Learning how to write dialogue in a story is crucial. Writing gripping conversations that include conflict and disagreement and further your story will make readers want to read on. Here are 7 steps to improve your dialogue writing skills: (more…)
Point of view definitions and examples: Getting POV right
Point of view in fiction is an important element of storytelling. The viewpoint narrator’s personality or subjective understanding of events shapes the reader’s own understanding and judgments. Read on for POV definitions and examples: (more…)
How to start a scene: 5 ways to reel readers in
Knowing how to start a scene so your reader is involved from the beginning is a skill anyone can develop. Read the following tips to ensure each set of unfolding events in your story captivates from the first few lines: (more…)
What is story setting? Mastering writing time and place
What is the setting of a story? Setting has two broad elements: Place and time. In a novel, it’s where and when the events of your chapters unfold. Read on for tips on creating detailed, involving settings in your story: (more…)
Writing riveting inciting action: 7 ideas
The inciting event or incident – the situation that ignites circumstances fueling your story – is an opportunity to intrigue and win your reader’s commitment. Remember these 7 tips to write riveting inciting action: (more…)
421 ways to say said? Simplify dialogue instead
If you search for alternative dialogue tags to use in your story, you’ll find many lists. While some synonyms for ‘said’ read naturally (such as words conveying volume like ‘whispered’), others come across as overwritten and forced, particularly in the wrong context. Here are 5 simple ways to avoid clunky overuse of ‘he said/she said’: […]
Writing prose: 5 steps to better style
Writing prose, like writing poetry, involves specific challenges. Although prose is closer to ‘ordinary’, ‘everyday’ speech than poetry, it is easy to write purple prose and make other small mistakes. Here are 5 steps to refine your prose writing style: (more…)
Descriptive verb list: 30 words to replace dull actions
Sayings such as ‘the road to hell is paved with adverbs’ scare many aspiring authors off using adverbs to describe characters’ actions. Yet writers say this because there are often more descriptive verbs you could use instead of a duller verb-plus-adverb. Use this list of descriptive verbs to create stronger mood, atmosphere, and characterization: (more…)
Strong first person narrative: Engaging narrators
First person narrative lets your main character take the reader into their confidence. The intimacy and immediacy of first person, how it closely involves your reader in your narrator’s world, makes this point of view (POV) naturally engaging. Here are 5 tips to make a good first person narrative even more lifelike: (more…)
Romance story ideas: 5 tips for affecting arcs
Inspiration for romance story ideas is everywhere. From news headlines (TV actresses marrying members of the British royal family) to a sweet interaction you might witness in a restaurant. How can you develop a strong, affecting romance story idea? Read the following tips and use them to create interesting romantic arcs: (more…)