Welcome to the Reading Room
Join us with a cuppa and settle in for expert writing advice, writing and publishing tips, book reviews, and your questions answered!
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...
Got a Question? Ask Novlr!
Want to know more about a certain aspect of writing or need more general advice or inspiration? We’re here to help!
How do I effectively write foreshadowing?
"How do I write foreshadowing in a way that won't be noticed until you reread the scene?" When foreshadowing is done right it can be one of the most mind-blowing reader experiences. It’s so satisfying when a throwaway comment, or a tiny detail turns on its head and...
How do you start a prologue or first chapter?
"How do you write a prologue or first chapter? I want to start strong but don't know how." I don’t want to sound hyperbolic when I say that your opening is everything. It's your first chance to grab a reader's attention and convince them to keep reading. How you do...
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...
