Blog
Why books get rejected by literary agents (and what to do about it)
Received another literary agent rejection? Here, we look at common manuscript and query letter problems. And how to improve your next submission.
What is free indirect discourse? And how can it improve your writing?
Free indirect discourse is a subtle but powerful storytelling technique. Discover free indirect discourse tips and examples to transform your fiction writing.
What is the climax of a story? (+ tips for writing a climactic scene)
Every story needs a dramatic climax. But why is it important? And when should it occur? Here’s everything you need to know about writing the climax of a story.
5 ways you’re creating narrative distance (and weakening your story)
Too much narrative distance makes it hard for readers to engage with your story. Here are 5 ways you could be creating narrative distance without meaning to.
What is narrative distance? And how do you control it?
Narrative distance has a profound effect on readers. But are you using it correctly? Here we look at narrative distance tips and examples to inspire your writing.
How to show happiness in writing (with 5 examples from fiction)
Characters with something to smile about? Then learn how to show happiness in your writing – and connect better with your readers – with these ideas and examples.
How to show sadness in writing (with 5 examples from fiction)
Authors are always encouraged to show, not tell. But how do you show sadness in your writing? Start by getting some inspiration from these tips and examples.
Show, Don’t Tell: The Golden Rule of Fiction Writing (+ Examples)
This post is all about the Golden rule of writing: show, don’t tell. Put simply, show, don’t tell just means describe, don’t explain. It’s a way to convey a story and its characters through action and sensory detail, rather than narrator exposition.
Do you need to hire a book editor before submitting to an agent or publisher?
This post delves into the kind of editing you can expect during the traditional publishing process and which situations might warrant hiring a book editor pre-submission.
How to Nail Dialogue Punctuation: Some Rules and Guidance
Knowing how to punctuate dialogue is fundamental to writing good dialogue. This post offers some guidance and outlines some basic dialogue punctuation rules you should know when writing dialogue in your story.