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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!
How do you write a character who stays calm?
"How do I make a calm and collected character in a very overwhelming situation?" Writing a character who remains composed when everything around them is falling apart is a hard thing to do, especially since I’m sure a lot of us don’t feel that way when we’re in tricky...
The Synonym Question: Whose Advice is Right?
Never, in the history of the written word has there been more contradictory writing advice than that surrounding synonyms. Possibly hyperbolic? Sure. But I stand by it. Our school teachers told us constantly that we had to vary our language and that using “said” over...
How do you write good character chemistry?
"I'm struggling to make my characters' relationships feel real. They interact, but it feels flat. How do I give them chemistry?" So much of what makes a plot interesting is character chemistry. And that goes for both positive and negative. Stories are all about...
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 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...
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...
How do I turn an existing short story into a novel?
"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 this world. How do I go about expanding it into a full-length novel without just padding it out?" Many novels began...
