Writing

How Many Drafts Should You Write For A Novel?

Asking ‘How many drafts should you write for a novel?’ is kind of like asking ‘How long is a piece of string?’. Every writer has a process that works for them. Some swear by three drafts; others proclaim 10 to

15 Awesome Ideas To Get Your Story Started (With Examples)

There are many great ways to start a story. Depending on the genre, you might begin mysteriously and gradually build to a climax. Or you might start with an image or description to orient the reader in the story’s setting.

The Ultimate Guide To Flash Fiction (And How To Write Your Own)

Flash fiction has become increasingly popular in recent years. You’ve probably noticed a plethora of websites and online publications dedicated entirely to flash fiction or microfiction, and perhaps even call-outs in your own inbox from publishers after a bit of

6 Plot Alternatives To ‘The Quest’ In Fantasy Fiction

While writers the world over struggle to craft truly original stories, theorists spend their time identifying ways in which they are actually all the same. Joseph Campbell famously reduced the number of stories to just one: The Hero’s Journey, as

5 Easy Steps To Avoid Purple Prose

Anyone who’s studied literature, taken a writing course or joined a book club has no doubt encountered the expression ‘purple prose’. For those who haven’t, Google defines it as: “Prose that is too elaborate or ornate.” So why purple? In

7 Writing Exercises To Help You Find Your Writer’s Voice

People new to writing are often advised by teachers, mentors and other established writers to find their voice. But before we delve into exercises to help you discover your own writer’s voice, let’s surmise what we mean by this phrase.

6 Times You Shouldn’t Kill Your Characters

Spoiler alert: this post contains a number of potential spoilers relating to deaths occurring in various books/movies, including A Song of Ice and Fire/Game Of Thrones, The Book Thief and The Hunger Games. Part of being a writer is facing

What is a Creative Writing Hook?

All readers know the feeling of being captivated by a piece of writing straight away. When the first sentence pulls you in, it’s much more likely that you’ll continue reading. Many people only read a page or even just few

6 Proven Ways To Add Romance To Your Fantasy Story

Love is in the air. No, really – it is! Romance and relationships play an important part of many people’s everyday lives, and the same holds true in many types of fiction. Sadly, given its omnipresence across all genres, romantic

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Creating A Magic System For Your Fantasy Novel

So you’ve got a killer idea for a fantasy novel. That’s great! It’s a beautiful feeling; that newness of an idea. We get it. Your idea has ignited your imagination with world-building possibilities. Your characters are whispering sweet nothings into