From Idea to Impact: The Role of Themes and Symbols in Fiction

two people telling a story

You’ve probably heard the words “theme” and “symbolism” a lot. Some people would argue that all forms of literature have both of them. Some disagree. Regardless, they aren’t just literary buzzwords – they are tools for adding depth and resonance into your writing so that your stories linger in your readers’ minds.  Here, we break […]

Middle Grade, Part 1: The Books That Hooked Us On Reading

mg novels part 1

Middle grade (MG) is a term used to describe the age range of a book’s intended audience. Despite the name, it doesn’t apply only to kids in middle school. Middle grade readers are between the ages of 8 and 12, which typically corresponds to kids in 3rd through 6th grade. And they read. A lot. […]

Crafting Stories with a Point (or Seven!)

person writing notes in book

Writing a novel is akin to a marathon – it’s long, grueling, and requires meticulous preparation. One proven strategy to ensure your story is gripping from the get-go is the 7-Point Method. This system offers a bird’s eye view of the plot, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical narrative. Here’s a deep dive into each point […]

How To Research Your Novel – A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you ready to start your novel? Do you want to make it believable? Not all stories are scientifically sound, but even ones with magic or set in futuristic worlds have a sense of reality that captures their readers. Research is a major part of making any story feel life-like, but it isn’t always easy to know where to start. This guide will show you how!

How to Research Your Novel for Maximum Impact

You’re ready to start writing your novel but want to make sure you’re telling a story that people can believe. Not all stories are scientifically sound, but even novels with magic or futuristic worlds must have an element of believability to capture the attention of your readers and help them feel engaged and immersed in […]