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writing tips

Tips and tricks from writers at all stages of their writing journeys.

You can go to Reading Room Home to find posts on lots of different subjects.

Latest

Genre Talk: Exploring the World of Dystopian Fiction - Novlr
Genre Talk: Exploring the World of Dystopian Fiction

Dystopian fiction serves as both a mirror to the world and a warning about potential futures, making it one of literature’s most powerful avenues for social commentary and philosophical exploration. Through its dark narratives and cautionary tales, this genre examines themes of totalitarian control, technological dependence, environmental catastrophe, and the erosion of human rights. Dystopian […]

Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 20

How do you describe body types respectfully? — Ask NovlrHow do you respectfully describe body types?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 16

How to Set Achievable Writing Goals — NovlrHow to Set Achievable Writing Goals
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 12

How do you come up with uncommon tropes or plot twists? – Ask NovlrHow do you write uncommon tropes or plot twists?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 9

How do you reignite your writing spark? — Ask NovlrHow do you reignite your writing spark?
Fija Callaghan

Dec 2

How do I create unique voices for my characters? — Ask NovlrHow do I create unique voices for my characters?
Fija Callaghan

Nov 25

Aesthetic Isolation - NovlrMaintain Focus With Aesthetic Isolation
Crystal Kamm

Nov 22

How do I maintain flow and pacing in fiction writing? — Ask NovlrHow do you maintain flow and pacing?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 18

Using in medias res as a narrative hook – NovlrUsing In Medias Res as a Narrative Hook
Arthur Franz IV

Nov 15

How to bring your writing to life with sensory language - NovlrHow to Bring Your Writing to Life with Sensory Language
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 8

How do you write a character whose name hasn't been revealed? — Ask NovlrHow do you describe characters whose names haven’t been revealed?
Lindsay Sfara

Nov 4

Genre Talk: Exploring the World of Horror FictionGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Horror Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 1

How to write a likeable villain — Ask NovlrHow do you write a likeable villain?
S. K. Eleton

Oct 28

A Busy Person's Guide to Writing A Novel in a Month — NovlrA Busy Person’s Guide to Writing A Novel in a Month
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 25

How do I start writing poetry as a beginner? - Ask NovlrHow do I start writing poetry as a beginner?
Fija Callaghan

Oct 21

What is the difference between a hero and an anti-hero? - Ask NovlrWhat is the difference between a hero and an anti-hero?
Arthur Franz IV

Oct 14

How do you write a platonic relationship — Ask NovlrHow do you write a platonic relationship?
Kimberley Long-Ewing

Oct 7

The art of the plot twist - NovlrThe Art of the Plot Twist: How to Keep Your Audience Guessing
Summer Keown

Oct 4

How do you write an argument? - Ask NovlrHow do you write an argument?
Lindsay Sfara

Sep 23

Explore the world of science fiction - NovlrGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Science Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 20

How to write an existing relationship - Ask NovlrHow do you write an established relationship?
Kimberley Long-Ewing

Sep 16

How to write hopelessness and a crisis of self - Ask NovlrHow do you write hopelessness and a crisis of self?
Lindsay Sfara

Sep 9

Why do writers torture their characters? – Ask NovlrWhy do writers love to torture their characters?
Lindsay Sfara

Sep 2

Why Just Write is the best writing advice - NovlrWhy “Just Write” is The Best Writing Advice Ever
Crystal Kamm

Aug 23

How do I strengthen my writing? — Ask NovlrHow do I strengthen my writing?
Fija Callaghan

Aug 19

What is the ideal chapter length for your novel? - NovlrFinding the Ideal Chapter Length for Your Story
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 16

How much should a writer focus on research? — Ask NovlrHow much should a writer focus on research?
Kimberley Long-Ewing

Aug 13

Write to the right soundtrack - NovlrWrite to the Right Soundtrack
Crystal Kamm

Aug 12

The symbolism of deer — NovlrDo deer have any specific literary meaning?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 6

Understanding book genres - NovlrUnderstanding Book Genres: An Essential Tool for Writers
Crystal Kamm

Aug 5

Experimental techniques to overcome writer's block - NovlrExplore Experimental Writing Techniques to Overcome Writer’s Block
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 2

How to write a slow burn romance - NovlrHow do you write a slow burn romance?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 30

Seven different types of imagery to use in your writing - NovlrSeven Types of Imagery to Bring Your Story to Life
Fija Callaghan

Jul 29

Self-Editing lik a pro - NovlrSelf-Editing Like a Pro: From First to Final Draft
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 26

How to write addiction - NovlrHow do you write addiction?
Kimberley Long-Ewing

Jul 23

Common writing and publishing terms - NovlrAn Introductory Guide to Common Writing and Publishing Terms
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 19

How to write the found family trope - Ask NovlrHow do I write the found family trope?
Lindsay Sfara

Jul 16

Writing your way through the dark - NovlrWriting Your Way Through the Dark
Fija Callaghan

Jul 15

I wrote (another) novel in 24 hours - NovlrI Wrote (Another) Novel in 24 Hours, and This is What I Learned
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 12

How do I write a morally gray serial killer?
S. K. Eleton

Jul 9

Can you include real people in your writing - Ask NovlrAre you allowed to use real people in your fiction?
Kimberley Long-Ewing

Jul 2

How to come up with a theme for your story - NovlrHow to Come Up with a Theme for Your Story
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 1

Which narrative voice is right for you? - NovlrChoosing Your Narrative Voice: Which Option is Right for You?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 28

How to get started with writing - Ask NovlrHow do I get started with writing?
Lindsay Sfara

Jun 25

Writing poetry to improve your prose - NovlrThree Ways Writing Poetry Will Make You a Better Prose Writer
Fija Callaghan

Jun 24

The ABDCE Structure - NovlrHow to Write a Short Story Using the ABDCE Structure
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 21

How do I write anthropomorphic characters? - Ask NovlrHow do I write anthropomorphic animals?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 18

Three books on writing that every writer should read - NovlrThree Books on Writing All Writers Should Read 
Fija Callaghan

Jun 17

Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules for Writing - NovlrElmore Leonard’s 10 Rules for Writing: How Useful Are They?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 14

Expand your vocabulary - Ask NovlrHow can you expand your vocabulary to avoid repetition?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 11

A Writer’s Guide to Great Travel Writing
Lydia Yadi

Jun 7

How do I start writing plants into my story?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 4

Find your unique writer's voice - Novlr6 Techniques To Help You Find Your Writer’s Voice
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 31

How to write indecisiveness when creating characters - Ask NovlrDo you have any advice for indecisiveness when creating characters?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 28

Rules and Laws for worldbuilding - Ask NovlrHow do I create laws and rules for my story world?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 21

What does it mean to start your story late?What Does it Mean to Start Your Story Late?
Crystal Kamm

May 20

Introduce side characters without info dumping - Ask NovlrHow do I introduce side characters without info dumping?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 14

Four-Act Cozy Mystery - NovlrHow to Write a Four Act Cozy Mystery (With Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 13

Create characters using the STEM method - NovlrHow to Create Interesting Characters Using the STEAL Method
Nimrod Cortés

May 10

How do you keep the middle of your story interesting?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 7

Writers' and Artists' Yearbook - NovlrThe Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook: A Writer’s Best Friend
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 3

Finding writing inspiration in real life - NovlrFinding Writing Inspiration in Real Life
Crystal Kamm

Apr 26

Worldbuilding exercises for science fiction and fantasy - Novlr5 Worldbuilding Exercises for Science Fiction and Fantasy
Martin Woods

Apr 22

Preface, Introduction, Foreword, and Prologue: What They Are and How To Use Them
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 19

nature writing - Photo by Geran de Klerk on UnsplashHow to Write Engaging Non-Fiction: Nature Writing
Lydia Yadi

Apr 15

Writing historical fiction - Photo by Clarisse Meyer on UnsplashGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Historical Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 11

Use your favourite books for writing prompts - Novlr6 Ways to Use Your Favourite Books for Writing Prompts
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 8

How to write a mystery or crime thriller - hazy blue path way with creepy trees - Photo by Pixabay for PexelsHow to Write a Mystery or Crime Thriller (with Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 5

8 Mistakes to Avoid For a Perfect Ending to Your Novel8 Mistakes to Avoid For a Perfect Ending to Your Novel
Kim Montgomery

Apr 1

Make the change from writing fanfiction to writing original fiction - Photo by George Milton for PexelsHow to Transition from Writing Fanfiction to Writing Original Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 29

A writer gaining skills and confidence - Photo by Daniel Chekalov on UnsplashHow to Develop Your Writing Skills and Gain Confidence in Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 22

Writing vivid story settings - Photo by Ugo Mendes Donelli on Unsplash5 Writing Exercises to Help You Create Vivid Story Settings
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 15

How to write spicy scenes - Photo by Pixabay for PexelsTurn Up the Heat: A Guide to Adding Spicy Scenes to Your Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 8

A glass globe on the beach - Photo by Josh SorensonThe Fichtean Curve: How to Escalate Tension and Conflict
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 1

How to write a good story - Photo by Suzy HazelwoodWhat Makes a Good Story?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 23

Creating mood boards for your project - NovlrFrom Concept to Creation: Building a Mood Board for Your Writing Project
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 16

Writing Paranormal Romance - Photo by freestocks.org for PexelsGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Paranormal Romance
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 9

How to write a romance novel - Photo by Elaine Howlin on UnsplashHow to Write the Perfect Romance Novel (with Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 5

The perfect novel opening - Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash8 Mistakes to Avoid to Write the Perfect Novel Opening
Kim Montgomery

Feb 2

How to write the perfect antihero - Photo by Mateo Avila Chinchilla on UnsplashHow to Write the Perfect Antihero
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 29

Burg Eltz - Photo by Cederic Vandenberghe on UnsplashHow to Craft the Perfect Story Setting (With Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 26

writing lyrical essay - Photo by Debby Hudson on UnsplashAn Insider’s Guide to Writing the Perfect Lyrical Essay
Lydia Yadi

Jan 19

a writer showing humility in nature - Photo by Ashlyn Ciara on Unsplash5 Ways That Humility Can Make You A Better Writer
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 15

What copyright permissions do writers need to get? - NovlrWhat Do Writers Need to Get Copyright Permission for?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 12

writing amazing narrative non-fiction - Photo by Joanna Kosinska on UnsplashHow to Write Amazing Narrative Non-Fiction
Lydia Yadi

Jan 8

Write a Novel in a Year - Photo by Trent Erwin on UnsplashHow to Write a Novel in a Year
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 29

Hands flipping through a book to the story resolution in front of a lake - Photo by whereslugo on UnsplashBeyond the End: How to Write the Perfect Story Resolution
Nimrod Cortés

Dec 18

How to write thrilling plot twists - Photo by Wolrider YURTSEVEN for PexelsHow to Write Thrilling Plot Twists
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 4

A Foolproof Character Cheat Sheet (With Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 1

Writing dark academia - Photo by Jez Timms on UnsplashGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Dark Academia
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 27

lots of books4 Reading Tips That Will Make You A Better Writer
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 24

Dialogue tags - Photo by Brett Jordan on UnsplashA Beginner’s Guide to Dialogue Tags
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 20

How to write a great author bio - Photo by Daniel Thomas on UnsplashHow to Write an Engaging Author Bio
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 17

Writing your way into conflict - a winning chess move - Photo by GR Stocks on UnsplashWriting Your Way Into Conflict
Arthur Franz IV

Nov 10

Fit writing around a full-time job - Photo by Lukas Blazek on UnsplashHow to Fit Writing Around a Full-Time Job
Char

Nov 6

Overcoming writer's block over NaNoWriMo - Photo by Steve Johnson on UnsplashFinding Your NaNoWriMo Muse: Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 3

How to plan your novel - Photo by Photo by Ivan Samkov for PexelsHow To Plan a Novel (By Not Planning It)
Crystal Kamm

Oct 30

Write a memorable villain - Photo by murat esibatirHow To Write a Truly Memorable Villain
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 27

Write a killer book synopsis - Photo by Christin Hume on UnsplashHow to Write a Killer Book Synopsis
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 23

Giving characters control of your story - Photo by cottonbro studioWhy Giving Characters Control of Your Story is Good For Your Narrative
Arthur Franz IV

Oct 20

Mind mapping subplots - Photo by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash5 Tips to Write a Good Subplot That Every Writer Needs to Know
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 16

A manuscript after the story resolution with a page in a blue typewriter that says "the end"How to Write a Story Resolution Your Readers Will Remember
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 9

Character archetypes - Medusa - Photo by Wonderlane on UnsplashCharacter Archetypes and How to Use Them in Your Novel
Char

Oct 6

little girl reading - Photo by Jerry Wang on Unsplash5 Helpful Tips for Writing Children’s Books
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 29

Editing tips to revise and strengthen dialogue - Novlr5 Editing Tips to Revise and Strengthen Your Dialogue
Arthur Franz IV

Sep 25

fantasy world buildling6 Essential Ingredients for Building Your Fantasy World
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 22

Write what you know - Photo by cottonbro studioWhen Creativity Meets Reality: The Truth Behind “Write What You Know” 
Parker Fogg

Sep 18

wilted roses - Photo by Annie Spratt on UnsplashThe Ghost Behind: Writing Psychological Trauma
Nimrod Cortés

Sep 11

Writing a memoir - Photo by Yannick Pulver on UnsplashHow to Write an Engaging Memoir
Lydia Yadi

Sep 8

Stephen King's signature over books On Writing - Signature sourced from Wikimedia commons and is in the public domainBreaking Down the Key Lessons of Stephen King’s On Writing
Allie Cooper

Sep 4

open books with recommended word counts - Photo by Gülfer ERGİN on UnsplashHow Many Words in a Book? A Guide for Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 1

What grammar mistakes it is safe to make - Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash5 Grammar Mistakes You Can Make Without Worrying
Krystal N. Craiker

Aug 18

Tips on writing tenses - Photo by Patrick Fore on UnsplashA Guide to Writing Tenses for Creative Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 11

Writing you next chapter - Photo by Will Tarpey on UnsplashBridging the Gap: How to Start Your Next Chapter
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 7

How to create a fan-favourite character - Photo by PixabayHow To Create a Fan-Favorite Character
Char

Aug 4

How to research your historical fiction - Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on UnsplashHow to Research and Bring Authentic History to Your Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 31

4 productivity hacks for writers - Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash4 Simple Productivity Hacks for Creative Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 3

Getting the science right in your fiction - Photo by Nathan Duck on UnsplashGetting the Science Right in Your Fiction
Crystal Kamm

Jun 26

Writing great fight scenes 0 Photo by Ricardo Cruz on UnsplashBetween Pen and Sword: The Secret to Writing Great Fight Scenes
Nimrod Cortés

Jun 23

Writing character arcs - Photo by cottonbro studioHow To Write Compelling Character Arcs
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 15

How to Story Edit like a pro - NovlrHow To Story Edit Like A Pro
Kristina Stanley

Jun 5

Engage all senses to show, don't tell - Photo by RF._.studioShow, Don’t Tell: The Not-So-Secret Weapon of All Great Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 2

Writing Horror Fiction - Photo by Edilson Borges on UnsplashA Plot Structure for Writing Terrifying Horror Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 26

Worldbuilding techniques - Photo by Rex Joshua Alarcon America for PexelsThe Worldbuilding Workout: Tips for Sculpting Your Universe
Nimrod Cortés

May 19

how to beat writer's block - Photo by Uday Mittal on Unsplash4 Fundamental Tools for Beating Writer’s Block
Arthur Franz IV

May 8

crutch words - Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash5 Crutch Words to Eliminate From Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 5

don't delete your words. Your words have value - Photo by Nikolai Ulltang for PexelsDon’t Delete Your Words. Your Words Have Value.
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 24

create compelling characters - Photo by Bruno Henrique for PexelsHow to Create a Compelling Character in Minutes
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 17

Writing Steampunk - Photo by cmophoto.net on UnsplashGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Steampunk
Crystal Kamm

Apr 10

Two women talking - Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi for PexelsFour Strategies For Writing Convincing Dialogue
Crystal Kamm

Apr 3

Make the most from rejection and criticism - Photo by Vlada Karpovich for pexelsHow to Learn From Criticism and Rejection
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 31

Photo by Clock - writing exercises - Icons8 Team on UnsplashFive Amazing 10-Minute Writing Exercises
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 20

Writing about love - Photo by Michael Fenton on UnsplashWriting About Love in a Way That Rings True
Crystal Kamm

Mar 17

boat on water with night reflection - Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash5 Unusual Places to Find Writing Prompts
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 13

6 Ways to Get Motivated to Write
Summer Keown

Mar 6

repetition in your writing - Photo by Andrew NeelWhy It’s OK To Use Repetition in Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 20

Character showing subtext - Photo by Кирилл Павляшик on UnsplashHow to Write Subtext for Depth and Complexity
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 3

Sandbox - Photo by Hello I'm Nik on UnsplashRevising your Novel: Playing in the Sandbox
Crystal Kamm

Jan 30

9 Ways To Write Your Opening Line – Is It Really Important?
Kim Montgomery

Jan 23

Podcasts for writers - Photo by George Milton8 Must-Listen Podcasts for Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 20

Business books - Photo by Austin Distel on UnsplashWriting Business Books: Creating Compelling Non-Fiction
Lydia Yadi

Jan 6

The Road to Hell is Paved with Adverbs
Kim Montgomery

Dec 9

Personal development books thumbnail - Photo by Tim Goedhart on UnsplashTips for Writing Effective Non-Fiction: Personal Development Books
Lydia Yadi

Dec 5

Writing conflict - Photo by Klaus NielsenUsing Conflict to Move Your Story Forward
Crystal Kamm

Nov 14

NaNoWriMo - building a writing habitBuilding a Writing Habit with NaNoWriMo
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 10

Novel in 24 hours challengeI Wrote a Novel in 24 Hours and This Is What I Learned
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 1

Best plotting tools for writers - Photo by Startup Stock Photos from PexelsThe Best Plotting Tools for Writers and Novels
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 14

Is there a process for writing a novel?
Crystal Kamm

Jan 28