writing books

Writing books demands more than inspiration—it requires structure, endurance, and the discipline to carry an idea through to completion. These posts explore the realities of long-form writing, where pacing, character, and revision shape a manuscript into something that holds together from first page to last.

Defying the Odds: Modern Novels That Should’ve Failed but Didn’t

Writing

Some novels, despite breaking traditional publishing rules, achieve substantial success. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy conveys a stark father-son journey, “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski features complex narratives appealing to experimental fans, and “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James, originally fanfiction, tapped into niche desires, sparking widespread dialogue.

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The Perfect Chapter Length: Writing for the Commuter Reader

Writing Tips

Chapter length is a crucial concern for contemporary novelists, with many opting for shorter, more engaging chapters to accommodate readers’ limited time. Chapters can mirror commute lengths, around 10 to 15 minutes of reading. While some narratives may require longer chapters, shorter ones are generally favored for their digestibility and appeal in a distraction-filled environment.

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The Shrinking Word Count of the Modern Novel

Writing, Writing Tips

In the golden age of literature—think early 20th century—novels often exceeded 100,000 words, sometimes soaring well past 150,000. Authors like Tolstoy, Dickens, and Hugo wrote sprawling epics that reflected the slower pace of life and an audience accustomed to long, detailed narratives. Back then, books were a primary form of entertainment, and readers were willing

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Exploring Crime Through Fiction: Justice and Morality

Fiction, Reading

Crime fiction offers more than mystery and suspense. It provides a safe place to examine justice, morality, guilt and consequence without real-world risk. Through fictional crimes and flawed characters, readers can explore difficult ethical questions, challenge their assumptions, and better understand the complexities of human behaviour and decision-making.

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How Many Rewrites Are Right to Make a Manuscript Right?

Fiction, Writing, Writing Tips

Writing a manuscript involves multiple rewrites, often more than one expects. The process transforms a vibrant first draft into a polished story through relentless editing. Perfection remains elusive, with authors experiencing self-doubt. Ultimately, manuscripts must reach readers; “right” isn’t synonymous with “perfect,” and recognizing when to stop refining is crucial.

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Overcoming Writer’s Block: My Struggle and Strategy

Writing

The writer shares the fluctuating experience of creativity, expressing confidence and ease in crafting content on some days, while feeling blocked and unproductive on others. Describing the frustration of writer’s block, he humorously contemplates other career paths, reflecting on the challenges of generating ideas and the longing for inspiration to return.

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First Draft Milestone Reached

Writing

An author expresses excitement over completing a novel while reflecting on common writing challenges such as writer’s block and procrastination. They acknowledge the extensive editing process ahead, highlighting that the journey continues beyond finishing a draft. Encouraging patience and luck, they invite readers to explore their previous works.

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Writers: We Are Never More Than 12 Hours Away From an Electrical Socket

Writing

This post addresses the challenges of writing on the go, particularly related to maintaining electronic devices’ battery life. From the historical reliance on typewriters to the modern portable e-devices, the focus shifts to ensuring power availability, with tips for conserving energy. The author emphasizes the significance of power banks and strategic energy management for sustained writing sessions.

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