The structure of your novel can enhance the overall story

Posted on 01/18/2020 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

When we think of story structure, we often think of plot progression and not necessarily the literal way in which...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Plot / narrative, Writer's Digest, Writing advice

The top writing tips from the Alliance of Independent Authors

Posted on 12/26/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

No matter the topic, you’ve likely found a new blog to love and been both excited and exhausted by the...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors), Diversity, Plot / narrative, Time management, Writing advice

Alternate proactive and reactive scenes to keep your story moving

Posted on 12/18/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

“Formulaic” is often tossed around as an insult. We’re not suggesting that you make your novel as predictable as can...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Plot / narrative, Writing advice

Take the time to engage your reader emotionally

Posted on 11/20/2019 at 10:52 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Keeping your reader engaged and interested in your story doesn’t mean rattling off events at an auctioneer’s speed. C.S. Lakin...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Joanna Penn, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

Keep your reader guessing to keep them reading

Posted on 11/16/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

In fiction, tension isn’t about clenching your fists or gritting your teeth — or stating that your protagonist is doing...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

14 questions to ask about each of your novel's scenes

Posted on 11/07/2019 at 11:45 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

When you revise your novel, you should be ensuring that each scene is as strong as it can be. Christian...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Editing, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

Two-minute tip: Find your core story

Posted on 11/05/2019 at 11:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Author Maisey Yates has advice for any fellow writers considering a genre or subgenre switch. First: Don’t be intimidated about...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Plot / narrative, Romance, Romance Writers of America, Video, Writing advice

5 ways your novel's setting can power the story

Posted on 11/02/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Your choice of a setting for your story should be anything but accidental or incidental. Author Jane Bernstein shares five...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Characters, Plot / narrative, Writer's Digest, Writing advice

C.S. Lakin: Your settings shouldn't be just any old place

Posted on 10/15/2019 at 10:58 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

The settings of your novel shouldn’t simply be afterthoughts or side notes — they should carry some significance to the...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

What your novel's setup scene should — and shouldn't — do

Posted on 09/23/2019 at 04:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Your setup scene isn’t always the first scene in your book, but — as its name suggests — it definitely...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, First lines and first chapters, Plot / narrative, Writing advice