Readers who have enjoyed Tolkien’s Middle Earth or George R.R. Martin’s Westeros know just how exciting and captivating a new world can be. Every detail, from the landscapes to the cultural norms—draws you deeper into the narrative. That’s the power of worldbuilding. But worldbuilding isn’t just about drawing maps or inventing customs; it’s about creating…
There’s nothing worse than staring a blank page and having no idea where to start. Every writer needs inspiration if they want to write a book, and if yours is feeling a little empty, look no further than this list of book ideas to get your creativity flowing. From genre to theme to plot, these…
Subplots are the secret ingredients that add depth, complexity, and richness to a story. While the main plot drives the central narrative, subplots add to the story of the main character, create thematic nuances and expand the story’s world. You’ll struggle to find a successful story that doesn’t have a subplot. So, it’s essential to…
Picture this: you’re reading a novel, and suddenly, you’re transported to a bustling Victorian London street, the smell of coal smoke in the air and the clatter of horse hooves on cobblestones echoing in your ears. That’s the power of a well-described setting. Mastering the setting of a story is essential, whether you’re writing a…
Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Whether you’re writing the next bestseller or churning out blog posts, having the right laptop can make all the difference. Although you may prefer to handwrite your work initially, all writers need a laptop for their freelancing, novel writing or copywriting work. That’s why…
Have you ever found yourself thinking about Sherlock Holmes’ brilliant deductions long after closing a Conan Doyle novel? Or perhaps you’ve caught yourself wondering about Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird”? That’s the power of a well-written character. Readers often become more invested in the characters than in the actual plot. Characters can even…
We all remember that moment our favourite character turned out to be a villainous antagonist or when ‘prince charming’ turned out to be married. Personally, I’m still reeling from the moment Moiraine turned out to be alive after years of believing she was dead in The Wheel of Time series. Plot twists are an indispensable…
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” – Verbal Kint, The Usual Suspects Verbal Kint (aka Keyser Söze) knew a thing or two about villainy, and so should you if you want to create a memorable antagonist. A compelling villain can elevate your story from good to unforgettable, keeping…
“The moment you have dialogue, you’re in a scene.” – Elmore Leonard Elmore Leonard was right. Writing dialogue is an essential skill for any storyteller. It brings characters to life, moves the story forward, and engages readers in ways that narrative alone cannot. Not to mention that great dialogue reveals personality, conveys emotions and provides…
Have you ever read a story that made you feel like you were right there in the scene, experiencing every moment? That’s the magic of ‘show, don’t tell’. It is often attributed to writer Anton Chekhov who wrote, ‘Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass’ and…