It’s another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. And this month the topic is… Setting the scene This seems a simple topic. A scene is just a scene, isn’t it? Just a few lines of description and then move on to the more interesting plot and dialogue. In fact skilful scene-setting can enrich the plot,… Continue reading 7 tips for setting the scene in your novel (and bringing it to life)
Another month, another writers’ Round Robin. And this month our topic is a question many novel writers have grappled with at some point. How do you fix a saggy middle? Imagine you’re a writer with a killer opening. You spend the next few chapters setting up your characters and the premise of the novel. You… Continue reading 7 tips to tighten the saggy middle of your story and keep readers engaged
Another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. This month our question is… …What’s your favourite point of view to write and/or read, and why? When I first started out writing, I struggled with point of view. I had no idea how choppy my story was until a very good editor pointed out how my fictional… Continue reading Do your heads hop? Some tips on choosing point of view and keeping it consistent
Another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. This month the topic has been set by author Skye Taylor How important is character arc to your stories and how does it tie in to the plot or story arc? I write and edit romance novels. These novels are character-driven rather than plot-driven, and so for me… Continue reading #Writetip: Seven steps for creating a strong character arc in your romance novel
If you haven’t yet seen the Netflix series Queen Charlotte, and if you’re looking for a touching love story, with a great script, an excellent cast, beautiful costumes and stunning scenery, then you’re in for a treat. Shonda Rhimes called this prequel to Bridgerton ‘fiction inspired by fact’. I loved this retelling, and what I… Continue reading The fabulous Kew Palace and the true story of Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte
Happy 4th July! To celebrate, I have 11 brilliant romance novels by American authors. I hope you enjoy all these as much as I did. Cut yourself a slice of pumpkin pie…and let the fireworks begin! New American romance novels Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry, by Joya Goffney Quinn keeps lists of everything – from the… Continue reading New, Recent and Classic: 11 Brilliant American Romance Novels to Read This Summer
It’s another month, and another authors’ Round Robin. This month our topic has been set by author Skye Taylor… Plotting or pantsing – which method do you prefer? Since this question is all about creating story structure, I’m answering with my developmental editor’s hat on. (I don’t really have a developmental editor’s hat, but if… Continue reading A simple tip for creating story structure, for plotters and pantsers alike
Spring is here – season of new life and regeneration. And the question for this month’s authors’ Round Robin fits perfectly in the them of spring: How do you breathe life into your characters? I’d been a writer for a long time before I began working as a freelance editor. It wasn’t until I began… Continue reading How to breathe life into your fictional characters
It’s another month, and another of our authors’ Round Robins. This month our topic is set by author Dr Bob Rich… How can contemporary fiction keep up with our swiftly changing world? Another thought-provoking topic this month. For my take on subject, I’m asking the question Can Chat GPT write a romance novel? Chat GPT,… Continue reading Can Chat GPT write a romance novel?
At the time of writing we’ve just started a new year – a time many people resolve to write the novel they’ve always wanted to write. If you have a great idea for a story and you’re setting out to write your first draft, even if this isn’t your first novel, I’ve put together this… Continue reading How to focus on the heart of your novel. Plus, a special offer for writers