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Stop Writing Boring Characters and Make Them Actually Feel
Oi, writers! ✍️ Ever read your own scene and thought: “Blimey, my characters are about as emotionally expressive as a soggy biscuit”? Fear not. I’ve cobbled together a fully loaded emotional toolkit so your characters feel real. I’ve got you covered for heart-wrenching, hilarious, awkward, heroic, and more. Think Harry Potter losing Sirius, The Fault
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30 Villain Motivations to Inspire Your Next Antagonist
Villains are some of the most fascinating characters to write. They’re complex, unpredictable, and often the best way to explore the darker sides of human nature. But a great villain isn’t just “evil for the sake of it.” Most memorable antagonists have motivations grounded in psychology, trauma, or worldview. If you’re struggling to make your
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The Lazy Writer’s Guide to a Killer Author Bio
So, you’ve written a story, maybe even finished a manuscript, and now someone asks you for an “author bio.” Cue panic. Don’t worry. I’ve been there, most writers have, and the truth is, your bio doesn’t have to be complicated, boring, or scary. This mega guide breaks it all down: why it matters, what to
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From Zero Book Reviews to a Flood of Feedback: Here’s How
Hello lovely people. Today let’s look at something I always get asked a lot about; book reviews! Oh the joys of the often overwhelming world of book promotion. Getting reviews isn’t as impossible as you think. You don’t even have to sell your soul! With a few clever tactics and a sprinkle of persistence, you
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13 Storytelling Mistakes That Are Secretly Killing Your Writing (And How to Fix Them)
Right, so let’s get something straight: writing a story is hard. Like, really hard. And most writers, even the ones who think they’ve got “talent”, make the same mistakes over and over. Mistakes that slowly, quietly, kill a story without you even realising. I’ve been there. I’ve stared at pages filled with ideas that seemed
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Stop Struggling to Write: Try This 10-Minute Brain Hack
So picture this: you’ve got a coffee, your laptop is open, and you’re ready to write the next Great British Novel. And then… nothing. Nada. You type a sentence, delete it. Type another. Delete it. Think “that made more sense in my head.” One hour later, you’ve mastered Reddit scrolling and the art of sighing
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10 Signs You’re Secretly a Gifted Writer (Even If You Doubt Yourself)
Ever sit down at your desk, open a blank document, and wonder: Am I really good enough to be published? You’re not alone. Probably every writer in who existed ever has felt that doubt at some point! Talent isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s subtle. Only showing up in the little things, or when others point
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Article Padding: How to Spot, Avoid, and Replace Filler with Valuable Content
What is article padding? Article padding is when extra words, sentences, or sections are added to make a piece look longer than it really is. It can slow readers down, weaken your message, and make your writing feel bloated. (Some articles feel like they were padded with actual sofa cushions.) Examples: Tips: Further reading: Self-Editing
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How Long Should a Story Be?
Why does story length even matter? People argue about this endlessly. Some swear a novel must be at least 80,000 words or it “doesn’t count.” Others boast about finishing a bestseller in 45,000. And then there are short stories so tight and powerful they hit harder than a 500-page doorstop. Truth: your story should be
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How to Write Steampunk
Why write steampunk? Steampunk blends history, imagination and invention. It takes the elegance of the Victorian age and adds strange machines, airships and brass gadgets. Readers love it because it feels both nostalgic and adventurous. (When I wrote my first steampunk short story, a reader told me it reminded them of Jules Verne mixed with
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How to Use Goodreads to Promote Your Book
Why use Goodreads for book promotion? Goodreads is a popular platform where readers discover, review and discuss books. It offers authors a direct line to engaged book lovers and helps increase visibility. (One of my earliest Goodreads discoveries was a reader who went through and reviewed every book I had written.) Examples: Tips: Step by
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Best Apps for Writing Poetry
Why use apps for writing poetry? Apps can help poets organise ideas, find inspiration, and polish their verses on the go. Whether you are scribbling your first haiku or refining an epic, the right app keeps your creativity flowing without fuss. (I once tried writing poems on napkins until my cat staged a rebellion.) Examples:
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How to Use Beta Readers Effectively
What is a beta reader? A beta reader is someone who reads your manuscript before publication to provide honest feedback on story, characters, pacing and clarity. They are a valuable sounding board to spot issues you might have missed. (I will never forget the one time I sent my draft to a beta reader and
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How to Avoid Common Writing Mistakes
What are the most common writing mistakes? Common writing mistakes include grammar slip-ups, weak structure, overused words, and unclear meaning. These can distract readers and weaken your message. Examples: Tips: Further reading: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King How can I improve my sentence structure? Varying sentence length and type keeps
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Writing with a Unique Voice
What is a unique writing voice? A unique voice is the distinct personality and style that shines through your writing. It reflects your perspective, tone and rhythm, making your work recognisable and engaging. (I once read a novel where the voice was so strong, it felt like the author was chatting right beside me.) Examples:
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How to Write a Synopsis for Your Novel
What is a synopsis? A synopsis is a concise summary of your novel’s main plot, characters and key themes. It’s often used when submitting to agents or publishers to give them a quick overview of your story. (I once sent a synopsis so clear, an agent called me the very next day.) Examples: Tips: Further
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How to Write Historical Fiction
What is historical fiction? Historical fiction is a genre that blends real historical events or periods with imagined characters and stories. It brings the past to life while weaving compelling narratives. (I absolutely love a historical novel, especially when they’re so vivid, I feel like I’ve stepped into a time machine.) Examples: Tips: Further reading:
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Writing for Social Media: Tips and Tricks
Why is writing for social media different? Social media writing is quick, punchy and designed to grab attention in a crowded space. It demands clarity and personality in just a few words. Examples: Tips: Further reading: Everybody Writes by Ann Handley How do I craft engaging headlines and hooks? Your headline or first sentence needs
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How to Structure Your Novel
What does novel structure mean? Novel structure is the organised framework that shapes your story. It includes the sequence of events, pacing and how you build tension and resolution. (A novel with no structure will feel like a rollercoaster with no brakes!) Examples: Tips: Further reading: Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland How do I
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Writing Tips from Famous Authors
Why learn from famous authors? Famous authors have honed their craft through experience, trial and error. Their insights can inspire and guide your own writing journey. (After reading Hemingway’s advice I immediately felt ready to tackle my next draft.) Examples: Tips: Further reading: On Writing by Stephen King What are some classic writing tips? Many