Novel Structure: Seven Plot Points You Should Know

Novel Structure: Seven Plot Points You Should Know

Novel Structure: Seven Plot Points You Should Know In screenwriting, there are commonly agreed “plot points” that movies are expected to follow. With novels, you’ve got more flexibility – but many writers and theorists would argue that you should hit...
What’s “Real” Writing – and Does Yours Count?

What’s “Real” Writing – and Does Yours Count?

What’s “Real” Writing – and Does Yours Count? This post was originally published in June 2013, and updated and republished in July 2019. Do you ever worry that your writing doesn’t really “count” somehow? The first time I felt this was back in 2008 –...
Stuck on Your Novel? Here’s How to Get Moving Again

Stuck on Your Novel? Here’s How to Get Moving Again

Stuck on Your Novel? Here’s How to Get Moving Again It’s a familiar situation for most novelists: you get a few chapters in (or if you’re unlucky, a few pages) … and for one reason or another, you find yourself stuck. Maybe your initial enthusiasm for the project...