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How do you know if your story idea is big enough for a novel?

"Hiya. How do you know if an idea is big enough to span a whole novel? I often fall short when outlining because there's just not enough depth to the idea." This is such a relatable question. When I’m brainstorming, I often go to either extreme. I have too many ideas...

Tackling a November Writing Challenge? Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s that time of year again! Brush off your laptops and pick up your pencils, because this is the month where many writers challenge ourselves to write the first draft of a novel in a single month. The writing community has long considered November as novel-writing...

How do you come up with good character names?

"I've been struggling with naming my characters for weeks now. I keep second-guessing every name I choose, worried it's not meaningful or unique enough. How do you come up with good character names? And how do you know when you've found the right one?" I feel this...

How to Research and Bring Authentic History to Your Fiction

In the world of historical fiction, authenticity can make all the difference. Well-researched novels transport readers to a different place and time, bringing to life the experiences, customs, and events of that period, or highlighting stories that often go untold in...
What Is an ISBN and Why Do I Need One?

What Is an ISBN and Why Do I Need One?

ISBNs sound like a scary hoop that authors have to jump through, so let’s take a moment to unravel the mystery and give you a bit more clarity on what an ISBN is and why you might need one. What is an ISBN? ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It’s a...

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How do I write an interesting prophecy?

How do I write an interesting prophecy?

“I'm writing a fantasy series that includes a prophecy that all the characters are following but how do you make it feel like part of the world and not just a big spoiler? I want it to mean something but still leave room for surprises.” Prophecies are a time-honoured...

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Want to know more about a certain aspect of writing or need more general advice or inspiration? We’re here to help! 

How do you introduce a new character?

How do you introduce a new character?

"You may have already done this, but how would you write a character's introduction?" The old adage, “Never judge a book by it’s cover” applies to more than just books. First impressions matter, both in life and in fiction. The way a writer introduces a character can...

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How do you balance multiple points of view?

How do you balance multiple points of view?

"I'm writing a story with multiple POVs, how should I balance the story out so every MC gets equal time? I want to make sure I'm being fair to all my characters." Writing from multiple points of view (POVs) can feel like juggling, constantly trying to keep all your...

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How do you write a realistic caregiver?

How do you write a realistic caregiver?

"Hello! I’m writing a group of characters and currently planning their dynamics with each other; I have one older character 40-50 yrs (A) one teen character (B) and one younger character 5-7 yrs (C)A is a mother-figure to B and is essentially their adopted mother. To...

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