Seven Traits of Sympathetic Characters
According to writing coach Joe Bunting, there are seven traits of sympathetic characters. While they apply to any character, these […]
Celebrating World Book Day 2025
Join us in celebrating World Book Day 2025 on Thursday 6 March. The annual celebration of authors, illustrators, books and
Competence Tempered by Flaws
The key to an appealing, relatable protagonist: competence tempered by flaws. Without flaws, you get a Mary-Sue paragon of virtue.
Fourteen Questions About Setting
If writing fiction is all about answering questions, then there are fourteen questions about setting you better have the answers
The Dictionary Trap
Ever had to dig yourself out of the Dictionary Trap? Top writing coaches want to to vary your vocabulary, to
Big Plot versus little plot
Sanderson’s lecture series makes much of Big Plot versus little plot. What’s the difference and why does it matter?
The Secret Book Quest 2025
The Secret Book Quest 2025 is a returning children’s reading challenge from Libraries Unlimited for five year olds and up.
Five First Draft Mistakes
There are more than five first draft mistakes you can make in a novel. But I read through editor Ellen
National Storytelling Week 2025
National Storytelling Week 2025 takes place from Saturday 1 February to Sunday 9 February.
Decode the Publisher’s Book Description
How do you decode the publisher’s book description – you know, those tag-lines on the front and back cover? You