One of the first decisions any aspiring novelist will have to make concerns the type of novel he’d like to write. At first glance, this may seem straightforward, but any published author will admit that this is not necessarily so. The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a novel in the following terms: ‘a fictitious prose story of book length.’ Furthermore, enter any bookshop and it will become obvio...

5 tips on how to relate things in the most interesting manner “How are you?” asks a friend at a party. “I am well. But you know, last week, my mother gave me this lecture about how I should find a man and settle down. Then at work my boss was terrible; I tell you he really gave me a hard time over a project that was not completed. And the best part is that I was not in charge of this project …”...

5 Places to Find Writing Ideas If you’ve ever struggled in coming up with creative ideas, welcome to the club. For most writers, discovering new writing projects involves conscious pursuit of their thought trails. But where do start on our quest for inspiration? Here are a few places you can find new ideas for writing: 1. The world around you.Just like a photographer, you must start looking at l...

5 Questions to Ask About Every Article Idea I know a good idea when I see one. So should you. Dump those time-tested ideas you’re sending off to editors every other day, and find ideas that will get you the assignment each time, every time. How do you know whether your brilliant idea will strike a chord and get you the assignment or land your neatly crafted query in the slush pile? Use the follo...

5 Reasons Why Every Writer Needs A Newsletter There are a number of reasons that every writer should have their own newsletter. 1. Creative Outlet — Every writer I know writes because they must, because they simply have something to say. However the trick is for many writers finding the right outlet, the right expression, for that message. Starting your own newsletter or ezine can give you that ...

5 Ways to Enhance Your Creativity Surprise Your Mind. List laughable, ridiculous, outrageous and bizarre ideas. Don't limit yourself to ideas that other people consider "sane," "reasonable" or "logical." The best and most creative ideas stem from silly ones. When you're in a creative mode, you're suspending judgment on ideas you generate. You simply list them all down and never worry whether th...

5 Words to Creating Unstoppable Confidence One thing drives me each and every day to keep growing, learning, and striving for my dreams. It is this single idea, five simple words, that has dramatically improved my life, giving me the positive motivation and confidence necessary to achieve my goals and really enjoy each moment I am alive. Today, I am going to share this idea with you. Once you r...

When someone reads a novel, he is often looking for a way to temporarily escape from reality and hopes to be ‘transported’ to an unusual or glamorous location. Therefore, if you can set your story against a thrilling, unfamiliar or exotic backdrop, you will certainly excite the reader’s imagination and enhance the quality of your story. The following is an explanation of how to find a suitable set...

When thinking about how to create the right atmosphere in your novel, your  aim should be to stimulate the reader’s emotions. With the correct atmosphere,  your reader may be filled with dread, wonder or awe; he could be outraged or  feel serene. Use the suggestions made below to help you create the right  atmosphere so as to manipulate your reader’s feelings and moods. Choosing Your Ambience R...