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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 keep a chapter on topic?
"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 completely different from where I started. By the time I finish a chapter, I'm not even sure what it was supposed to be...
4 Books to Help You Get the Science Right in Your Fiction
Writers have tons of creative ideas, but most of us aren’t scientists. So, how do we make sure that we get the science right in our fiction? Even if you write speculative fiction or fantasy stories, there's still some thought that must go into making sure there's an...
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...
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 come up with titles of authority?
"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 general, governor, doctor, emperor, cardinal, etc. I've had a hard time trying to invent names for governmental...
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,...
