
Janet Burroway’s 3 Principles Of Effective Narrative Setting
In this post, we look at how a story works in a place through Janet Burroway’s 3 principles of effective narrative setting.

How To Write An Epic First Page
Do you want to write an epic first page for your story? In this post, we tell you how to do it – with five

Epilogues, Afterwords, & Appendices – What’s The Difference?
What’s the difference between epilogues, afterwords, and appendices? We explain what they are, when to use them, and tips for writing them. We also include

Can You Write 52 Scenes In 52 Weeks?
Can you write 52 Scenes in 52 Weeks? Our sister website, Deadlines for Writers, has the perfect writing challenge for you.

Writers Talk 1 | Neil Gaiman
Welcome to our new podcast series, Writers Talk. In our first podcast our writers talk about the British author, Neil Gaiman.

Hard Or Soft Worldbuilding: What Every Writer Needs To Know
What’s the difference between hard worldbuilding and soft worldbuilding? We explain both types of worldbuilding, give examples, and help you decide which approach is best

15 Adjectives To Delete To Strengthen Your Writing Immediately
Do you use too many adjectives in your writing? We look at 15 adjectives to delete or replace that will strengthen your writing immediately.

5 Common Traits Of A Successful Memoir
If you’re writing your life story, use this short checklist to find out if you’ve included the 5 common traits of a successful memoir.

Traditional Publishing – Part Three
This week, Mia Botha continues her interviews with staff members at Pan Macmillan South Africa, who answer our questions on traditional publishing.

10 Types Of Sentences You Won’t See In Good Writing
Are you looking for ways to write better sentences? In this post, we look at 10 types of sentences you won’t see in good writing.

10 Ways To Start A Horror Story
Need a scary story idea for Halloween? Try these 10 spooky writing prompts and 10 tips to create suspense, fear, and unforgettable horror.

5 Ways To Weave Setting Into Short Stories
Learn how to weave setting into short stories with five simple techniques that bring your fictional world to life without wasting words.

How To Use Wants, Needs, And Fears To Create Better Characters
Learn how to use your characters’ wants, needs, and fears to build stronger motivations, create conflict, and drive your story forward.

What’s The Difference Between A Commercial And A Literary Plot?
What’s the difference between a commercial and a literary plot? Discover how story goals, character journeys, and endings shape your novel.

How To Use Colour Psychology In Your Writing
What is colour psychology? How does colour affect what you write? In this post, we explore colour psychology for writers.

7 Secrets To Writing Happy Characters Without Boring Your Audience
Learn how to write happy characters without boring your audience by discovering seven ways to show their happiness and make readers care.

What Is A Phobia? How To Write Characters With Phobias
Learn what phobias are and how to write believable characters whose fears create conflict, shape their choices, and move your story forward.

3 Simple Ways To Make Your Hero Fight Back
Discover three simple ways to make your hero fight back, with examples from fiction to show you how to put your characters to the test.

7 Reasons To Write The Ending Of Your Novel First
Discover 7 reasons to write your ending first, with examples of successful authors who use this approach to plan and shape their stories.

How To Know When To Quit Writing
When should you quit a writing project? Discover the warning signs, ask the right questions, and learn when it’s time to move on.