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Preparing your manuscript for an editor or agent
If you hate self-editing, then I have some bad news: there’s no getting out of it. You have to do at least a little bit before sending your
Aug 30, 20195 min read


Getting to know your publishing options
You’ve finished your book and you’re ready for the world to see it. Do you choose traditional, independent, vanity, or self-publishing?
Jul 23, 20195 min read


How to find value in common writing advice
Common writing advice can frustrate us. Why can't we use adverbs? What's wrong with passive voice? Here's how to find value in s
Jun 25, 20196 min read


5 tips for writing your novel in Word
I have a love-hate relationship with Word. It drives me insane, but I still love it as a tool for writing my novel. Since first using it, I&
Jun 17, 20194 min read


8 ways to trim your novel’s word count
You’ve finished your novel. And it’s a bigger beast than you expected it to be. Huge. Here's how to trim unnecessary words and get it in
Jun 4, 20195 min read


To prologue or not to prologue?
Rumour has it that agents and publishers hate prologues. Is that true? Who knows, but they certainly hate *bad* prologues. Here's how to
May 9, 20196 min read


Using tropes: new stories from old parts
Did you ever hear that there are only seven basic plots? And within those seven plots, we repeat the same tropes. So how can we write origin
May 1, 20194 min read


A writer’s guide to point of view
The key to writing good PoV is choice, consistency and clarity. Decide which perspective works for your story, stick with it, and do it clea
Apr 23, 20195 min read


Writing stronger dialogue part 3: character voice
How can you give your characters authentic voices so they sound like real humans when they talk? Here are 5 tips to help.
Feb 18, 20194 min read
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