
How To Write A Cozy Mystery
Cozy Mysteries are a sub-genre of detective fiction. You’ll like them if you like crime fiction without the blood and gore involved. Let’s look at

How Many Suspects Do You Need In A Crime Novel?
When we read or write crime novels, we want to find out who the baddie is. This means we need suspects from which to choose.

Writing Competitions To Inspire You
We share a selection of writing competitions to inspire you. Contests offer great opportunities for both beginner and experienced writers.

How To Write Epic Beginnings
We know that readers don’t carry on reading if you write a poor beginning. Read this post to find out how to write epic beginnings.

A Quick Start Guide To Writing Crime Fiction
In this post, we explore how to write crime – with examples. We’ve created a quick start guide to writing crime fiction.

Harlan Coben On Writing Suspense
We’re writing about the bestselling thriller author, Harlan Coben. In this post, we feature Harlan Coben on writing suspense.

A Quick Start Guide To Writing Dialogue
In this post, we explore what dialogue should do and how to write it – with examples. We’ve created a quick start guide to writing

The 5 Most Common Themes In Literature
Ever wondered why some themes come up again and again? In this post, we’ll look at 5 of the most common themes in literature and

The Moment Of Change In Fiction
In this blog, we explore how a clear moment of change can strengthen a character’s arc and give your plot a distinct turning point. The

Writing Is An Act Of Courage
Is writing an act of courage? How do you face this challenge and deal with the fear of writing? We answer these questions and share

Novels & Screenplays: What’s The Difference?
In this post, we look at the differences between novels and screenplays. We look at collaboration, costs, and choices, and we answer your question: Should

Janet Burroway’s 4 Aspects Of Narrative Time
What is Narrative Time? In this post, we look at how time works in a story through Janet Burroway’s 4 aspects of narrative time.

Traditional Publishing – Part Two
Last week we began our discussion about traditional publishing. This week, Mia Botha continues her interviews with Pan Macmillan South Africa, who answer our questions.

30 Excuses Not To Write Your NaNoWriMo Novel
In this post, our blogger takes a comic look at NaNoWriMo and includes 30 excuses not to write your NaNoWriMo novel.

Forewords, Prefaces, Prologues, & Introductions – What’s The Difference?
What’s the difference between forewords, prefaces, prologues, and introductions? We explain what they are, when to use them, and tips for writing them. We also

Traditional Publishing – Part One
In this post, we begin our video series on traditional publishing. Mia Botha interviews Terry Morris, MD of Pan Macmillan South Africa, who will answer

Horror Masters: 3 Spooky Tips To Write Like Lovecraft, Poe, & King
If you’re writing a scary story, there are no better writers to imitate than the masters of the horror genre. In this post, we’ve included

Self-Publishing – Part Four
In this post, we end our video series on self-publishing as an option for authors. This is part four, with the fourth video on self-publishing.

Billy Collins’s 6 Pleasures Of Poetry
Do you want to capture your reader’s attention? In this post, we explain how Billy Collins’s 6 pleasures of poetry will help you become a

50 Verbs That Will Strengthen Your Writing Immediately
People tell us to use strong, descriptive verbs, but what does this mean? In this post, we look at 50 verbs that will strengthen your