7 tips for setting the scene in your novel (and bringing it to life)

November 18, 2023 Helena Fairfax 0

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)

7 tips to tighten the saggy middle of your story and keep readers engaged

October 28, 2023 Helena Fairfax 0

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

A simple tip for creating story structure, for plotters and pantsers alike

June 17, 2023 Helena Fairfax 0

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

Appearance is everything – or is it? How much character description should a writer give?

September 24, 2022 Helena Fairfax 0

Another month, another authors’ Round Robin. And another through-provoking question in our writers’ group… What do you define in your writing about your characters and what do you leave to the reader’s intuition? Is there anything you never tell about a character? There’s a LOT to these questions but they got me thinking in particular… Continue reading Appearance is everything – or is it? How much character description should a writer give?

Making Readers Care: 9 Tips on Crafting Compelling Characters

July 31, 2022 Helena Fairfax 0

This month’s authors’ Round Robin is all about character, and the inspiration for the topic comes from author Connie Vines. Jane Eyre, James Bond, Harry Potter, Fagin, Bridget Jones and Anne of Green Gables – human beings are always interested in the story of other human beings, and we remember the characters in a story… Continue reading Making Readers Care: 9 Tips on Crafting Compelling Characters

Formatting your manuscript made easy: some great tips on using Word styles

September 11, 2021 Helena Fairfax 0

In my work as a freelance fiction editor for self-publishing authors, and as a reader for the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme, I sometimes receive manuscripts that aren’t as professionally formatted as they could be. (This is understandable, as no one knows there’s a ‘best way to format a manuscript’ until they’re told!) As… Continue reading Formatting your manuscript made easy: some great tips on using Word styles

6 ways to avoid repeating the same old words and phrases in your writing

August 21, 2021 Helena Fairfax 0

It’s August, and time for another authors’ Round Robin. This month the topic has been set by author Rhobin Courtright. Do you have any character habits or favourite words that always crop up in your writing? The short and simple answer: yes! The difficulty is, spotting this repetition when it happens. My husband always reads… Continue reading 6 ways to avoid repeating the same old words and phrases in your writing