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Too Coincidental
Have you ever read a book and said, “That’s too coincidental. I just don’t believe it?” Or felt like you were manipulated through the story? I hate when that happens. I finished reading…
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The Manuscript Revision
For some writers, the word revision makes them squirm. Many novice writers go into the writing process fantasizing that they will only have to write one draft of their novel and it will…
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Write from Experience
For those of you who aren’t aware, I’m a mom to 10 kids (yes, 10, and yes, I delivered all of them). People ask me if I always wanted a large family…
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Character Design
Character design is an integral part of the writing process. Designing the characters that will populate our story worlds is complicated. It takes time, effort, and lots of brain power to create characters…
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Creating 3D Characters: Some Tips
Characters can make or break your fiction. It’s imperative that you people your story world with three-dimensional characters who feel real. Cardboard characters used merely to push your plot along will leave readers…
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Creative Writing Devices
You can change the mood of a scene by employing some writing devices. For example, if you’re writing a tense scene in which the protagonist is being chased by the police, short, choppy…
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How to Fix Writer’s Block: Use Freewriting
Writer’s Block You want to write a book. You have a great idea for a story, yet when you sit down at your computer, you stare blankly at the screen wondering why your…
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Writing Fiction: Definitions
You’ve been dreaming about writing a novel. You’ve thought about the characters, setting, and descriptions. When you finally get up the courage to begin writing your novel, you may be confused with all…
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Conflict in Fiction
In life, we generally try to avoid conflict. We tend to avoid confrontation and contention in hopes of finding peace and tranquility. We work hard to avoid problems at home or in the…
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Tips on Writing a Novel: Conflict Fuels the Story
When I first began writing, I was unclear about conflict. I figured it meant that some earth-shattering event had to take place in every scene. I felt like my novel had to be…