Bookwriter RSS Blog
The Bookwriter RSS Blog will keep you up to date on new articles about writing and story structure, answers to common writing questions and other information designed to help you write your book.
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And please, enjoy the latest posts below.
Appearance vs reality
Question: ...Also my novel has begun to shape up with some heavy appearance vs reality themes where I thought it was going down the loss, redemption and
third person present tense
Question: ...certain chapters in my novel, the flashbacks are written in present tense (I know I know ) and my question is when writing a sentence in the
dialogue tags
Question: How do I make my dialogue tags less repetitive? For example, if I were to express the same emotion throughout many scenes and run out of dialogue
How do I fit an antagonist's backstory into my novel?
Question: I have an antagonist that my protagonist doesn't meet until a few chapters in. He has his own backstory, that I feel is important to tell, but
Continue reading "How do I fit an antagonist's backstory into my novel?"
overall structure of the book
Question: I am writing a story involving a character that is loosely based upon me but will have certain different actions and I am trying to relate the
I can't connect with my protagonist
Hello, I've got a great story and plot and I know the type of protagonist I need to write about but I'm struggling to build that deep emotional connect
Children's or ???
Question: Does it fall into the children's category when it is a book they will gift to Mom when done? Answer: A children's book is one that is written
Parallel plots, different times
Question: I am writing a book with two main characters. The novel starts in 2016 with an introduction of both characters (A&B), together, one space, one
What genre is my book?
Question: It's set in Ancient Rome and has historical elements, though it doesn't really mention anything of importance that would classify it as historical
Pacing
Question: I seem to have a really hard time pacing my stories because none of my scenes and chapters in between major plot points feels natural. Is there
Fantasy
Question: I'm trying to write a book like Game of Thrones, but don't want to copy it, any advice? Answer: Yes. Don't copy it. Okay, let me be a little
Mystery Romance
Hello, I'm writing a novel in which the protagonist starts to become suspicious of her mother's involvement in a hospital scandal that has to do with
Mystery Deja vu
Dear Glen, Once again, Thank You for your novel planning book. I'm writing my ninth novel with its help, the fifth in mystery. While writing my mystery
How do I Rewrite my Novel?
Hello! I finished writing my manuscript one year ago. Since then, I have made almost no progress with rewriting it. I don't know how to begin, or where
Using an actual place in a novel but making it less accurate
Question: Is there a disclaimer when using an actual place in a novel, yet wanting it to fit into your story, so taking some poetic license.? Also,
Continue reading "Using an actual place in a novel but making it less accurate"
Subtle action
Question: How do I take a subtle (and kinda quirky) super power and write in a way that keeps the tension and the book flowing? My characters in the book
Need help on how to start this story
Question: I am currently trying to write a short story for my english class. I know I want to write the plot around 3 murders during mardi gras. The story
Reasons to write
Question Are there like wrong reasons to write? I love making up stories. I live with characters every day, I daydream all the scenes and emotions. Which
Plot planning when you are a pantser
Hi! I would like to know how do I plan the whole book when I don't know what is going to happen. I know the theme, I know what is happening now, but
Stories with no clear end goals.
Question: My story is set in a world where magic exists and is formally taught at schools. Everyone has mana in them. The story revolves around a commoner
Tragi-Comedy 8-Point Plot Outline
Hi there, I've gone through the 8-point plot outline for my story, which I've decided is a sort of comi-tragedy(the main character achieves the story
Multiple POV
Question: I have a series planned in my head and am planning the story from 3 characters' POV. The problem is I don't want to switch back and forth every
Utopias
Question: How do I NOT write a Utopian world? I feel like everything I write is a Utopian, and those aren't any good. Help? Answer: I have to guess a
Purpose In Flashbacks
Question: First of all, I'd like to say I'm happy to see you still doing this. I used to ask questions 2-3 yrs ago before losing interest in writing. I've
first chapter
Hi, My name is Shenidene and I'm writing a book well I'm starting a chapter of a book I call snow falling it's a romance/ crime/investigation and well
Exclamation points , and methods to convey emotion in the character's voice
Hello, My question is about conveying to the reader a character's changing emotions through his or her voice in a literal sense. How it raises or lowers
Continue reading "Exclamation points , and methods to convey emotion in the character's voice"
Plot twists
Question: I'm writing a novel in which the protagonist, little by little, uncovers clues about her mothers involvement in an incident at a hospital. The
restrictions freedoms or my ignorance?
Hi Glen, While working on stories using Dramatica here is what I understood. MC is living his throughline with his own share of concerns issues etc, independent
Writing a entire book about a corporation.
Hello, I want to write a book about the history of youtube that will cover good parts of it and bad. Would I be able to do so or would I run into legal
Continue reading "Writing a entire book about a corporation."
Agent
Question: I've decided to self-publish, Is it still a good idea to have a literary agent? Answer: The job of a literary agent is to find a publisher for
Fictitious Setting
Question: Thanks for your Novel Planning Book and all the other information made available on your site. I've been writing my fourth Mystery series novel
types of vehicles
How can I use a real vehicle in my plot without asking for permission or do I need to ask first? My main character will pick up her dream vehicle from
Witches
Question: Any advice or tips on how to write about a world where witches exist? Answer: I assume you mean witches with actual magic powers, not just Wiccans
Character motive
Question: I am currently writing a story from a murderer's point of view, although I’m struggling to think of a proper motive. I want to make sure the
research
Question: I'm writing a novel that's Historical Fiction. I'm incorporating 2 of my characters into a disaster that happened in 1940. I'm also including
Best tense to use for horror (slasher) novel?
Question: I am an aspiring author and I'm planning to write a horror novel in the style of a slasher (think: Friday the 13th, Halloween, etc). I'm planning
Continue reading "Best tense to use for horror (slasher) novel?"
Genre confusion
Question: Hi - I'm writing a story with four main characters, who each live in the same apartment over a thirty year period. I guess it's a coming of age/realisation
Plot problems
Question: Hello there, I'm 17 years old, and this is my first try to write a story. This is what I've written 'till now, Is it a weak plot? Is the protagonist
best seller plots
Question: How can I come up with a really new and good concept for a very high concept plot that will become a best seller. I need a way to be creative
POV and Tense
Question: I'm trying to write a story about an adventure that happens to four people. One person is basically the protagonist, and I've been writing them
Use of characters in an autobiography
I intend to write my autobiography. I am 79 years old and had an inspiring life. I was asked by many friends and acquaintances to write the story of my
Internal conflict without external conflict
I have developed characters, their personalities, motivations, flaws, wants, needs - I know exactly what their internal conflict should be. The problem
Continue reading "Internal conflict without external conflict "
Which is worse?
Question: Which is the better plot decision: To have a character achieve their goal knowing full well that it will kill them and then having the character
Writing diversity as a white author
Hi! I'm writing a story that focuses on a mother and her three daughters as the main characters. I've always seen these characters as Caucasian mostly
Character names
Question: I used a name of a character in my book, that happens to be one of my main characters. I searched on the web and found that someone used the
child narrator in adult book?
Hi Glen, I would kindly like to ask you if it is possible to have a child narrator and main character in adult fiction? I don't want it to become a children’s
Writing Courses in the New Year
If you live in the Kingston, Ontario area, you may be interested in one of the creative writing courses being offered by St. Lawrence College in the New Year which I have been asked to teach. In 2019, the college is experimenting with a new lineup of shorter, more affordable courses on a variety of subjects, so you can pick and choose.
The link above will take you to the full catalog.
Goals
Hi, Is it possible for the main character to have a small goal in the beginning of the book but to shelf that goal until the resolution, for a goal that
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Recent Postings
-
Appearance vs reality
May 14, 20 10:24 PM
Question: ...Also my novel has begun to shape up with some heavy appearance vs reality themes where I thought it was going down the loss, redemption and
-
third person present tense
May 14, 20 10:16 PM
Question: ...certain chapters in my novel, the flashbacks are written in present tense (I know I know ) and my question is when writing a sentence in the
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
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