book synopsis involves creating a summary that gives the reader a sweeping overview of the central plot events and the specific appeal of a story. The word ‘synopsis’… Read More
2016-01-14 11:38
Writing a book for the first time is an exciting but also challenging process. Worldbuilding, creating your characters and plotting scenes are fun processes of discovery, but first-tim… Read More
2016-01-11 13:07
What is a chapter? A numbered or titled section of a book. Many aspiring writers have questions on how to write a chapter. How long should chapters be? What is the best way to start or end… Read More
2016-01-07 14:17
It’s always fascinating to see what readers have enjoyed most on the Now Novel blog. We’ve been looking through our most-shared and most-viewed articles to find out what yo… Read More
2016-01-04 10:31
The start of a new year is a great time to set goals and start writing in earnest. Maybe last year you were uncertain. Maybe you found yourself asking, ‘Can I write a book? What if my… Read More
2015-12-17 07:30
Have you ever read a great horror or thriller novel and felt a pervasive sense of the eerie or ominous? How did the writer create that mood? Mood is an aspect of novel writing&nbs&helli…Read More
2015-12-14 08:12
Writing habits of famous authors are ingrained – it’s how a Nobel or Booker-winning author can be so prolific. In order to succeed as a writer, it is necessary to develop a… Read More
2015-12-11 14:04
Why is structuring a novel crucial?
It puts in place the footholds you need to reach the finish. There are so many different ways of approaching structure in a novel that it can seem overwh… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
Backstory refers to any significant events that occurred prior to the main action of your novel. Used judiciously, backstory can add depth and meaning to characters and their actions. The ba… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
We have the results of our critique competition, and the winner of a year’s free subscription is Tony with his submission below: A simple transfer of air There is a point on the journe… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
You can tell a great deal about a character from what that character says and how it is said. Speech is a powerful tool in character development. Dialogue is important not just for ch… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
We’ve made a few whiteboard videos to help you write your novel. This is a sampler of how best to motivate (and keep your motivation) while you’re writing.
The post Motiva… Read More
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