How do you know when you’ve reached the end? When the main story goal or quest has been completed. What if you don’t have one of those? You may have lots...
Continue reading
There's nothing worse than getting through a good novel that fizzles out or doesn't go anywhere. Many authors can create an intriguing first few chapters, but fail with a weak...
Continue readingThis video is week six of my 12-week course on novel writing. This week you'll be writing towards the midpoint of your novel. In this section (exploring the new world) you'll...
Continue readingThis is part of my 12 week course on writing novels; this week we'll be writing the first act, up to the 'point of no return'. PS...
Continue readingA great novel has two parts: 1. story - what happens 2. drama - why it matters. Far too many authors screw this up in the beginning with boring backstory and information, which...
Continue readingUpdate: you can now download this in-depth plotting template in Word, Google docs or Scrivener. There's also an advanced video walkthrough. Check it out here (free download). Download this template: https://www.creativindie.com/plot-out...
Continue readingThis video is an introduction to my 8 point "plot dot" guide to outlining your novel. These are the 8 major turning points that keep momentum, suspense and tension. Without them,...
Continue readingEvery time I help a new author edit their book I comment on the same issues. And even though I've spent years talking about book marketing and publishing, recently I've been...
Continue reading
1. Three favorite books that inspire your writing. Corduroy by Don Freeman Christy by Catherine Marshall Once in a Lifetime by Danielle Steel 2. What you do when you’re not writing. I stitch bookmarks, knit,...
Continue reading
1. Three favorite books that inspire your writing. Chill Factor by Sandra Brown Naked in Death by J.D. Robb Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman 2. What you do when you’re not writing. When...
Continue reading