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The Writing Craft

11 best books on writing

The 12 Best Books on Writing I’ve Ever Read

July 20, 2023

Regardless how many books I’ve written (over 200) and sold (over 70 million), I fear if I’m not learning, I’m stagnating. My late mother was a convincing example of one who never believed she had arrived. Mom was not only a piano teacher well into her eighties, but she was also a piano student. So […]

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Tone in Writing - A Simple Guide for Authors

Tone in Writing: A Simple Guide for Authors

July 7, 2023

Guest blog by Tami Nantz If you’re confused about the difference between “voice” and “tone” in writing, you aren’t alone. Many writers conflate the two.  Whether you’re writing a novel, a blog post, an article, or a poem, it’s important to know the difference so you can communicate with readers in a way that resonates.  […]

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Mastering Foreshadowing in Your Story

July 3, 2023

If your story starts with anything foreboding—creaking floors, snuffed-out candles, or  threatening skies, you’re implying danger or terrible trouble ahead for your main character.  Masterful storytellers foreshadow such things with disquieting clues of what’s to come.  What is Foreshadowing? And Why is it Important? Foreshadowing is a literary device authors use to lay a foundation […]

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5 Tips to Mastering First-Person Point of View

April 3, 2023

From childhood you’ve been telling stories in the first-person, using I, me, and my. It’s the simplest way to relay an experience. It can also be the best point of view for you as a beginning writer. Read on for first-person point of view tips, tricks, and pitfalls. Why Use the First-Person Point of View? […]

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A Complete Guide to Narrative Writing—Stories Well Told

February 21, 2023

What keeps readers turning pages, moviegoers glued to their seats, and Netflix watchers up all night? Narrative—a well-told story. Want to get a handle on narrative writing so you can tell that story that’s burning inside you? Read on… What is Narrative Writing?  Any piece of writing that tells a story — fiction or nonfiction. […]

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