Ask Your Questions About Novel Writing And We Will Try To Answer Them!

Pinpointing what my Story Goal is 
Question: I'm stuck at the moment on pinpointing what my story goal is. I thought a lot about it and I narrowed it down but I hope you can help me. …

Writing thoughts and diary entries. 
Question: This is my first time trying to write, I constantly imagine fictional scenarios, so I decided to write a novel with them, but in my idea, we …

Using the actual names of people and places in memoir... 
Question: I am writing a memoir of my years as a teacher. If I want to use real names, what is the protocol/requirement for getting permission? (Changing …

Pacing a storyline 
Question: What are some good strategies for pacing a storyline that covers 2 years? Answer: Not the easiest question to answer, but here are some …

Synopsis of nonlinear narrative 
Question: How to write the synopsis of nonlinear narrative? I also have two protoganists (in love with each other but has different story goal). …

I can't connect with my protagonist 
Hello, I've got a great story and plot and I know the type of protagonist I need to write about but I'm struggling to build that deep emotional connect …

Reasons to write 
Question Are there like wrong reasons to write? I love making up stories. I live with characters every day, I daydream all the scenes and emotions. Which …

No Progress with Rewriting? 
I finished writing my manuscript one year ago. Since then, I have made almost no progress with rewriting it. I don't know how to begin, or where to begin, …

Tragi-Comedy 8-Point Plot Outline 
Hi there, I've gone through the 8-point plot outline for my story, which I've decided is a sort of comi-tragedy(the main character achieves the story …

Relationship between story throughlines? 
My question is about the relationship between story throughlines -- overall, main character, etc. While working on stories using Dramatica here is what …

Purpose of Flashbacks 
Question: My question is about the purpose of flashbacks in stories. I'm writing a scifi origin story for a future series main character. I once just …

Internal conflict without external conflict  
I have developed characters, their personalities, motivations, flaws, wants, needs - I know exactly what their internal conflict should be. The problem …

Too much detail 
I've been writing short stories for a while now but I keep noticing the same problems in my work. I have an almost over active imagination and thus visualize …

Identifying my book as a memoir versus a novel. 
Question: Taken directly from my journals detailing true misadventures involving drug-addicted prostitutes over a two year period, though therefore properly …

Just a Comment and not a question 
I've written a novel (going by notes as far back as High School, over 40 years ago), and have pieced everything together and fleshed it out to my satisfaction. …

need help with main character throughline 
Question: I can't seem to come up with the main character throughline for my story that seems right. My story takes place in a world, filled with …

Dramatica "this scene represents" Dilemma 
Question: I've decided to write a total of 64 scenes with 64,000 words. This is my benchmark, but I'm willing to let it grow larger or smaller as needed. …

I am stuck in my writing 
Dear Glen, You have helped me before and I hope you can help me again. I am one third through my second novel and feel completely stuck with no idea …

Is this Chapter Important to the Story? (And Another Issue) 
Question: I wrote a chapter in which nothing particularly interesting happens. One of the characters (let's call her Anna) hasn't told the two main characters …

Introducing New Characters: when?  
Question: I have been told that my self-discovery travel romance novel has too many characters the first chapter. The protagonist is alone for the first …

Advice on Writing Stories With Multiple POV Characters 
I've been thinking a lot about how to angle this question. This will be long. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion. It seems like every time someone …

How do you determine what writing projects are worth moving forward with? 
Question: I've been writing down every idea that comes to my head lately. Some ideas are easily eliminated because they've been done similarly before …

Plot Outline to Plot Model 
Question: After I finish the 10 step plot outline, which is step 3 in How to Write a Novel, bottom of page says to use the W Plot Model (or Dramatica …

Feedback on a 'prophecy' I have written for my story 
Hello! I have recently come up with the idea for a story that I REALLY like! I have created a plot by reading your 'Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps' …

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How can one be inspired? 
Question: A problem I have been battling through my journey in writing is the lack of inspiration. I have leafed through countless author sites - this …

Writing Your Autobiography 
Question: I am working on my autobiography and would like to get guidance on the structure. Can you please help? Answer: The principles of story …

What is the difference between the main character and the protagonist? 
Question: What is the difference between the main character and the protagonist? Answer: "Protagonist" is a word that goes back to ancient Greek …

Fast Novel Writing 
Question: I am writing a story and my mom is rushing me. How do I write faster and swiftly, without my novel looking as if it was spit out of a factory? …

Is luck an acceptable character trait? 
Question: I've tried to balance it out by having my character's luck failing occasionally and just opting for the least likely outcome rather than something …

Does the story relayed in a journal have to be a "co-plot"? 
Question: You just answered a question for me about whether ICs can be dead, and that answer was very clear, but something else you said in that response …

Thinking about writing a book about the funny things my grandsons say 
Question: I've been posting some of the funny things my grandsons say on facebook. Several people have suggested I write a book. I'm undecided if I should …

Two separate characters telling their story as first person. 
Question: This is my first attempt at writing a book. I have planned to alternate my chapters with 2 main characters, both are equally important. I have …

Percentage of Royalties for an Illustrator 
Question: I have written the book.. and an illustrator is doing the graphics. She is also helping do some of the formatting... what percentage of royalties …

Wattpad and other reading sites. 
Question: Do you think posting stories in reading sites like Wattpad is a good way for aspiring writers? I want my work to be published traditionally …

Product Placement in Fiction 
Hi Glenn! Got married a year back and had a name change, but still follow you, and really want to thank you for this wonderful and NECESSARY, relevant …

Where do I go from here? 
Question: So I have almost finished my novel. I have 81,000 words divided into 23 chapters. I have no idea where to go. I have never written a book …

Creating a strong reason(s) for antagonist to against protagonist  
Question: I am writing a thriller that features a 17-year-old girl that fights against a witch that wants to destroy her. Can you please give me …

Using References to Real World Companies and Other Author's Published Works In Your Story 
Question: In a story I am currently reading, the author uses real world company names rather than fake ones, and when using humor, sarcasm or other plot …

Two-Person Narration 
Hi, I wanted to know what are the pros and cons of writing a book with two narrators? Answer: The downside is that, whenever you introduce additional …

Writing about topics I don't know too well... 
Hi! I'm John (big fan of your page!), and I have a question that has been haunting me for a while and will not let me begin ANY book I try to write. …

How does someone connect their short strories/novellas 
Question: I have 2 Questions. It is said that most agents don't accept collection of short stories or collection of novellas from debut authors because …

Low self esteem 
Question: I've been writing ever since I was 6 years old but the only people who have ever read it are my mom and dad. Now I'm 17 years old and I just …

Long dialog segments 
Hello, I'm writing a novelization of a stage play, a comedy. There are very lengthy passages of dialog between only two characters, some are about three …

Trouble developing conflict 
Question: So I'm having trouble developing conflicts. I want my story to be about a girl who is a princess but doesn't know it. Later on in the story …

Dramatica "this scene represents" and creating scenes..but what about Sequels 
Question: After months of creating my elements for my novel in Dramatica I'm finally up to creating scenes. I've read countless materials from a variety …

Is My Novel a collection of short stories or a Novel 
Question: My novel is told from 7 POV characters. Each POV story is like a short novel (Novella). I say this because each POV has its own beginning, …

Musicians/Actors' names in novels 
Hello, I've been hearing that a writer shouldn't mention or quote a lyric of a song, due to the copyrights, but if a writer wants to mention the name of …

Third person writing  
Question: I converted my novel from 1st person to 3rd. It's confusing to me and I feel I lost some momentum. A Dr. (3rd person past tense) is asking …

Time Management 
Hello, Glen, In September last year, I finished the first draft of my novel (and thanks to your Novel Planning workbook). In January this year, I have …

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How long should a chapter be?  
Question: Hi, I'm struggling to decide when to change the chapter. I know it's when you change the subject but I seem to write 4 or 5 pages and then …

My Issues with Writing Books 
Hello. I am a 13 year old writer who'd rather be anonymous. Could you determine if this story idea is good or not? If so, can you help me with the problems …

How to fill in the timeline of a novel 
Question: My question is about how to fill in the timeline of a novel. In the current novel I am writing, (a realistic fiction with a paranormal-ish …

Uninteresting Scenes 
Question: I'm working on a story that I've been outlining for a while now. I've started chapter 1, and my protagonist starts alone in her room, woken …

Does a status-quo Consequence need to be averted? 
I am going through your 8-Step Plot Outline exercise, and I think my Consequence is the type that is in effect when the story opens. (I'm outlining the …

Protagonist with Evil Story Goal in Novel 
Question: How do you write a good novel in which the protagonist has an evil story goal? Answer: Though they are more rare, there are stories told …

Start a second draft before finishing the first one? 
I have a little problem deciding if I should start a second draft before finishing the first one. I'm working on a novel: 26 chapters long, about 20 …

Taking Very Specific Suggestions 
I'm having a blast working on my novel. Ideas are jumping out at me from all over. But I'm having trouble taking very specific questions from others. For …

How to increase suspense in my novel 
Dear Glen, I am about to complete the final draft of my novel and to start sending it agents. One agent that showed the first 2000 words to (as part …

Should I use real-world locations or fictional locations for specific places? 
Question: I'm writing a contemporary romance novel, and I wonder if I should use real locations or fictional locations when it comes to very specific …

How to make my character less stereotypical? 
Question: I'm writing a story about a boy who just moved to town and falls in love at first sight with a girl in his school. The problem is that his …

Just another love story? 
Question: I am a first time writer and I have an idea for a novel I want to write. But I am afraid that it will just disappear in the crowd of the other …

Publisher prefer regional books. 
Question: So I have written a book that takes place in America. The problem is, I am Irish. Most Irish publishers prefer regional books -- books that …

Novel is too like the original source material. 
Question: My novel started out as a fanfic and now I'm worried that my novel is too like the original source material. I tried to change as much as I …

Time To Quit Writing? 
Mr. Strathy, is there any type of sign or marker which indicates it's time to quit writing and give up? I am so "stuck" and frustrated right now because …

Thoughts on backstory. 
May I have your thoughts on backstory, please? Is devoting most of the first chapter to backstory unwise? Would doing that "turn off" an editor to the …

Difference between Impact and Relationship Throughlines 
Question: Could you please give more information about the Impact and Relationship throughlines? There is a clear differentiation between the Overall …

Will the Ending work? 
Question: I've got everything for my To-Do list done. The plot, Characters with a role, the Protagonists journey from zero-hero etc. Except the ending. …

I keep getting distracted 
Question: Okay so I really love writing, it is my dream to become an author. Right now I am writing a story and I have all the ideas for it in my head …

Where to put exposition 
Question: Well, I'll explain it better: I'm confused about where to put exposition -- that is some kinds of information -- in my story. For example, …

How to put my story down on paper 
Question: I've been wanting to write a book for a while now and have multiple ideas for books. My problem is I can't figure out how to write my story …

Plot Outlines and Story Arcs 
Question: On your plot outline you explain how you have an Overall, Main Character, Impact Character, and Relationship Arc. I understand how the Main, …

Discouraged Writer 
Hi, I just want to ask an advice on this. As an aspiring writer, I'm aware of the fact that it's tough to publish especially for newbies today, but I …

The Difference Between Showing and Telling?  
I'm currently working on a novel, and one of my main goals is to allow the reader to really feel like they're in the moment, as if they they're watching …

How to deal with a lot of important characters and all their throughlines 
Question: I've been worldbuilding a fantasy universe for more than 10 years... suffice it to say that I now have a WHOLE F*** LOT of characters, most …

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Stuck on the climax 
Question: I am writing a crime novel (as if that hasn't been overdone already) and my climax is a bit of a rough one to hammer out. I want to give as …

Issue in 'Character Narrator' mode 
Hello, I've been following the right techniques in writing and trying to apply them, while doing so, I faced an issue. I noticed you wrote in the Narrative …

Antagonist's presence in the story 
Question: I am working on a series of 3 or four books telling one central story. How do you write a villain like Sauron from Lord of the Rings who has …

Who's the protagonist, here? 
Question: I've finished the 8th draft of my first novel, a contemporary romance with some comedy, but not enough to call it a rom-com. It is in omniscient …

Too many ideas? How many points of view?  
Hello all, I am currently writing my second novel, and the first that I hope to finish. I have two issues: my points of view when writing in third …

Three characters in three different locations at the same time. 
Question: Three characters are all doing something very important to the plot at the same time. Can I swap from one location to another in order to explain …

writing the 'loglines'... 
Question: Is this the appropriate place to put a question for 'Step by Step Novel Planning Workbook' question? Following in your workbook pages I …

Character's Delimma 
Question: It’s the highlight of all stories when protagonists will corner to choose a critical decision, like in Star Wars, Luke wants to bring Vader …

Describing how to pronounce things 
Question: I need to describe how to pronounce a special word in my book. The word is simple, but the spelling is apparently usually pronounced in another …

Tips on Getting Published 
Question: I am young, and I finished my manuscript, and I'm about to give it to my sister, who is an excellent writer, to edit. While she is doing that …

Narrative Dilemma 
Question: My story is very much dependent on its being told in first-person (as I tend to write character better than plot). However, given that I'm …

Informing the Reader without Expo-dumping 
...or how much expo-dumping can you do without completely pulling your reader out of the plot. The book I'm writing deals with a brother and sister …

Names of characters, places, things in a memoir/fiction work 
Question: I have changed the names to "protect the innocent". But my convention has been use just a first name, unless you are going to call that person …

Urges to keep editing instead continue the story 
Question: (First, this is not my native language so I'm sorry if I make any mistake.) Hi I am a beginner at writing novel. Actually I just have slight …

Worldbuilding Questions and Answers 
Question: My friend and I are currently world-building for our collaborative piece, but we are having difficulties with the man-made geography. We have …

Originality and "nods" to other works? 
I had a couple of questions regarding the originality of content. I've got two examples which I'll try to keep brief. Firstly, my current project features …

Feeling my writing is not good enough. 
Question: I'm 19 and I like writing. I love reading and it gives me ideas but then I get stuck and I don't know how to move on with it always feeling …

Understanding Dramatica Theory 
I'm having a difficult time understanding dramatica theory, in particular wrapping my head around the concept of an impact character, and am wondering …

How much is too much when writing emotional situations? 
Hello, good work here! Question: how do I make it so that I don't go overboard in detailing my character's grief but still have an effective emotional …

Past vs. Present Tense 
Question: I've noticed that people say I switch tenses in my writing sometimes. I think most of the time I'll write my story in one tense but then in …

How do you transition smoothly from plot point to plot point? 
Question: In a "Hero's Journey," where the quest is essentially to find something (treasure, person, lost island), how do you transition from plot point …

About en medias res 
My question this time is regarding the topic of starting a story in medias res : What makes a good in medias res starting point and what is the …

Reading Improves Your Writing 
I come across several authors advising aspiring writers to read a lot because reading improves your writing skills. Does it mean one needs to look for …

Middle Grade Novel 
Question: What is the ideal word count for a middle grade fantasy fiction? How dark could it be, I know there's a limitation but somehow I want to have …

the climax complications 
Question: I am currently working on a story with two plots. One, a story of a man who turns into a terrorist and the other, a college student with his …

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Characters reading books 
Question: What is the best way to write about a character reading a book? I am writing in omniscient but mainly following one character. He is currently …

Descpription - Not enough?  
Question: I'm currently writing a fanfiction and I have a friend of mine who says I don't have a lot of details. I describe what the character does, …

How do you know how long your book will be? 
Question: I know it's not really important and probably the last thing you should worry about and you should just write your book but I can't help but …

I'm not really sure how to make this work  
Question: I started writing a vampire story about a man and his children. He's trying to find stability for his family and at the same time keep them …

Writing strong female characters 
I am new to writing, and I am finding it very difficult writing strong female characters. I have two female characters, one is a more feminine "girly …

How to organize my book 
Question: I just started writing an idea that popped into my head. It's about a girl that finds her fiance cheating on her and gets her heart broken, …

Requirements, prerequisites, and preconditions. 
Question: I've come across some uncertainties while outlining my novel (using the 8 step outlining method), particularly regarding requirements, …

What do you think of Twilight Saga? 
What do you think of the Twilight Saga? I read it (or at least the first three books) a few months ago and absolutely despised it, for many reasons mostly …

Is my novel too complicated? 
Question: I'm writing a teen werewolf novel and it's hard for me to make my characters and plot unique. The problem is that I read the Twilight series …

Will readers object to a lack of romance? 
Question: I have an idea that I have been turning over in my head for quite a while. The main characters are a boy and a girl, who are very close. However, …

Plotless adventure novels 
Question: I'm writing a few fantasy novels, and some of them have this storyline: basically, the hero has to travel from Point A to Point B. During his …

Detailed Outline 
Question: I have been planing my novel since January 1. Your site has been a goldmine of support! Now that I am ready to outline my book, I need more …

Quoting Someone Else's Work in a Novel 
Question: I'm writing a fictional novel, and I would like to quote from a few different sources (quotes my characters say in reference to another's actual …

Problems with the Length of a Novel 
Question: What is your advice about having trouble in reaching the desired word count? I've just finished drafting my first novel but it didn't reach …

Prioritizing Multiple Writing Projects 
Hello again, Glen! I was watching the penultimate episode of "Sons Of Anarchy" tonight (cried the entire episode), and at some point I read that series …

Similarities to other works 
Question: What do you do when you come up with an idea and plot for a novel, and it turns out that another author has already written something very …

Novelization Of A Screenplay 
Question: I have the rights to a complete screenplay that has not yet been made into a film. It's a very compelling and mostly true historical drama. …

How my characters speak as compared to the narrative 
Question: I am writing a book that takes place in the medieval period, swords, bows, knights, kings that type of thing. I have done research on how they …

Determining the Impact Character of my time-travel novel. 
Question: - I was wondering; is it ever possible to consider a specific circumstance, environment or event as the "Impact Character" in a story, rather …

An untrained character defeat a trained character? 
Question I recently purchased and read a book you suggested for another post about fighting scenes (Writing Fight Scenes by Rayne Hall) In that book …

Advice on Writer's Block 
Question: Whenever I start a book, I just give up on it and start a new one. If it is possible, how do I write a story without getting writer's block? …

Two or more main characters and their respective points of view during a chapter 
Question: I have a couple of main characters and they have now met and are in the same chapter. While most of the book will be written either them together …

Software for a book containing artwork 
Hi everyone, I am just beginning to write an astrology book and I want to have lots of pics etc. in it. Is there a free software program available to …

How to write when the story doesn't result in victory .. 
Hello, I'm looking to write a short story, non-fictional. It's about a race season, David vs. Goliath, etc. The main character wins races and championships …

Sex: How To Utilize It Effectively and What Is Considered "Too Much"? 
Question: It's been a long time since I have asked a question, and I have been getting SUCH GREAT advice in the questions that hit my inbox almost daily. …

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Developing your writing style 
Question: Your blog is amazing. You've done a great job in helping people like me. I have a thousand questions on mind now but anyways I have just started …

Archetypal Characters, Can the Skeptic be the "Evil One?"  
Question: Is it possible to Have your Antagonist (avoid, reconsider) Character NOT be the evil guy but to be someone who wants the Protagonist (pursue, …

How many points of view should I have? 
Question: I can't decide which person the point of view should be. Originally I had 5 POV's for the five main characters, but now I've gone down to two …

Genre Distinctions & Publication 
First off, this is the BEST writer's resource site I've found! Thank you for existing! I have several questions about if and when I finish my first novel …

Advice on Settings in Fiction 
Question: How can I plan how can I plan and develop the setting for my novel? Answer: The best settings to use are places you are intimately familiar …

How to create a good introduction 
Question: I'm having trouble creating my first paragraph. I always feel like I have a good first sentence but after that I feel like I keep giving way …

Writing a First Chapter 
Question: My story has to do with an assassin. The story starts out as the main character is after someone within a building and from there the audience …

How do I know if I should add an idea to a book? 
Question: This is kind of an opinion question I guess but I'm just not sure what to do or well if it would work. Ok so my story idea is about different …

novel writing difficulty  
Question: Is it easy to write a novel at the age of 13? Answer: It's not easy to write a novel at any age, but it can be quite rewarding (personally, …

Purpose Of Interludes 
Hi, First i want to start off by saying how much i admire your blogs and tips on writing so much that it EXTREMELY helped me with starting my novel. It …

How do I convey to my loved ones that I need space to do my writing??? 
Ok: This question deals with working AROUND my family while trying to further develop my plot. Many of my loved ones encourage me in my endeavour and believe …

Dialogue Questions and Answers 
Question: I am writing a novel in which a survivor of the story is actually writing the book from events that happened 5 years prior. I would like to …

Describing my Characters and my World 
Question: I have a plot, all my characters and the world they live in but when it comes to describing my characters and my world, I find it either is …

How to write a phone conversation? 
Question: In my book there are a couple time when a character is talking on a phone or through an ear piece to someone. How would I do the conversation? …

How do I pick up a story after a break? 
Question: I have the beginning of a great story in my head, and I've written 4 draft pages. But when I stop writing for the day, I can't find the energy …

Evaluating Story Ideas 
My question is about something you said regarding the rejection of new ideas: "In that case, your subconscious may get tired of rejection and stop giving …

fantasy with two plots.... 
Hello I'm starting to write a fantasy trilogy book about a young girl who is from a small town down south. She is from a broken home and wants to get out. …

Too Little time 
Question: I really want to be a published writer, but schoolwork and family time take up a lot of my time. What can I do to find more time to write? …

Advice on Writing Themes 
Question: I've read that theme can be an opinionated message or a one-word concept that the story explores. Which one is it? What is theme? For example, …

Using time travel in my book 
Question: In my book I want to do some time traveling. The book isn't about time travel and it's not the main thing it's just something the characters …

character relationships 
Question: In my book series the main main character is introduced in the second book and she has a boyfriend but they break up in either the second or …

Worried my book is moving too quickly.  
Question: I'm writing my novel and even on page 11 a lot has happened. I'm aiming for the book to be approximately 200 pages long so how might I be able …

What type of research needs to be done? 
Question In my book I want one of my characters to be a pretty good hacker and as cool as it would to be one I am not and I know really nothing about …

How to do a time jump 
Question: I don't want to do a prologue and I want the first chapter to be how the world got that way and what the character went through to get where …

Choosing a Book Title 
Question: I know that the publisher usually comes up with the title or can change it if they want. But you need to come up with a title for your book …

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Show a character's emotions 
Question: In any of my book ideas someone dies or someone get very emotionally hurt. I picture what the character are doing and how they act but I don't …

Opinion on a story idea. 
Question: This isn't really a question I just want an opinion on a story idea. So my book takes place in a dystopian world where some people have powers …

Character relationships keep changing 
Question: I had an idea for a relationship between my main character and another character but then I changed it to another character then changed it …

How do I come up with the dialogue and little details in a scene? 
I have an unlimited number of story ideas. My outlines are thorough and complete. I can give a summary of each chapter, know how I want the overall story …

more than one prequel 
Question: I want to do a prequel for my character for before the events in the actual series and it's for the last 10 years of her life. I thought about …

Protagonist with 2 goals? 
Question: I am working on a book for a musical. Question, can the protagonist have two main objectives...for instance, one to achieve his dreams of …

Plot: Spontenaity vs. Structure 
Question: How can you combine both spontaneity and structure when outlining the plot of a novel? Answer: I would hazard to guess that no writer …

Writing The First Sentence of Your Novel 
Question: I have 2 ideas for an opening sentence and I don't know which will be better. 1. Would give some background like saying that 100 years ago …

Being too graphic 
Question: In my book a few of my characters get kidnapped and tortured and I want to be pretty detailed about it so you can really feel what they're …

Writing Memories / Flashbacks 
Question: What is the proper way write memories or flashbacks in a novel? While I am unsure of how to integrate a flashback into a story, I am more …

Questions About Manuscript Format 
Question: What does it mean to double space your manuscript? Answer: It means that there is space equal to a blank line between each line of text. …

How do I get the book out there for people to read? 
Question: I want to write a small book. Who do I contact to publish it, and proofread, and edit it? Answer: If you want to go the traditional route, …

How do I go about writing a book that is loosely based on my life? 
Question: I am an 80s fanatic and know a lot and love a lot of what happened from 1980-1989 and would like to write a book about it. The problem is that …

Basing my story somewhere that I live? 
Question: I live in Tennessee, somewhere that's probably not too popular, and I wanted to write about it in my book. It seemed easier to me, but I'm …

Treating the contagonist favorably 
Question So I've got two questions, both revolving around the same character. I have a character I'm developing who is assuming the role of both the …

How to keep your passion for your story 
Question: I've always wanted to write a book. I've experimented for years, often times knowing an idea was just for practice. But now I think I've …

Male or Female? 
Question: I'm a female but I love writing from a guy's point of view and I find it easier to do and to relate to them that way. However, I've heard that …

How to Copyright a Novel 
Hello Glen! It's been awhile since I have written in for a question, though I have participated in the comments section of several questions answered …

Voice and the use of adverbs 
Question: New writers are always being told that adverbs are bad. That the use of adverbs indicates lazy writing, never adds anything to a sentence, …

Dramatica's Drivers -- What? Where? How? 
Question: I've read your article series "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps" and it revolutionized my outlining. I'm a stronger plotter now than I …

An unlikable person as the protagonist? 
I'm currently working on a novel with an unlikable person as the protagonist who has to save the world (anymore than that and I'll give away my story). …

More Than One Story? 
Question: I'm currently working on a manuscript that's pretty good, I think, and I'm very passionate about everything I'm writing in it. However, there's …

Do you think about balancing elements when you're writing? 
You've helped so much with the structure of my novel, but this question is about the finer details. As you're writing, do you consciously think about balancing …

Kissing Scenes... Can't help but be cheesy!!! 
Question: I'm writing a short story and there is a love sub-plot between two shy characters who discover that they have been secretly crushing on each …

Trying to decide on writing fiction or non-fiction? 
I am an acupuncturist, homeopath etc. They are the treatments I do but mainly I counsel the patients on making the connection between their physical ailments …

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What Characteristics Get a Book Published? 
Question: What characteristics get a book published? And how is the publishing done? Answer: Writing teacher, Brian Henry, often says in his workshops …

how important is character  
Question: How important is character in a story? Are the names of the characters in your story important? Answer: There is no story without character, …

base on a true story death row immigration 
Question: I have a true story to tell. First time writer. Cannot get it on paper. Answer: It sounds like a great story, but please don't take offense …

Multiple Lead Characters 
Question: I'm working on my first book right now, a historical fiction novel focusing on a specific family, and because of that I have multiple lead …

Opposing characters 
Question: I have these two characters,one of which is the main protagonist, who have a "remarkably alike yet critically different" dynamic. My main …

Drawing a Plot Diagram 
Question: After reading the wonderful article, "How to Creat a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I am wondering if the 8 plot elements can be drawn in the …

need to stick to one idea. 
Question: How can i stick to one single idea while writing the script? It is said whatever ideas comes to mind we need to put down. I do same, when …

How long should a chapter be? 
Question: How long should a chapter be, on average? Answer: There are no hard and fast rules regarding the length of chapters. On the one hand, …

Flashbacks and recollections 
Question: My novel is the telling of a classic medieval villain's life from his own point of view. The history and setting are real, and the villain …

How to be original?  
Question: I've always loved books since being little and I have always wanted to write my own but I don't know where to start? I'm worried that if I …

Strategy for Developing Story Problems 
Question: I am beginning a 'realistic fantasy' novel (similar to Percy Jackson series, where the real world is meshed with a fantasy world) and I know …

Best way to end scenes? 
I've fallen prey to the hundreds of writing books out there. So naturally, I have read some contradicting information about the best way to end scenes, …

Episodic Plotlines 
Question: I was wondering if you have any tips on writing stories in a more episodic format. I'm writing scripts for a comic book series that my friend …

Developing a Writing Style? 
I am an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry who celebrated the academic year-end graduation yesterday. My question about developing a writing style …

Just One or Multiple Throughlines 
Question: Can each character have their own throughline, or do throughlines belong solely to the plot? Maybe I don't understand the concept of throughlines, …

Writing a character with a thick accent? 
I have a question on how writing a character with a thick accent, to express to the reader that a character has a heavy accent. I don't want it to be …

Technique for Writing Short Stories 
Question: What is the best technique for writing short stories? I am never able to squish enough information into a short story to make it feel complete …

Flashbacks and Prologues  
Question: I have always heard these are not very well liked. And i never understood why. Personally i enjoy a good prologue (one that isn't just a 50 …

Domains, concerns, issues and problems 
I'm a bit stuck with the throughlines and I was just wondering if maybe you had any suggestions for my story in regards to the domains, concerns, issues …

Dramatica related: Impact Character Signposts 
Question: I'm writing a metaphysical thriller in which my main character, after a few hurdles, finds himself thrown into a new and twisted sort of world. …

Story Goal Questions and Answers 
Question: I have written a historical novel, set in the late 19th/early 20th century about a woman's journey from teenage girl to old age. I may decide …

How to Write a Sermon into a Novel 
Question: One of the characters in my manuscript is a minister. He is giving a sermon on forgiveness. It will only be a portion of the sermon; the part …

Using amazon kindle or other digital means to publish 
Question: I know this question isn't really about writing a story but I am curious if you know anything about it. Assuming I ever get a book finished …

Keeping Your Focus When You Write 
Question: I'm curious if you have any tips for keeping your focus when you write. I'm not sure if it would be considered writers block or just a flighty …

Work Schedule for Writers 
Question: I want to know what you think is a good work schedule for writers. I just came back from a life-changing, world altering experience that …

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Advice on Narrative Point of View  
Quick question about narrative point of view (POV). I started my novel in 3rd person. Just way too many characters for 1st. It is a YA novel as all of …

Writing Werewolves?  
Question: So far, the only thing I know about my story is that I want a werewolf protagonist. I have read plenty of stories about someone being turned …

Writing Websites  
Question: I absolutely love websites like www.figment.com but I fear if I share any of my writing on those websites for critique that someone might steal …

Young Writers 
Question: What is our advice to young teen writer's trying to make in the world as an author? Answer: Much of the traditional advice still holds …

the story before the story 
Question: I have a first draft finished and am now trying to polish my work. I wrote an introduction - which is really fiction, but written like it's …

Writing About Things I've Never Experienced 
Question: This is driving me insane! I need help about writing things I've never experienced before myself and putting them into stories. I know the …

Chapter Breaks 
Question: How do you recommend dividing a novel into chapters? I'm trying to figure out how long my chapters should be, if they should revolve around …

How Much Gore is Allowed in Fiction? 
Question: I'm wondering how much gore is allowed in fiction. My stories are high fantasy in that they are in "medieval" type settings and are in fictional …

Using Fictional Languages in Stories 
Question: In the interest of being the best writer I can be... and a burning drive to not be outdone by Tolkien... I'm making constructed languages for …

My Introductory Chapers Seem Too Dull?  
I'm worried that my introductory chapters seem too dull. First, my book is broken into maybe 3 sections(4-5 chapters each). For now, I have 3 because …

Writing about a family mystery 
Question: I need some help writing about a family mystery, that I have partially solved and spans more than ninety years, and three continents. My …

How to keep the reader on a false goal, while the real goal is something else 
Question: Okay, I know that the question might be a bit hard, but I am really wanting to write this novel that won't let me sleep at night! I have …

Structure Models in Dramatica 
Mr. Strathy, I have a question regarding the structural models in Dramatica and how to find them. My question is based on one of those advice posts, …

Kissing scene in my young adult novel 
Question: I have a kissing scene in my young adult novel and it's pretty descriptive but I'm afraid people might think it's a bad scene and doesn't count …

Antagonist's Point of View only one chapter at End of Novel 
Question: There are several antagonists in the book but the main character's love interest is also an antagonist--almost to the end of the book. I …

Writing a Synopsis Including the Throughlines 
Question: Thank you Glen, for helping me understand about writing a synopsis including the throughlines; however in my synopsis, is a synopsis just for …

Just another awesome lesson from you Glen! 
Question: I can't believe I have found you! You are a gold mine and see people from all over the world thinking about all you know! I just spent …

Which Story Should I Write First? 
Question: I am currently working on at least five stories that I think all have potential, but I think that I need to concentrate on one or else I'll …

Writing a Second Draft 
This question might sound ignorant, but I'm working on my first novel. Surfing online, people talk of writing a second draft and then a third and so on …

What sets the story in motion? 
Question: Can what sets the story in motion be a coincidence or something that 'just happened,' or will that disappoint readers? Thanks! Answer: …

When Writing Goes From Fun to a Frustrating 
Question: A long time ago, when I first started writing, I did it purely for the enjoyment of making interesting characters and events. Once I started …

Plotless Fiction? 
Question: I've been working on plot-driven novels for a couple of years now. I'm to the point where I'm feeling confident enough to enter a few short …

Using the Same Words Again and Again 
Question I feel I'm using the same words again and again. Some of these words are "but," "instead," "though," "after," "then," "really," and since in …

Character/Plot Development 
Question: Hi. I'm just barely started writing a novel, that I hope will turn into a series. But I haven't figured out much of the plot for the first …

How to find a book illustrator 
Question: Hi, my name is Summer and I'm currently working a novel series of 6 volumes. My books will be aimed at teenagers, so I want an illustrator …

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When writing about an overused supernatural creature? 
Question: What with Twilight, True Blood, and their many carbon copies nowadays, a lot of people are feeling tired of vampires, werewolves, fae, and …

Crossing Writing Structures 
Question: I am currently working on a novel that I have let my brother read and give some of his feed back on. He told me that I needed to make up my …

Double climax 
Question: I have been working on a novel for nearly two years. I can never seem to get it quite right. My latest version I feel very hopeful and confident …

How to know if your pacing is too fast/slow 
Question: When writing, I feel like the pacing is fine. However, when I reread or go to edit, I either feel like things are too slow and unexciting or …

I have too many holes in my story 
Question: How can I fill in the gaps of my story? I have the major characters figured out and I know where each book in my eight book series needs to …