Pamela Koehne-Drube

Author

Pamela is a professional ghostwriter, editor, and historian, as well as the Writer Development and Community Lead at Novlr. With almost two decade's worth of experience in all aspects of the book trade, she loves sharing her expertise.

The Difference Between Hybrid and Vanity Publishing

Aug 14, 2026 | Publishing

Hybrid and vanity publishing aren't the same thing, but the word "hybrid" gets borrowed by enough vanity presses that it's genuinely hard to tell...

#self-publishing

What does "in medias res" mean?

Aug 10, 2026 | Ask Novlr

Not sure what in medias res is? Here's what the term actually means, where it comes from, and how to tell whether your story needs it (or whether...

#writing tips, #plotting

6 More Playlists to Write By: Southern Gothic, Romantic Yearning, an Australian Roadtrip, Digital Worlds, Espionage, and Dystopia

Aug 6, 2026 | Writing

Six imagined worlds, six soundtracks; from a Southern Gothic swamp to a dead-eyed dystopia, these are the playlists to queue up before you open your...

#playlists, #writing inspiration

How do you share story lore without infodumping?

Aug 3, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

Got a story with history that matters, but explaining it keeps turning into a lecture? Here's how to let readers discover your world's backstory...

#worldbuilding, #writing tips

How do you make third person narration feel natural, and write scenes that are actually fun?

Jul 20, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

Robotic third person narration and boring scenes usually share one cause: information being stated instead of experienced. Here's how to close that...

#character development, #voice

How do you describe smells if you've never had a sense of smell?

Jul 13, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

Learn how to write vivid smell descriptions even without a strong sense of smell yourself, using borrowed language, taste connections, and character...

#writing tips

6 Beach Reads to Read Like a Writer This Summer

Jul 10, 2026 | Books

Beach reads are built to be devoured fast, which is exactly why their craft goes unnoticed. Here are six that are secretly small masterclasses in...

#genre, #writing tips, #reading, #book recommendations

How do you get back to writing after years away?

Jul 5, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Is it possible to get back to writing after over 3 years? At that time was the last time i was able to finish something but i was already unhappy...

#productivity, #writing tips

How do you write the mean girl trope?

Jun 29, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hiii just a question do you have an advice on how to write a ‘mean girl’ without having like the hollywood stereotypes? I’m currently writing one of...

#character development, #tropes, #writing tips

A Deep Dive Into the Three Main Routes to Publishing

Jun 25, 2026 | Publishing

While there are many paths you can take to get your book out into the world, there are three main routes to publishing. Traditional publishing is the...

#publishing platforms, #self-publishing, #traditional publishing

How do you write about a place you’ve never been?

Jun 22, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hi! I’m writing my novel in a small town from US as a non-US citizen and as someone who never visited the country. I’m doing my research as much as...

#research, #writing tips

How do you stop overusing participial phrases?

Jun 14, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

TEST“Hello! Idk if this is a common problem or not but recently I’ve found out that I overuse participial phrases in my writing. More so I do it in a...

#writing tips

A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Tenses

Jun 11, 2026 | Writing

Picking the right tense for the story you want to tell is an often overlooked part of narrative development. Writing tenses consistently is crucial...

#writing tips

How do you write a mentor who is also the antagonist?

Jun 6, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How to write a mentor who is evil but genuinely cares about the main protagonist? And raised him since a young age. Also, the main protagonist is...

#character development, #writing tips

How do you find your book’s genre?

Jun 1, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Publishing

“I need to figure out what genre my book is. I don’t think mine is classified as one, if you know what I mean?” You’re definitely not alone in...

#self-publishing, #traditional publishing

How to Write the Perfect Antihero

May 29, 2026 | Writing

The antihero has become an increasingly beloved figure in modern storytelling, for their morally ambiguous nature and complex personalities. Unlike...

#character development, #writing tips

How do I know if my book needs multiple perspectives?

May 25, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do I know whether or not to put my book in multiple perspectives? I think it would make my story better but how do I know if it really needs it?...

#character development, #plotting, #writing tips

How to Pitch Your Novel to Agents Like a Pro

May 22, 2026 | Publishing

You’ve finished your manuscript, and you’re ready to pitch your novel to an agent. But how do you ensure your query letter will stand out from the...

#book agents, #traditional publishing

How do you write a character who stays calm?

May 18, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do I make a calm and collected character in a very overwhelming situation?” Writing a character who remains composed when everything around them...

#character development, #writing tips

The Synonym Question: Whose Advice is Right?

May 14, 2026 | Writing

Never, in the history of the written word has there been more contradictory writing advice than that surrounding synonyms. Possibly hyperbolic? Sure....

#writing tips

How do you write a story set in the future?

May 4, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Okay so I’m trying to write a story set in the future and I’m kinda stuck?? Like I know what my general plot is and I have my characters figured out...

#worldbuilding, #writing tips

How to Source Publisher-Quality Book Cover Design as a Self-Published Author

Apr 30, 2026 | Publishing

A few years ago, I attended the London Book Fair. It was a fantastic experience where I got to mingle with other writers, meet publishers, and hear...

#cover art, #self-publishing

How do you create a magic school for adults?

Apr 25, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Books

“Tips on developing a magic school for adults? Most magic schools I read about are for children, so I wanted to make a magic university.” While...

#book recommendations, #worldbuilding, #writing tips

The Fichtean Curve and How To Use It

Apr 23, 2026 | Writing

If you’ve ever felt the grip of a good book, unable to put it down, you understand the pull of a well-told story. Behind the scenes of your favourite...

#plotting, #writing tips

How do you keep a chapter on topic?

Apr 19, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do you keep a chapter on topic? I keep finding myself going off on tangents, adding scenes that don’t really belong, or ending up somewhere...

#writing tips

How do you write relatable characters in science fiction?

Apr 12, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I’m struggling with how I should write sci-fi future with human-like aliens. I don’t want to focus on differences but rather on similarities between...

#character development, #science fiction, #writing tips

How do you get into a character’s head when writing fanfiction?

Apr 5, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I’m struggling to get into characters’ heads. The fandom I write for has many different characters and I’m trying to keep them as canonical as...

#character development, #writing tips

Finding Your Muse: Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Apr 2, 2026 | Writing

When you take on any writing project, you might find yourself stuck on a story point, unable to muddle through a character’s motivation, or be unsure...

#productivity, #writing events, #writing tips

How do I turn an existing short story into a novel?

Mar 30, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I wrote a short story a while back that I really love, and I keep thinking about it. I feel like there’s more to explore with these characters and...

#plotting, #writing tips

How to Craft the Perfect Story Setting (With Downloadable Template)

Mar 26, 2026 | Writing

Your setting is fundamental to your story. It’s the backbone of your plot and is essential to providing narrative context, establishing the mood and...

#downloadable templates, #worldbuilding, #writing tips

How do you choose between multiple story options?

Mar 21, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I’m stuck on my story and I don’t know how to continue. I have a few continuations in mind and don’t know which one to pick. Every continuation...

#plotting, #writing tips

How do I come up with titles of authority?

Mar 16, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“This is probably an unusual question, but how do you come up with titles? I don’t mean titles for chapters or such, but titles for positions, like...

#worldbuilding, #writing tips

What Kind of Editing is Right For You?

Mar 13, 2026 | Editing

You’re going to be putting a lot of time and effort into your book, so it’s important that it’s as good as it can be. With all the different types of...

#self-publishing, #traditional publishing

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

Mar 2, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#writing tips

The Troubling Trend of Online Beta Reading Scams

Feb 26, 2026 | Writing

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...

#reading, #scams

How do you write a tragic backstory?

Feb 23, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#character development, #writing tips

How do you fix plot holes?

Feb 13, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Editing, Writing

“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...

#plotting, #revision, #writing tips

How do you research an unfamiliar industry?

Feb 7, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How to do research for a story set in a field you know very little about (the film, music industry, sports like basketball…)?” The adage “write what...

#research, #writing tips

A Beginner’s Guide to Copyright for Creative Writers

Feb 5, 2026 | Publishing

As a creative writer, you build unique worlds and create characters who mean something to you and your readers. So how can you protect those...

#self-publishing, #traditional publishing

How do you write epistolary fiction?

Jan 31, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“So I want to write a story that’s told through letters and texts and stuff? Like, I’ve seen books that are all emails or diary entries and I think...

#genre

Genre Talk: Exploring the World of Cosy Fiction

Jan 28, 2026 | Books, Writing

Cosy fiction is the literary equivalent of a warm hug. It’s about emotions and gentle storytelling, where things are restored, not destroyed. Rather...

#genre, #writing tips

How do you start writing again after a long break?

Jan 24, 2026 | Ask Novlr

“I took a long break from writing. I want to start writing again but I don’t know how. What should I do?” Writing takes a lot of time and effort, so...

#motivation

How do you write time skips?

Jan 19, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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....

#writing tips

How to Write the Hero’s Journey (with downloadable template)

Jan 15, 2026 | Writing

For writers who plot, the blank page before you start outlining your story is perhaps the most daunting of all. No matter how good the concept is,...

#downloadable templates, #plot templates, #plotting

What’s the best way to edit my writing without feeling overwhelmed?

Jan 12, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Editing

“How do I know when I’ve done enough editing and my story’s actually ready to show to other people? I always feel like there’s more I could fix, but...

#productivity, #writing tips

How do I get my writing noticed by others?

Jan 5, 2026 | Ask Novlr, Book Promotion

“I’ve finished my novel and I’m ready to share it with the world, but I have no idea where to start. How do I get my writing noticed? Social media...

#marketing, #self-publishing, #traditional publishing

How do I stay motivated as a writer in a post-AI world?

Dec 28, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Publishing, Writing

“I’m starting to write more to become a freelance author, but every time I get excited about publishing my works or people finding the stories I’m...

#motivation

How do I develop story pacing?

Dec 22, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Editing, Writing

“As a writer, we basically know the major beats before starting writing, but readers don’t, and we sometimes might slip too deep into things when the...

#plotting, #writing tips

How do I write enemies to lovers?

Dec 15, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I don’t know if there’s already an article about this, but how should I go about an enemies to lovers type side plot? My two protagonists are in a...

#tropes, #writing tips

4 Reading Tips That Will Make You A Better Writer

Dec 12, 2025 | Books, Writing

Writing is a skill that takes practice, but there is more to being a great writer than simply putting words on a page. Reading is an essential skill...

#reading, #writing tips

How do I write a character backstory?

Dec 8, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do I write a unique character backstory effectively?” Backstory can feel like quicksand. If you take one step in too deep, you’ll find yourself...

#character development, #writing tips

How to Create a Plot Outline in Five Easy Steps

Dec 4, 2025 | Writing

I’ll happily admit that I’m not a plotter. I have story ideas, but I find sitting down to actually map those ideas out into a manageable form to be a...

#plotting, #writing tips

What’s the difference between an anti-villain and an anti-hero?

Nov 30, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hello! 👋 What’s the difference between Anti-Villain and Anti-Hero??” Villains and heroes are two sides of the same coin. Every villain is the hero...

#character development, #writing tips

How do you write a good metaphor?

Nov 23, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I struggle with writing metaphors. I can come up with similes easily, but metaphors? Not so much. Any advice?” If you can write a simile, you’re...

#figures of speech, #writing tips

How do you start writing after you’ve developed a plot?

Nov 17, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I have the story of the novel, I have the ideas, I have the plot, but… just how do I really start writing???” There is nothing more intimidating to...

#motivation, #writing tips

5 Tips to Write a Good Subplot That Every Writer Needs to Know

Nov 14, 2025 | Writing

Subplots are a hugely overlooked part of the drafting process. They are often overlooked for the much more overt plotline you’ll have bouncing around...

#plotting, #writing tips

How do you describe indoor spaces?

Nov 10, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I struggle with describing interior scenes in my writing. I can visualize the spaces perfectly in my head, but when I try to put them on the page,...

#settings, #writing tips

How can I improve my writer’s voice?

Nov 3, 2025 | Ask Novlr

“How can I improve my voice, the way I tell and show things in my writing? Is there a good method for it?” Finding your voice as a writer can feel...

#voice, #writing tips

6 Essential Ingredients for Building Your Fantasy World

Oct 31, 2025 | Writing

No matter what type of fantasy world you’re writing, it’s easy for your plot to feel one-note if you don’t practice worldbuilding. It’s important to...

#plotting, #worldbuilding, #writing tips

What can I do when I get stuck on a scene?

Oct 27, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Editing, Writing

“I’m stuck on a scene. I know what needs to happen, but every time I try to write it, it stalls. What can I do to get unstuck?” Every time I get one...

#character development, #plotting, #writing tips

5 Writing Games to Help You Get to Know Your Characters

Oct 24, 2025 | Writing

The thrill of watching a character unfold and develop on the page is an experience like no other. But, it can be a challenge to truly understand and...

#character development, #writing exercises, #writing inspiration, #writing prompts

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

Oct 20, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#plotting, #writing tips

How do you come up with good character names?

Oct 13, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#character development, #writing inspiration, #writing tips

How to Research and Bring Authentic History to Your Fiction

Oct 10, 2025 | Books, Writing

In the world of historical fiction, authenticity can make all the difference. Well-researched novels transport readers to a different place and time,...

#book recommendations, #writing inspiration, #writing tips

Are there any books on writing you can recommend?

Oct 5, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Books

“People always talk about different writing books but I’m not sure which ones would be worth my time. There are just too many! What books would you...

#book recommendations, #character development, #plotting, #writing inspiration

What Is an ISBN and Why Do I Need One?

Oct 3, 2025 | Publishing

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...

#self-publishing, #traditional publishing

How do I write an interesting prophecy?

Sep 29, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#worldbuilding, #writing tips

How do you stop yourself getting stuck at the planning stage?

Sep 22, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“What are the most basic steps needed to get to the point where you can start writing? I’ve finally got a solid enough idea for my first novel but...

#character development, #plotting, #productivity, #writing tips

How do I effectively write foreshadowing?

Sep 15, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#plotting, #writing tips

How To Get the Most Out of Your Writing Time

Sep 11, 2025 | Writing

The dream of many writers is to make it a full-time profession. For full-time writers, it’s easy to build and plan your day around your writing, but...

#productivity, #writing tips

How do you start a prologue or first chapter?

Sep 8, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#writing tips

How do you introduce a new character?

Sep 1, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#character development, #writing tips

A Writer’s Guide to Recommended Word Counts

Aug 29, 2025 | Writing

There are no hard and fast rules for how long your book or story must be, but there are recommended word counts that can help you reach success. They...

#book agents, #self-publishing, #traditional publishing, #writing tips

How do you balance multiple points of view?

Aug 25, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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...

#character development, #plotting, #writing tips

How do you write a realistic caregiver?

Aug 18, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“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 development

Epic Writing Playlists for Scene, Setting, and Mood

Aug 15, 2025 | Writing

Music has inspired people for generations. It helps guide our emotions, can change our moods, and even act as catharsis in times of emotional...

#playlists, #writing inspiration

How do you research effectively?

Aug 11, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hey do y’all have any resources for researching. Cause I have questions about things and I don’t wanna end up on a watch list.” The number of weird...

#research, #writing tips

How do you come up with great fantasy names?

Aug 4, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hello, I want to know what are some ways to come up with names for a non-magical energy source that gives people elemental abilities? I’ve had a few...

#worldbuilding

5 Crutch Words to Eliminate From Your Writing

Aug 1, 2025 | Writing

Have you ever read back something you’ve written and felt like it’s not as strong as you’d like? We all have crutch words we overuse that both bulk...

#writing tips

Goal, Motivation, Conflict: The Secret Formula for Great Characters

Jul 25, 2025 | Writing

If you’ve got an idea for a story, but are stuck on how to bring your characters to life, then there’s an easy formula to give you a head start. To...

#character development, #writing tips

What are the pros and cons of different publishing routes?

Jul 21, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Publishing

“What are the pros and cons of self publishing, choosing a small press, or going down the trad publishing route?” Every writer’s journey to...

#publishing platforms, #self-publishing, #traditional publishing

What Is a Galley Proof, and Why Do You Need One?

Jul 17, 2025 | Publishing

A galley proof, also known as an advance copy, ARC (advance reader copy), uncorrected proof, or just galley or proof, is a crucial part of the...

#self-publishing, #traditional publishing

How do you write love at first sight?

Jul 14, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hey sorry if this has been asked already but could you give any tips on how to write a character falling in love at first sight or i suppose...

#character development, #romance, #writing tips

How do you deal with sudden writer’s block?

Jul 7, 2025 | Ask Novlr

“Any tips for a terrible case of writers block that occurs without any real reason?” Writer’s block is often misunderstood. You’ll hear lots of...

#writer's block, #writing inspiration

How to Learn From Criticism and Rejection

Jul 4, 2025 | Writing

There is no better teacher than criticism. And rejection, no matter what form it takes, is just a form of criticism. While true criticism usually...

#self-publishing, #traditional publishing, #writing tips

How do I know if I’ve picked the right protagonist?

Jun 30, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do I know if a character I’ve set as a main character is going to be relevant to my story? I don’t want to make a whole character and get...

#character development, #writing tips

How do you come up with a theme for your story?

Jun 23, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I’m not sure where the heart of my story is. How do I figure out the theme of the story so I can flesh out the details (without changing my mind...

#character development, #plotting, #theme, #writing tips

5 Tips For Writing a Book Blurb That Will Hook Potential Readers

Jun 20, 2025 | Publishing

This post was originally written for the Cover Kitchen blog and can be read in its original form here. Writing a good book blurb is one of the...

#cover art, #self-publishing

How do you prioritise subplots?

Jun 16, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I’ve written 75% of my novel, but it has a medium-sized cast with quite a few subplots. For a satisfying ending, what do I prioritize for the final...

#plotting, #writing tips

Independent Bookshops: A Writer’s Greatest Ally

Jun 13, 2025 | Books

There are very few things in the world that bring my heart more joy than an independent bookshop. The personality and love of reading that they’re...

#reading, #writing community

How do you write interesting character backstories?

Jun 9, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hi Novlr! Would you possibly have any ideas about how to make character backstories more interesting?” Trying to breathe life into a character’s...

#character development, #writing tips

How to Build A Writing Habit

Jun 5, 2025 | Writing

Building a sustainable writing habit is one of the most valuable things you can do as an author. Whether you’re working on your first novel or your...

#productivity, #writing events, #writing tips

How do you write middle-grade fiction?

Jun 2, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“I’m going to be honest to the point of embarrassment: I’ve always wanted to write books for children in the style of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little...

#writing for children

How do you write a satisfying ending?

May 26, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do you come up with a satisfying ending to a story? And what different types of endings can a story have?” Writing an ending that does justice...

#plotting, #writing tips

Five Amazing 10-Minute Writing Exercises

May 23, 2025 | Writing

Just like a muscle, you need to exercise your creativity. Writing is a skill that develops, not just one you have, and like any skill, you must...

#motivation, #productivity, #writing exercises, #writing prompts

How do you write the ordinary?

May 19, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Hi, I have a fairly easy time writing all the meat and potato bits of my story but it’s the normal everyday stuff I struggle with. A lot of my...

#character development, #writing tips

How do I know if my project should be standalone or a series?

May 2, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“Do you have any posts on turning a book into a series, and/or deciding how many books the series should be? I’m plotting my story and not sure how...

#plotting, #writing tips

How can I streamline my editing process?

Apr 30, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Editing

“How can I make my editing process quicker and less stressful? I feel like I’m spending way too much time on it and not really getting anywhere, so...

#goals, #productivity

How Setting SMART Goals Can Make Your Writing Time More Productive

Apr 30, 2025 | Writing

As writers, we dream big. Our goals are lofty, and because of that, they can often become overwhelming. We want to complete that novel, publish a...

#goals, #motivation, #productivity

How do you write an unreliable narrator?

Apr 28, 2025 | Ask Novlr, Writing

“How do you write an unreliable narrator in a way that actually feels clever and not just confusing or annoying? I want readers to realize...

#character development, #writing tips

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