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British Authenticity Reading

Hello, my name’s Heather Belleguelle, and Han’s kindly invited me to write a guest post on their blog. Like Han, I’m a fiction editor who provides authenticity reading, but my specialist subject is “all things British”. For some reason that’s beyond many of us Brits, there seems to be a worldwide fascination with our country. If you browse any online bookstore for novels set in the UK, as well as finding those by native writers, you’re also likely to discover many written by non-British authors. Murder mysteries in English villages or Regency romances in the ballrooms of London are always… Read More »British Authenticity Reading

Short gender-neutral names

Every writer wants a name that stands out, is memorable, and fits the character. When it comes to gender-neutral names, the struggle is real: you need a name that isn’t going to jar with your character’s gender identity and that feels realistic. I’ve put together a massive list of short gender-neutral names for you, ranging from 2-letter names to 3-letter names. If you’re looking for longer options, try out my gender-neutral name generator (no AI and it features 1300 names!). Non-binary names that are 2 letters long Outside of calling yourself by a single letter (which I have done, and… Read More »Short gender-neutral names

Writing prompts for asexual characters

Asexual characters identify as asexual or ‘ace’, meaning that they either lack or have limited sexual attraction to people. There are so many ways to feel ace, so I’ve done my best to create 22 writing prompts for asexual characters that encompass as many feelings as possible. Ace people may feel like they: do not want to have sex, are not interested in sex, have low amounts of sexual attraction or desire, are not sexually attracted at all, or are repulsed by sex. Your ace characters can still be attracted to people romantically. There is no one, or right, way… Read More »Writing prompts for asexual characters

29 journalling prompts for self-care

Over on social media, I run a feature I call The Writing Mirror, where I post reflective prompts for writers. Here I’ve compiled 29 journalling prompts for self-care with writers in mind, because we all need to make some time for reflection. The purpose of these journalling prompts is to think about what you want from writing, how you’re approaching writing, and what you do when you’re struggling. Writers are very likely to suffer from imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and more. Even if we narrow it down to writer’s block, it’s a lot to contend with. If you don’t journal… Read More »29 journalling prompts for self-care

Epic fantasy writing prompts

Epic fantasy, also known as high fantasy, is a sub-genre filled with heroic figures fighting against a Big Bad. It’s a common set up for TTRPGs, with a party of heroes gathering to battle against the Big Bad. These epic fantasy writing prompts take these concepts with a little twist. Whether you want to write something like The Lord of the Rings, Baldur’s Gate, or even Fairy Tail, there’s a bit of inspiration for you below. With 22 total writing prompts, you can use one or a few to inspire a story or continue one you’re stuck on. Need more?… Read More »Epic fantasy writing prompts

Romantic writing prompts for polyamorous characters

Romance novels love to feature love triangles (more like love angles, if they’re not all chasing each other!) but Why Choose? romance is rising in popularity. Instead of choosing one of the two great loves of a protagonist’s life, polyamory might just be the answer. These romantic writing prompts for polyamorous characters take this idea and run wild with it. Polyamorous relationships can take many forms, from one partner being shared between two people who aren’t romantically linked to bustling households of interconnected lovers and partners. There’s a lot to explore, a lot of ways it can get tense, and… Read More »Romantic writing prompts for polyamorous characters

3-letter names that are gender-neutral

Short names are common for non-binary and otherwise gender non-conforming characters, usually because they’re nicknames of gendered names. Here, I’ve compiled a massive list of 3-letter names that are gender-neutral, based on actual data. While the names are sourced from the UK, all kinds of cultures are reflected in the 141 names listed below. Some names might be very common names and nicknames you’re familiar with, while others you’ve never come across. 3-letter names that are gender-neutral list All of these names were found using data from the Office for National Statistics in the UK, cross-referencing “boys” and “girls” birth… Read More »3-letter names that are gender-neutral

Why you should include content warnings in your novels

Content warnings are a brilliant system for authors to preface their story with warnings about sensitive themes, scenes, and plotlines. Like warnings for TV shows and movies, content warnings for books let readers know what to expect and whether the book is right for them. Below, I explain all the reasons why you should include content warnings in your books. You might also know content warnings by another name, ‘trigger warnings’. Content warnings is a more inclusive term, encompassing things that aren’t always triggering or sensitive to everyone but could be for different readers. Trigger warnings is a term used… Read More »Why you should include content warnings in your novels

Writing prompts for trans characters

Trans characters usually only appear in LGBTQ+ stories that focus on their coming out story, but most trans people want to see life outside of coming out. These 22 writing prompts about trans characters seek to do just that. Whether you’re specifically writing LGBTQ+ fiction or you want to help normalise trans people as part of life, you’ll find something that can work with the story you want to tell. You can also use these writing prompts as a starting point for a story or character, or to build on an idea you already have. 22 writing prompts for trans… Read More »Writing prompts for trans characters

How to create characters with strong personalities

Writing memorable characters your readers won’t forget is difficult, and there are so many people out there telling you the best way to create them. But if you’re wondering how to create characters with strong personalities, there’s only one book you really need to read, because it has actual insights from psychologists. The Science of Writing Characters by Kira-Anne Pelican is an excellent resource for writers, tackling the big problems we all face. There’s one chapter that I visit every time I’m creating characters for my next writing project, and in this post I go through my process. Disclosure: If… Read More »How to create characters with strong personalities