How Long is a Chapter?
How long is a chapter? This is a question I get all the time from writers. In this video, I'll ask you some leading questions that will allow you to figure out that ideal chapter count or chapter-length for yourself in your particular project.
How Many Characters to Include In a Novel
If you're wondering how many characters you should put in your novel, or how big your cast of characters should be (or how small), check out this video.
Brighten Even The Foggiest Story Idea
Story ideas don’t always come easily, but sometimes we get glimmers that turn into a list of foggy ideas. How do we decide which new idea to run with? And how do we take steps to make it shine?
Episode 6: Gail Carson Levine, Historical and Fantasy Author
Historical and fantasy author Gail Carson Levine interviews with Mary Kole. She shares thoughts on the writing process, world-building, and her latest book, A Ceiling Made of Eggshells.
Story Mastermind: Novel Mini-Mastermind
Story Mastermind is a five-month small group workshop intensive. The deliverable is a fully workshopped novel draft and submission materials. We’ll give you a taste of how we discuss story in Novel Mastermind: from the premise, the elevator pitch, the logline; to theme, character objective, and stakes.
Novel Setting: Where’s It Gonna Be?
Your novel has to be somewhere. It can be anywhere! But setting is not an arbitrary detail: it can make all the difference.
Pacing in Writing
Pacing is the engine that keeps that story going and keeps your reader's interest level high. One of the most important things that I teach when it comes to pacing with writing is the balance of action and the information. Information is dense. It moves slowly. Action is fast. It moves quickly. It has nothing to do with page count, but everything to do with the balance of what's in those pages.
Starting a Novel
Today we are talking about starting a novel...it's hard. But the thing you must remember is: You don't have to nail it on the first try. You can—and should!—always go back, edit, revise. Beginnings are incredibly important. They're what agents and publishers consider before they decide whether they're going to spend the rest of their time with you and your story. But you have a lot of time to go back and nail it!
How To Be More Intentional With Chapter Structure
Chapter structure, like plot structure, is key to achieving a believable and engaging narrative. Here’s how to make sure your chapters are complete and doing as much work for you and your story as possible.
Novel Openings
Go beyond the landscape when setting the scene with these three essential considerations for starting your novel.
The Body and Soul of Story
Stories are like people. They have a body, and a soul. The body is the plot, the actions that happen. And the soul is the character, the protagonist, the key person (or persons) bound by the circumstances of the plot and forced into decisions.
Novel Series
Writing a novel series? Here are some valuable tips on planning and executing your series, as well as how to pitch it to publishers.
Writing the Inciting Incident
If you're curious about writing the inciting incident, and how this applies to your novel, picture book, or story, check out this class.
Beginning a Novel
What’s involved in beginning a novel? Whether it’s by plotting, planning, figuring out your characters, or simply not worrying about the mistakes you’re making, there are tips for you to follow.