Welcome to the Reading Room
Join us with a cuppa and settle in for expert writing advice, writing and publishing tips, book reviews, and your questions answered!
How do you prioritise subplots?
"I've written 75% of my novel, but it has a medium-sized cast with quite a few subplots. For a satisfying ending, what do I prioritize for the final act/conclusion, and what details could I afford to skip or leave out? How should I order them and distribute the screen...
Independent Bookshops: A Writer’s Greatest Ally
There are very few things in the world that bring my heart more joy than an independent bookshop. The personality and love of reading that they’re filled with is almost infectious. It’s a joke in my household that I literally can’t walk past a bookshop without going...
How do you write interesting character backstories?
“Hi Novlr! Would you possibly have any ideas about how to make character backstories more interesting?” Trying to breathe life into a character's past without falling into the trap of cliché or a boring chronological list of events is always a challenge. Backstories...
Got a Question? Ask Novlr!
Want to know more about a certain aspect of writing or need more general advice or inspiration? We’re here to help!
How do I know if my project should be standalone or a series?
"Do you have any posts on turning a book into a series, and/or deciding how many books the series should be? I'm plotting my story and not sure how to split it up into how many books if I decide it's too much for a stand alone. Do I just go with trilogy? Thought there...
How can I streamline my editing process?
"How can I make my editing process quicker and less stressful? I feel like I’m spending way too much time on it and not really getting anywhere, so I’d love some tips on how to keep it simple and actually productive." I think that most writers have a love/hate...
How do you write an unreliable narrator?
"How do you write an unreliable narrator in a way that actually feels clever and not just confusing or annoying? I want readers to realize something’s off without hitting them over the head with it, and still keep them hooked enough to want to figure it out." I’m an...
