Writing Craft: 5 Elements of a Good Story
A good story doesn't just happen. It's purposefully crafted with the aid of certain elements. In this post, I discuss those elements.
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Noni
May 17, 20226 min read
How To: Write a Good Plot Twist (Chekhov's Gun & Red Herrings)
A good plot twist is an unexpected turn in a story. When well placed, it is one of the greatest and most satisfying reader experiences.
Noni
Apr 22, 20226 min read
Talent vs. Discipline: What's More Important for a Writer?
Success in writing is most often determined by a person’s level of discipline, not their talent. Here's why.
Noni
Apr 7, 20226 min read
How To: Choose an Inciting Incident to Start a Novel
An inciting incident is the quickest way to grab a reader's attention from the very beginning. This post will show you how to write one.
Noni
Apr 5, 20227 min read
How To: Write a Solid, Plot-driven Story Outline
All the greatest, most flowery writing in the world won't save a bad plot. But what is plot exactly? Read this post to find out.
Noni
Mar 29, 20226 min read
How To: Write a Well Paced Story
The pace of a story determines how quickly or slowly the action unfolds within the story. Read this post to learn how to get it just right.
Noni
Mar 17, 20226 min read
How To: Create an Amazing Book Cover that Sells!
We all judge books by their cover. We can't help it. So, having a great cover is critical. In this post I'll show you how to design one.
Noni
Mar 13, 20226 min read
What does it mean to 'Show Don't Tell'?
'Show, don't tell' is generally accepted as great writing advice, but what exactly does it mean? This post will discuss exactly that.
Noni
Mar 10, 20227 min read
How to: Write Believable Characters
Tired of writing characters that fall flat or that just don't seem real? This guide will show you how to develop 3-dimensional characters!
Noni
Dec 11, 20203 min read
I Published a Book. Really. You can buy it and everything.
The story behind why and how author Nonjabulo Sangweni-Arahill wrote and published her debut novel, The Pots, in her own words.
Noni
Dec 4, 20204 min read
NaNoWriMo, Charleston & Thanksgiving. An update.
Well I promised I'd give an update so here I am to admit defeat. I failed Nano this year. I did not make it to 50,000 words. I did not...
Noni
Nov 15, 20204 min read
NaNoWriMo- How It's Going
Let's just say, this cat pounding a keyboard like it's possessed gets me. That is all. I thought I'd do an update seeing as we're halfway...
Noni
Oct 15, 20206 min read
Preptober - 8 Steps to Get Ready for NaNoWriMo!
That's right, I've decided to participate in Nanowrimo again this year, probably because I'm a sucker for punishment and also because I...
Noni
Sep 24, 20203 min read
Free Workbook: How To Plot Your Novel in 7 Days - A Guide for New/Aspiring Authors
Have you ever wanted to write a book? Do you have an idea for a novel that you just know has the potential to be a truly amazing body of...
Noni
Sep 17, 20207 min read
How To Know if it's Time to Scrap Your Book - The Book I had to Scrap and Why
If you read the previous posts about The Gnawing Call to Write a Book and How to Actually Write and Finish your Book, then you may have...
Noni
Sep 10, 20206 min read
How To: Actually Write and Finish Your Book. 3 Steps to Guide You Through
Writing a book is one of those things that's designed to impress everyone. You say it, and you almost have to allow two extra seconds for...
Noni
Sep 3, 20205 min read
The Gnawing Call to Write a Book: An Author Origin Story
Authentic (originating from within) desire is like an unbearable itch that must be scratched. An intense itch, like the one from deep...
Noni
Mar 4, 20202 min read
Reading Goals for the Year (2020)
This year, I want to read more and I want to hold myself to it. Hence this public declaration. I thought I'd set some goals. This is...
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