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 write relatable characters in science fiction?
"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 them. I also don't understand how to write their indoor activities and everyday life in the future. Like, how are they...
5 Worldbuilding Exercises for Science Fiction and Fantasy
In most genres, once you have the story, the setting suggests itself. In the science fiction and fantasy genres, however, the setting often comes first. It would have been impossible for Tolkien to write The Lord of the Rings without first deciding if there was magic...
How do you get into a character’s head when writing fanfiction?
"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 possible. Are there any tips or techniques which can help?" Working in the sandbox of someone else’s world is one of the...
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 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 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,...
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...
