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Join us with a cuppa and settle in for expert writing advice, writing and publishing tips, book reviews, and your questions answered!

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How do you connect big ideas?

"I'm struggling to tie together my novel’s bigger themes. I have all these big ideas I want to explore, like grief, identity, and belonging but they just feel really scattered. How do you connect big ideas?" Big ideas are easy. Putting them together in a way that...

What to Do When Motivation Is Lacking

When you’re writing something as huge as a novel, it can be difficult to remain motivated, and that is a fact. Most other projects are easy to look at and see progress, but with a novel, all you can clearly see is the increase in your word count. Without reading the...

What is lyrical prose and how do you use it effectively?

"I've been told my prose is 'too plain' and that I should make it more lyrical, but I’m not really sure what that means. Can you help?" Firstly, I want to start off by saying that using plain language is absolutely fine. Clarity should always be your aim when writing,...

The Troubling Trend of Online Beta Reading Scams

If you've spent any time on writing social media lately, you’ve probably noticed a surge of accounts offering beta reading services. They’ll pop up in comments on posts you’ve followed. Maybe they’ve even commented on your posts, or slid into your DMS. On our Tumblr...
How do you write a tragic backstory?

How do you write a tragic backstory?

"I'm trying to write a backstory for my main character. She's supposed to have this really tragic past that explains why she's so closed off and distrustful, but every time I write it, it feels... fake? Like I'm just piling on sad things for no reason. How do I make...

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10 Creative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

10 Creative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

Every writer knows the feeling of the dreaded blinking cursor on a blank page, the weight of expectation, and the creeping dread of writer's block that seems insurmountable. But fear not, fellow wordsmiths! Inspiration is within reach, and we're here to provide you...

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How do you fix plot holes?

How do you fix plot holes?

"Hello, I was writing my book and I realised that I had two plot holes that need fixing. I am not good at fixing plot holes so I tried to find something in the reading room about it but there was nothing there yet. Can you help?" Plot holes are a natural part of the...

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How do you write time skips?

How do you write time skips?

"Any advice on how to write time skips? I'm working on the second draft of my novel and I keep getting stuck on transitions where time passes. Sometimes it's just a few days, but there's also a big jump of several years in the middle. I never know if I'm doing it...

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