How to Write a Trilogy - Part 1: Learning the First Steps
I don’t know about you, but when I invest in a character, a cast of characters, or a world, I gobble up everything written about them. And if it’s a trilogy, I’m head over heels gone. Today, let’s talk about the big-picture things you need to consider if you’re planning to write a trilogy so your readers don’t drop off halfway through. It all starts with understanding the kind of trilogy you’re writing.
How to Build a Magic System That Serves Your Story (Instead of Distracting from It)
When writing a fantasy novel, it’s easy to get caught up in the cool factor of it all—enchanted objects, secret portals, forbidden spells, talking dragons. And listen, I love all of it. But here’s the thing a lot of writers miss: your magic system isn’t just a shiny layer on top of your story. It should serve the story.
How to Get Unstuck And All About Revising Your Novel
No matter when or where it happens, the STUCK sucks for writers. Sometimes we feel like we’re doing it wrong, we’ll never come up with the right solution, that all this work is pointless, and on and on with narratives that are totally normal, but equally unhelpful.
Revision can be a beast—especially the first time. Even if it’s not your first time, it can still feel overwhelming, and it’s often hard to know where to begin. One of the first things I ask my writers (and myself) to consider is this: What kind of relationship do you want to have with your creative work?
How to Choose the Right Point of View For Your Novel
One of the most powerful tools in a writer’s storytelling arsenal is point of view (POV). It shapes how your readers experience your story, how much they know at any given moment, and how emotionally connected they feel to your characters.
How to Write a Killer Opening Scene in a Fiction Novel
Opening scenes are critical, especially the first three pages. They can make or break your fiction novel. It's often where the reader chooses to keep going or put the book down. Permanently.
So what are the most critical pieces of a story to include in your opening pages?