A compelling story isn't just a sequence of events; it’s a structured journey that connects with a reader's emotions.
: The "where and when" must feel tangible. Whether it's a real city or a fictional universe, you should know how it smells, feels, and sounds better than your own hometown. Page 101
: Identify a single, novel-worthy idea that drives your passion. Your opening page should skip boring backstories and jump straight into elements that grab attention. A compelling story isn't just a sequence of
: A standard plot follows a beginning, middle, and end, but you can experiment with the order. Use varying "beats"—don't tell the entire story at the same pace to maintain intrigue. : Identify a single, novel-worthy idea that drives
: Mastery of dialogue involves making it sound natural but concise. Focus on subtext—what a character doesn't say can be just as telling as their words. Cover Design 101: Making the First Impression
A book cover is a marketing tool that tells the story of the story inside. It should indicate the genre and capture the imagination before the first page is turned.
: Characters are the story. Build relatable, flawed personalities by including mundane details like what they eat or their musical tastes.