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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 I write a character backstory?
“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 suddenly drowning in family trees, childhood pets, and three pages about a summer camp no one needs to read. It’s so...
How to Create a Plot Outline in Five Easy Steps
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 chore. I’m a dyed-in-the-wool pantser, and always have been. With that said, however, it’s not always practical or...
What’s the difference between an anti-villain and an anti-hero?
"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 of their own story, but how the reader perceives them all comes down to how you present them. Anti-heroes and...
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 can I improve my writer’s voice?
"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 like searching for something you're not quite sure exists yet. It’s a problem I understand all too well. I’ve been a...
What can I do when I get stuck on a scene?
“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 of these questions, I’m shocked at how relatable they all are! This is such a common thing that affects all writers....
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...
