
9 Essential Character Questionnaires Every Writer Needs
These 9 Essential Character Questionnaires will help writers create memorable characters, develop backstory, track relationships, and avoid plot holes.

How To Choose A Book Title: 10 Things Every Writer Should Know
Naming your book? Here are 10 tips for choosing a memorable, intriguing title that captures your story and makes readers want to read it.

10 Ways To Move Your Plot Forward
Move a plot forward with 10 practical tips for creating conflict, raising the stakes, and keeping your story moving towards a satisfying ending.

10 Ways To Create Dangerously Nuanced Antagonists (With Examples)
Great antagonists make protagonists stronger. They drive conflict and shape a novel. So, how do we create interesting, dangerously nuanced antagonists?

The 4 Pillars Of A Memoir
Discover the 4 pillars of a memoir and learn how they can help you shape a stronger, more engaging story from your life experiences.

Writing A Memoir? Narrow Your Focus
Writing a memoir? Learn why narrowing your focus and sticking to your theme can help you tell a more focused memoir.

The 2 Types Of Science Fiction & How To Write Them
Discover the 2 types of science fiction and learn how to write each one, from mainstream sci-fi to niche, high-concept stories.

How To Write A Query Letter In 12 Easy Steps (With Examples)
Learn how to write a query letter that gets attention. Follow 12 easy steps to pitch your book clearly, professionally, and confidently, with three examples.

5 Essential Exercises For Creating Characters
We are posting a series of Essential Writing Exercises to help you tell your stories. This post includes five essential exercises for creating characters.

How To Show Character Change Without Telling (With Examples)
Learn how to show character change without telling. Use actions, behaviour, and external changes to reveal your character’s emotional growth.

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