
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

The Essential SEO Writing Guide (With 11 SEO Writing Tips)
If you write for a blog, you need to know about SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). In this post about Search Engine Optimisation we share 11

Self-Publishing – Part Three
In this post, we continue our series on self-publishing as an option for authors. Thank you for all the lovely questions and feedback we have

What Is Plain Language? The Plain Language Writing Guide (& 10 Examples Of How To Write In Plain Language)
What is plain language? This plain language writing guide includes a definition, when to use it, tips for using it, and 10 examples of how

The 5 Pillars Of Thrillers
Are you writing a thriller? In this post, we look at how the five pillars of thrillers can improve your story.

Personality Disorders You Can Inflict On Your Characters – OCD Personality Disorder
Welcome to the world of personality disorders you can inflict on your characters. In this post we look at the OCD personality disorder.

The Powerful Bonds Of Six Fictional Brothers And Sisters
In this blog, we explore the powerful bond between fictional brothers and sisters, and how this unique dynamic creates compelling and unforgettable narratives. We also

5 Secrets To Writing A Strong Inciting Incident
The inciting incident has to be the first game-changer in your story. Here are 5 secrets to writing a strong inciting incident.

What Is Register & How Do Writers Use It?
Register is probably the most underrated device in your writer’s toolbox: complicated but incredibly powerful. Let’s have a look at how to use register.

Who Is Mary Sue & Why Don’t Readers Like Her?
What is a Mary Sue in fiction writing? Just who is Mary Sue and why don’t readers like her?

8 Ways To Annoy Your Readers & What You Can Do To Avoid It
Most writers think a great plot and cool characters are enough to please readers. They’re not. You must actively avoid 8 ways to annoy your

Personality Disorders You Can Inflict On Your Characters – Paranoid Personality Disorder
Welcome to the world of personality disorders you can inflict on your characters. This post deals with the Paranoid Personality Disorder.

That’s Not Romance
In this post we explore what is romantic in fiction and when we can say, ‘That’s not romance.’

5 Reasons To Start Writing A Story With Viewpoint In Mind
Viewpoint, or point of view, should always be the starting point for any story. Here are 5 Reasons To Start Writing A Story With Viewpoint

The Best Group Of Fictional Characters In The ‘Verse
Do you have a favourite group of fictional characters? Which group of fictional characters is the best one in the ‘verse?