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Modern-day novel writing Novel writing tips

Forward planning vs. creative freedom in writing

Planning ahead and allowing for inspiration are both important aspects of writing and finishing a novel, but it can seem difficult to balance them especially since there is a lot of conflicting advice from novelists and writing teachers. However, the tips below can help achieve that balance.

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Novel writing tips

Novel writing basics: 10 steps to an unputdownable book

Your grasp of novel writing basics such as plot and character needs to be good for readers to enjoy your novels. Here are 10 steps to make your book unputdownable:

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Modern-day novel writing Writing advice

Creating your own budget MFA in Creative Writing

Studying for an MFA in fiction writing can be expensive. Even though not everyone can afford to study creative writing at university, you can create your own budget MFA in creative writing.

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Writing craft

10 common grammar mistakes even great writers make

There are far more than 10 common grammar mistakes that even the greats make. Mistakes in the drafting stage aren’t catastrophic. After all, you’ll edit your novel at a later point in time. A clean manuscript appeals to agents and editors, though, so read on for 10 common grammar mistakes you can learn to identify and avoid.

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Modern-day novel writing Novel writing tips Plotting Writing advice

Chekhov’s Gun: What it is and how to use it like a pro

‘Chekhov’s Gun’ is a concept that describes how every element of a story should contribute to the whole. It comes from Anton Chekhov’s famous book writing advice: ‘If you say in the first chapter that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, in the second or third chapter it absolutely must go off. If it’s not going to be fired, it shouldn’t be hanging there.’

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Character writing Modern-day novel writing Novel writing tips Writing advice

Character posture: How to describe characters’ bearing

When we think about describing a character, we often think of listing items like hair colour, eye colour and body type. Character posture is important too. Here are tips on using posture to bring out what makes each of your fictional characters uniquely interesting:

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Modern-day novel writing Self-publishing Writing advice

Writing feedback: How to get helpful critiques

One of the challenges for us all as writers is getting good feedback on our writing, especially early in our career. You can get feedback for free or you can pay for it, and you can get it from peers or from professionals. To get feedback on your writing:

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