
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.

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

5 Secret Tricks To Strengthen Your Writing
Use this post to learn five secret tricks to strengthen your writing. We share practical before-and-after examples to show how small changes can make your

20 Fun Ways To Find Plot Ideas For Your Story
Struggling to come up with a story idea? Discover 20 fun and creative ways to find plot ideas worth turning into your next novel.

All About Pacing: 4 Key Questions Every Writer Should Ask
Learn how to control pacing in your writing with these four essential questions. Discover the structural techniques writers use to shape the rhythm and flow

Past Tense Or Present Tense: Which Works Best For Your Story?
We compare past tense and present tense in fiction, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of each and asking the question: which works best for your

What Is Genre? A Guide To The 17 Most Popular Fiction Genres
What is genre in fiction? In this guide, we explore the 17 most popular fiction genres to help you understand genre conventions.

How To Write A Spy Novel
Want to learn how to write a spy novel? We explain how to write a spy novel, create believable spies, and build tension with plots

How Writers Use The Protagonist As A Literary Device
What is a protagonist in fiction? Learn how to use the protagonist as a powerful literary device to shape and strengthen your novel.