
The Ultimate Checklist For Writing A Memoir
Writing a memoir? Use this checklist to review your story, strengthen your writing, and make sure your memoir is ready for readers.

How To Find Your Story’s Theme In 3 Simple Steps
What is a theme? Learn what a story theme is and how to find it. Use these three simple steps to uncover the deeper meaning

Why Embracing Your Inner Madness Makes You A Better Writer
You don’t have to be crazy to be a writer, but embracing your inner madness can definitely make you a better writer.

What Is A Story Goal? The Secret To A Strong Plot
What is a story goal in fiction writing? Learn how a concrete story goal helps writers create stronger plots, build conflict, and structure novels that

45 Ways To Avoid Using The Word ‘Very’
Good writers avoid using words like ‘very’ and ‘really too often. Use these 45 alternatives to ‘very’ to make your writing stronger, clearer, and more

What Is Tone? 155 Words To Describe An Author’s Tone
What is tone in writing? Learn the definition of tone and discover 155 words that can help you describe an author’s tone, analyse literature, and

What Is Direct & Indirect Characterisation? & Which One Should I Use?
In this post, we define characterisation, look at direct characterisation and indirect characterisation, and ask which one authors should use.

Worldbuilding: The Ultimate Setting Checklist For Writers
Where your story is set is important. Use this ultimate worldbuilding and setting checklist to create richer, more believable fictional worlds for any genre.

Show Don’t Tell: 5 Simple Techniques Every Writer Should Know
Learn how to master the ‘Show Don’t Tell’ technique with five simple writing strategies. This post includes clear examples to help writers create more engaging

7 Benefits Of Keeping A Diary – For Writers
Creative writing teachers say writers should keep a diary. So, why don’t we? Maybe because we don’t see the point? Or because we don’t know

Who Are The 3 Characters Driving Your Plot?
Who is responsible for moving the story along in your books? In this post, we write about the three characters driving your plot.

So You Want To Be A Writer? By Charles Bukowski
This post includes a poem from Charles Bukowski on wanting to be a writer.

Is There Merit In Telling And Not Showing?
In this post, we explore if there is merit in telling and not showing in the books you write. Danielle Steel, who has sold 1

5 Ways Setting Affects Your Characters
Setting shapes us, and where we were born and where we grew up make a difference. We have put together a list of 5 ways

3 Ways To Use Inverted Dialogue In Your Story
In this post, we discuss three ways to use inverted dialogue in your story.

3 Lines To A Better First Draft Of Your Novel
We talk about writing 3 lines to help you write a better first draft of your novel. It is a great test for your story

Short Story Day Africa – 21 June
‘Short Story Day Africa has established a day, 21st June – the shortest day of the year – on which to celebrate the diversity of

5 Ways To Kick-Start Your New Short Story
Are you struggling to start your short story? In this post, we give you 5 ways to kick-start your short story.

How To Identify Your Protagonist And Antagonist
If you are writing a story, we have put together this post to help you identify your protagonist and antagonist in more detail.

Neil Gaiman On Making Good Art
In this post, we’ve shared advice from British author, Neil Gaiman on making good art.