Maggie

Writing Tone Explained: How to Set the Right Mood in Your Content

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What exactly is tone in writing? Tone is the attitude or feeling that your writing gives off to the reader. It sets the mood and helps your audience understand how to feel about what they are reading. Tone can be formal, casual, serious, humorous or anything in between. (I once tried a serious tone for … Read more

Writing Suspense: Keep Your Readers Nervous

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What is suspense and why does it matter in stories? Suspense is the feeling of tension or nervous anticipation that keeps readers hooked. It makes them want to find out what happens next. Without suspense, stories can feel flat and forgettable. Examples: Tips: Further reading: Building Suspense by Elizabeth Sims How do you create suspense … Read more

Using Dialogue to Reveal Character

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What does it mean to reveal character through dialogue? Revealing character through dialogue means showing who a person is by what they say and how they say it. Dialogue can tell us about their background, personality, emotions, and relationships without having to spell it out. (I once wrote a character who swore so much I … Read more

Which Is Better for Your Writing: First Person or Third Person?

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What is first person and how does it affect your story? First person means the story is told by a character using “I” or “we.” It lets readers experience the world directly through that character’s eyes. This creates intimacy and immediacy but limits the perspective to what that character knows or feels. (I once wrote … Read more

Step by Step Character Development: Create Unforgettable Characters

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Why is character development important for your story? Character development means creating characters who feel real and complex. Well-developed characters drive the plot, engage readers, and make your story memorable. Without them, even the best plot can fall flat. (We’ve all read a story with a brilliant idea but forgettable characters. It’s like eating plain … Read more