2022-02-21 12:22
Understanding how to copyright your novel and navigate issues such as fair use and requirements for referencing other works will help you avoid IP theft and other trouble.
The post How to c… Read More
Blog Directory > Education Blogs > Study Guides Blogs > Now Novel writer's study-guides Blog >
Now Novel Writer's Blog
nownovel.com/blog
Tags:
writing
book
interview zee monodee
writing mentors
writing romance
rituals
manuscript assessments insights
copyright
writing exercises
insights
A blog that gives you tips on how to write better, motivate yourself and examples from the masters
2022-02-14 16:10
Writing romance is a potentially lucrative choice of genre. Read tips from top romance authors and their agents on commercial romance, the power of networking, and more.
The post Writing rom… Read More
2022-02-07 15:43
Learn how to write the first chapter of a book in such a way that you tease but don't give everything away and hook readers with implication and context.
The post How to write the first cha… Read More
2022-01-31 15:34
Publishing a novel has many moving parts, not least the book trade and how it is impacted by multiple factors. Read 10 insights from publishing predictions.
The post Publishing a novel in 20… Read More
2022-01-24 16:11
Writing rituals and good habits in writing are hard to develop, but once you've got them you might just have a great writing process for life.
The post Writing rituals: 8 good habits of seri… Read More
2022-01-20 09:37
Now Novel writing coach Zee Monodee shares why she writes feel-good romance, her book coaching process, favorite romance tropes and more in this interview with Lascelles Marais.
The post Bo… Read More
2022-01-17 15:46
Manuscript assessments provide a useful means to attain big-picture insights into your draft. Read six ideas from an editor drawn from writing reader reports.
The post Manuscript assessments… Read More
2022-01-10 06:43
Writing mentors wear many hats, like the Greek Goddess Athena who disguises herself an an old tutor named ‘Mentor’ in Homer’s Odyssey. Read 8 benefits of working with a men… Read More
2021-12-27 13:43
This year, we’ve explored many writing craft and writing process topics on the blog and in our monthly webinars. First, see the most popular articles on the blog this year, then tips f… Read More
2021-12-20 13:03
‘Fill in the blank’ writing exercises are fun to do in a group. Writing exercises with some set parameters highlight the diverse, interesting ways different writers interpret and… Read More
2021-12-13 12:21
Choosing an author coaching program for help with writing a book involves many factors. Read seven values to look for in (and bring to) your collaborative writing process.
7 values to loo… Read More
2021-12-08 11:11
We chat to Now Novel writing mentor Hedi Lampert about writing creative memoir based on family history, the challenges of juggling multiple creative interests and vocations, and more… Read More
2021-12-06 16:16
Serious writers’ habits teach us a lot about what it takes to start and finish writing projects. Read ten habits of serious writers and what distinguishes a professional writer from a… Read More
2021-12-03 15:43
We chat to Now Novel writing coach and hybrid-published romance author Romy Sommer about writing romance, founding the Romance Writers of South Africa non-profit (ROSA), and the joys of help… Read More
2021-11-26 06:58
Self-publishing your book is a viable option for launching and distributing your writing to the reading public. Take the first steps and learn how to self-publish a book. We also cover the p… Read More
2021-11-22 16:30
The business of writing has as many moving parts as writing craft. This brief guide on how to create a business plan for writers will help you take steps to plan and adhere to SMART writing… Read More
2021-11-15 09:52
Learning how to give constructive feedback on writing is a valuable communication skill. Understanding the difference between helpful and unhelpful feedback is wisdom you can apply in other… Read More
2021-11-08 14:28
What is a manuscript evaluation? Why is assessment by a skilled editor useful? Learn about this editing service (plus insights gathered from writing reader reports):
What is a manuscript… Read More
2021-11-03 17:37
How long does it take to write a novel? The answer to that question depends on which author you ask and many other factors. Genre and the volume of research your story requires, for example… Read More
2021-11-01 08:30
What is NaNoWriMo? Why take part? What are the rules? These are some of the questions we explore here.
What is NaNoWriMo?
National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo for short) is an a… Read More
2021-10-25 09:42
Book ideas come to authors via many conduits. Through history or current events. Passion or indignation. Through myths, songs and legends. Family jokes and dramas. If you are hunting for you… Read More
2021-10-18 15:35
Editing fiction provides many learning opportunities. Guiding authors and helping them align what they’re saying to what they want to say takes a precise set of skills, but also delive… Read More
2021-10-11 16:56
Acclaimed authors have often said that it’s not plot that matters, but rather story. Yet knowing how to create a plot that uses universal storytelling elements such as action and react… Read More
2021-10-06 07:44
We spoke to poet and aspiring author Natasha Bredle about her poetry, being a younger writer with a cause and what inspires her.
About Natasha and what drives her storytelling
Jordan:… Read More
2021-10-04 15:53
Learning how to develop a story idea comes with practice and staying curious. These 7 story development exercises will help you ask questions and flesh out rudimentary ideas with greater sub… Read More
2021-09-27 15:38
Adventure stories were many readers’ first introduction to the joy of reading. What is an adventure story? How do you write an imaginative, engrossing journey? Learn about key adventur… Read More
2021-09-23 15:00
Writing a book online comes with many questions and choices. For example, what is the best website to write your book on? How much money can you make from writing a book and self-publish… Read More
2021-09-20 15:22
Being a story planner is not necessarily vital for success. Some writers swear by seeing where a loose, less structured writing process takes them. Yet this may take longer, and there are ot… Read More
2021-09-13 15:44
Whether you’re between projects or planning on writing your first book, there are many ways to decide what are good novel topics. Here are 14 ideas for how to find book topics:
What… Read More
2021-08-30 14:57
The benefits of coaching in athletics and business are well known. How does a novel writing coach help you write your story, though? Read on for eight insights into how coaching works, and w… Read More
2021-08-23 09:24
When you’re writing, your focus isn’t ‘on’ every day of the week. Improve your writing focus so you can get to work and finish your story. Try these 9 strategies for… Read More
2021-08-19 13:03
We interview Now Novel member Fil Reid who recently won Dragonblade Publishing’s “The Write Stuff” contest about writing historical romance.
About Fil and her winning pu… Read More
2021-08-16 16:26
Many tips to remember to when writing a book are shared in writing seminars, interviews, critique circles and webinars around the world. Here are ten curated from Now Novel’s monthly w… Read More
2021-08-09 17:17
What is a writing circle or workshop? It’s a space (either online or in person) to share and discuss writing and grow. Read 8 reasons to join a writing circle and find accountability w… Read More
2021-08-02 16:36
Keeping to your goals in writing is hard. Maybe balancing creative ‘me’ time and office time grew harder while working from home. Or you commute a lot. Or you have young children… Read More
2021-07-26 08:34
Mastering how to start a novel with promise, intrigue or riveting suspense is important for hooking your reader fast.
Read first chapter examples from diverse genres that give eight i… Read More
2021-07-21 09:46
In this interview with author and Now Novel Coaching member Joe Byrd, Joe discusses his debut historical novel about the French Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. We chat about researching… Read More
2021-07-19 15:24
Understanding how to organize story scenes will help you to draft scenes with an underlying sense of purpose and focus. Learn how to use Now Novel’s Scene Builder to create your own sc… Read More
2021-07-12 14:52
Now Novel co-founder Bridget McNulty’s book, The Grief Handbook: A guide through the worst days of your life is being published internationally (in the UK, US and South Africa) this we… Read More
2021-07-05 09:44
How do you write multiple points of view in a novel? More importantly why have multiple viewpoint narrators in your novel? Read on for 8 tips on writing books with multiple narrators, with p… Read More
2021-06-21 15:45
Book blurbs are brief, promotional summaries on books’ back covers (or inside jackets) that sell the story. Knowing how to write book blurbs is useful for promoting your own work. It&r&hell…Read More
2021-06-14 15:28
Amazon, for authors, is more than just a place to sell your story (if you choose the indie route). It’s a helpful resource for research, understanding ‘market’, seeing how… Read More
2021-06-07 17:19
Narration and viewpoint are two complex but important aspects of writing craft. Showing your reader the world through your characters’ eyes builds immersion. Learn how to write deep PO… Read More
2021-05-24 08:05
There’s no single path in how to become a writer. Yet the paths of celebrated wordsmiths shed some light:
How to become a writer: 10 important ideas
Value the failures, tooPersev… Read More
2021-05-17 15:08
Learning how to write critiques is a valuable skill to master, whether you’re in a writing group or are an aspiring editor. But how do you write a useful, constructive critique of anot… Read More
2021-05-10 15:21
A writing group offers many perks. Mutual encouragement, greater accountability to your writing goals, and more. Read more about how to find a writing group and why it’ll make you a be… Read More
2021-05-03 15:23
Character profiles are helpful process work for writing. A profile contains all you need to know about your characters; ID facts such as name, age, gender, birthplace, plus story elements su… Read More
2021-04-19 15:51
Seeking writing inspiration? Read 10 writing prompt ideas drawn from top authors’ novels, books on writing, interviews, essays and blog posts:
Writing prompt ideas: 10 exercises… Read More
2021-04-12 16:18
A ‘hook’ in a story promises intrigue, entertainment and answers to the questions it raises. Far from the trickery of a bait and switch, a hook gives a true sense of what your re… Read More
2021-04-05 09:29
Learning how to make your writing stand out in a crowded digital marketplace or physical library is key to building your audience. Here are 8 branding tips to help you deliver a dependable a… Read More
2021-03-29 16:36
Motivation to write is often tricky to maintain, even though we are passionate about telling stories. Yet building an intrinsically motivating writing process will help you reach your writin… Read More
2021-03-21 08:51
Learning how to write romantic novels requires understanding the key ingredients of a great love story. Read 9 insights from 10 top romance novels that show how to write romance that is mark… Read More
2021-03-15 15:54
What is diction in writing? It is the effect writing creates due to word choice and other elements of style such as register (formal vs casual) and connotation. It’s the choices that m… Read More
2021-03-08 17:02
Looking for the kind of story ideas romance directors dream of? You could grow your idea from a ‘meet cute’ scenario. Or find what drives a natural (or unlikely) duo’s mutu… Read More
2021-03-04 12:25
Indie author and corporate blockchain educator Kate Baucherel shares insights on writing future technology books. Learn more about writing tech fiction vs non-fiction, being accessible on te… Read More
2021-03-01 12:00
Learn how to start a fantasy story and create intrigue. Read examples from great fantasy novelists, plus the insights they share:
How to start a fantasy novel: 6 creative methods
S… Read More
2021-02-22 06:04
Understanding how to keep a scene interesting is a crucial skill for writing a novel or screenplay. Scenes are the basic building blocks of a chapter or act. Read on for tips on how to w… Read More
2021-02-17 07:13
Deciding how to research for a book is a personal process, with much depending on your subject. Read 9 tips on how to research a novel:
How to research for a book: Scope, process, too… Read More
2021-02-15 15:48
A main antagonist is the character who is the main enemy or opposition to a hero or protagonist. Antagonists supply core conflict. How do you create and write potent opponents? Read a defini… Read More
2021-02-08 16:20
Strong story setting ideas are easy to find. Story setting examples by authors who write brilliant description supply many insights. Here are 7 ways to immerse your readers in place and time… Read More
2021-02-01 15:22
Using a writing prompts generator is not for every writer. Yet step-by-step prompts do make complex tasks easier. Read 7 tips for getting more out of writing prompts like those in Now Novel… Read More
2021-01-25 16:59
Deciding how to outline a novel (or whether to outline at all) is a personal process for each author. This sample book outline plus 7 checks and insights will help you outline with purpo… Read More
2021-01-18 15:59
To ‘start with a bang’ may be a clichéd metaphor. Yet understanding how to start a story off with the kind of anticipation that accompanies a starting gun will help to hoo… Read More
2021-01-11 16:23
Starting a story or novel is challenging enough. But how do you start a writing career, one of longevity and rewarding opportunities taken? Read 7 ideas for how to start a writing career:… Read More
2021-01-04 05:23
Writing resolutions, like other goals, are best kept small and easily attainable. Like many timeless stories, resolutions have three parts: First, choosing a goal/idea. Second, planning aro… Read More
2020-12-14 15:06
How do you write a good screenplay? Or a novel worthy of film adaptation? Screenwriting tips by masters of visual storytelling help. Here are 8 great screenwriting ideas that apply to novels… Read More
2020-12-07 15:21
Having a good writing schedule is crucial for finishing. Here are 10 ways to get into a better writing routine:
Contents
Get accountableStack good habitsStop mid-sentenceDon’… Read More
2020-11-30 16:13
Manuscript formatting matters. Layout, spacing, font (typography and font size), plus other details factor into the legibility and appeal of your manuscript. Read 8 tips to ensure you format… Read More
2020-11-23 15:08
Clarity in writing means the ease with which a reader can understand you. It means avoiding unintended ambiguity or confusing sentence structure. Read 7 tips for keeping writing clear and en… Read More
2020-11-16 15:20
Are you wondering, ‘What should I write about?’ these tips will help you leap in and find ideas for a story and sketch scenes to expand it:
Contents
List your passions to f… Read More
2020-11-09 15:57
‘Writer’s block’ – an impasse that stops your writing progress – a square, heavy weight. What causes writer’s block, the feeling of being unable to move f… Read More
2020-11-05 15:24
[This is a guest post by Dave Chesson, founder of Kindlepreneur – Ed.]
Marketing your book doesn’t have to break the bank or burn a hole in your pocket. As a starting author… Read More
2020-11-02 15:43
Developing writing skills means knowing the canvas of grammar, plus the many colours a robust vocabulary and imagination yield. Where do you start? Try these 9 ways to get better:
Con… Read More
2020-10-26 16:43
Many people who’ve lived interesting lives want to learn how to write an autobiography. Whether you want to write a memoir or a fictional autobiography, these 7 steps will help you… Read More
2020-10-19 15:39
Learning how to write a query letter is crucial when you’re seeking an agent and hoping to publish. Read 10 easy steps for writing query letters that convey polish and your story&r… Read More
2020-10-12 16:31
Finding the right adjectives for description in a story is tough. Try these 7 tips and see a table of describing words and their insightful origins:
Contents
Definition: What’s a… Read More
2020-10-09 11:07
[This is an interview with the creator of Boundless the comic, Mike Salsbury, by resident editor and article writer, Jordan. We discuss writing comics, visual storytelling influences, pr… Read More
2020-10-05 16:32
Writing short stories provides a stepping stone to conquering larger story forms. Short story structure is easier to see due to brevity. Learn how to structure stories, with examples by a ma… Read More
2020-09-28 17:29
In creative writing, practice is key. Try these creative writing exercises for deeper characerization. Use every detail, from appearance to movement, gesture, voice, habit, and reputatio… Read More
2020-09-21 16:06
Plot and setting are two essential elements of storytelling. Read tips, examples and exercises to make time and place drive story development:
Table of contents
What are plot and setti… Read More
2020-09-14 16:07
‘What exercises can I do to improve my writing craft?’ Writing often and reading a lot are common answers given to this question. Writing exercises targeting specific aspects of… Read More
2020-09-07 15:54
Knowing how to fix passive voice and other common grammar and style issues ensures a cleaner, more impactful draft. Read 7 tips for improving weak writing style:
1. Fix passive voice not… Read More
2020-08-31 16:00
Tone in writing refers to a complex mix of attributes. The mood, register, attitudes and other values conveyed through details such as word choice, sentence structure and the speaker or narr… Read More
2020-08-24 17:41
External conflict is conflict a character faces that is outside themselves, rather than inner struggle. For example, a sibling rivalry, an oppresive society versus its lone challenger, or th… Read More
2020-08-17 18:16
How do you write story openings that engage readers from page one? We look at the beginning paragraphs of books Literary Hub listed as defining books of the 2000s. What do they reveal about… Read More
2020-08-03 15:56
How do you show who’s speaking in dialogue? When do you use ‘she said’? When do you not? How else can you show a person’s emotions or state of mind in conversation? R… Read More
2020-07-27 14:37
In learning how to write character development, it’s helpful to think about how each element of storytelling contributes. What are the basic facts about your character the reader shoul… Read More
2020-07-20 15:01
The dinkus – a symbol between story or essay sections – is a source of confusion to many writers. To use, or not to use? What is a dinkus actually for? Read a definition of the d… Read More
2020-07-15 16:44
Biography – literally ‘life writing’ – poses a variety of challenges. Balancing historical narration and day-to-day incident, for example. Or choosing what to include… Read More
2020-07-06 15:43
Graphic novels offer engaging ways to marry text-based narrative and visual storytelling. Read 5 ways you can use elements such as illustrative style and strong symbols to enliven your story… Read More
2020-06-29 17:37
Dialogue in writing is tricky to master, but good dialogue carries the story. Dialogue may build pace and conflict, add tone and atmosphere, introduce and develop characters and more. Here a… Read More
2020-06-22 16:17
Suspense in books is essential if you want to keep reader’s rapt with anticipation, whatever your genre. How can you give readers that tightrope-walking feeling? Try these 6 suspense b… Read More
2020-06-15 17:10
The development of characters is a topic blog readers and Now Novel members often ask us about. Creating an interesting, dynamic character arc is easy when you’re aware of the many way… Read More
2020-06-08 14:54
Getting inspiration through writing topics and prompts is one way to find your next story idea. Here are 40 writing topics organized by genre plus ways to come up with your own:
1. Writin… Read More
2020-06-01 17:28
Successful romance novelists offer many insights into writing vibrant stories of love, lust and everything between. Read 7 quotes that give insights into telling great love stories:
1. De… Read More
2020-05-26 14:31
Building a memorable narrator’s voice is challenging. Try these 5 methods to fill your narrator with personality:
1. Suggest age via chosen language
When the narrator is not invo… Read More
2020-05-18 14:51
The best short story anthologies and collections show us how a brief snapshot can excite us, move us, surprise us, make us laugh. How do you write the best short story you can? Read 7 ideas:… Read More
2020-05-11 15:43
Introducing and describing characters are key parts of the storytelling process. Read 6 tips for describing characters using direct characterization, with examples:
First: What is direct… Read More
2020-05-04 15:08
Plot is a challenging element of storytelling. Writers often ask us ‘How do I develop what I have written further?’ Here are 6 plot development questions to come up with new plot… Read More
2020-04-28 15:51
The cozy mystery takes a gentler, character-focused approach to crime. Read 7 tips for writing cozy mysteries:
What are cozy mysteries?
Cozies are a subgenre of crime fiction that beca… Read More
Subscribe to Now Novel Writer's
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!