Writing a novel? If you’re writing during National Novel Writing Month—NaNoWriMo—you’re probably too busy writing to read about plot structure, narrative structure, dramatic structure, storylines, or narrative arcs right now. So many terms. So little time. But listen up. Plot structure can mean the difference between 50,000 words worth of beautiful descriptions, action-packed scenes, and … Read more
If you’ve ever doubted you can write a novel in 30 days, rest assured. You can. I have. And so have many others. Granted, a few of the novels I’ve written during NaNoWriMo didn’t turn out quite the way I’d hoped. But each one is salvageable, and last year’s novel turned into something quite different. … Read more
You’re in the middle of NaNoWriMo, and you’re not coming up with anything. None of the prompts from the site are helping. Nothing is inspiring you. You’re completely frustrated—and stuck. I know the feeling. It must be writer’s block, right? Or you’ve been deluding yourself. This just isn’t working for you. Maybe next year… Stop … Read more
“If I just had a little excitement in my life—if you know what I mean—I’d get some inspiration,” said Anna. I stared at my wine and swirled it around the bottom of my glass. I played dumb. “No, I don’t know what you mean. What exactly do you mean by excitement? Jumping off skyscrapers with … Read more
Update: Check out 10 Tips to Prepare for National Novel Writing Month for 2015! You’ll get far more than 10 tips and loads of details and links. Once again, it’s that time of year. Thirty days and nights of literary abandon. Thirty days and nights of writing our little fingers off. Thirty days and nights … Read more