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How to build emotional intimacy in a romance story

When most people ask about writing intimacy, they mean spicy sex scenes. But intimacy isn’t synonymous with sex life, it’s about connections and emotional closeness as well. Knowing how to build emotional intimacy in a romance story is just as important, if not more important, as knowing how to write sex scenes. Find out what emotional intimacy is and how to write it into your romance story, whether you’re a short story writer, a romance novel writer, or both. What is emotional intimacy? Emotional intimacy is about being connected to and knowing your partner on a deep level. Like sexual… Read More »How to build emotional intimacy in a romance story

Names from Greek myths: inspiration for writing Greek mythology books

The recent boom in Greek mythology fiction has been incredible as someone who loves reading classical Greek myths. From Percy Jackson to The Song of Achilles, there’s so much potential for writing Greek mythology books. So I’ve collected some names from Greek myths to help inspire more writers. I’ve categorised names based on being feminine or masculine, so if you’re looking for a particular name for a character you can jump straight to the section you need. Or browse each list and write down your favourite names! I’ve also noted whether the name comes from a deity, a hero (the… Read More »Names from Greek myths: inspiration for writing Greek mythology books

Where to find creative writing prompts from photos

When it comes to writing, inspiration can strike from anywhere: a word, a phrase, a quote, and so much more. Many writers are inspired to write using creative writing prompts from photos, using the image as a spark of a scene or character. Finding high-quality images can be a struggle. While social media platforms like Instagram can give you a huge selection of photographers, it’s not easy to search for what you’re looking for. Below you’ll find my favourite platforms for images and art to use when searching for inspiration. Free creative writing photo prompts For writers who like to… Read More »Where to find creative writing prompts from photos

How to write a query letter to a literary agent

Query letters are the first step to getting a literary agent, so you need to know the best way of writing one. One of the most common questions asked by writers is how to write a query letter to a literary agent. Here, I’ll explain what a query letter is, how to write one, some tips for formatting a query letter email, and provide both a template and a sample. This is an ideal resource for anyone who’s writing their first query letter. If you need more information on querying, check out my other blog posts on querying literary agents.… Read More »How to write a query letter to a literary agent

What is a synopsis and how long should a synopsis be?

Querying a literary agent is a daunting task, but it’s even worse when you don’t know where to start. Knowing what a synopsis is and how long it should be is one of the first steps to creating the perfect query pack. Find out the answers to these questions below! What is a synopsis? A novel synopsis is a description of the novel’s events. It summarises what happens in your novel to give a plot breakdown for a literary agent or publisher to read without needing to read your whole manuscript. You’ll likely not need a synopsis until you’re submitting… Read More »What is a synopsis and how long should a synopsis be?

#Lovember2024 recap and celebration

Thank you to everyone who participated in #Lovember2024! The first year of the romance writing challenge may have come to an end, but there’s much to talk about. Here you’ll find the #Lovember2024 recap and what to expect next. Let’s start with the event itself, before moving on to how I’m celebrating the success of #Lovember2024. #Lovember2024 recap I’ve been thrilled to hear about how you’ve used the #Lovember2024 writing prompts to write more. From poetry to writing groups, it’s been lovely to see how creative everyone has been. Thank you to all of the support on social media, whether… Read More »#Lovember2024 recap and celebration

Werewolf story ideas

Werewolves have been a popular fixture of horror, paranormal romance, shifter romance, and other fantasy genres. There’s an endless amount of ideas to be had by including them in your story. These werewolf story ideas are designed to get you thinking. Part-worldbuilding and part-storyline concept, the ideas below might just inspire you to write your next story, of any genre that suits you. For more writing prompts, check out my writing prompts for short stories and other fiction. What readers really want from werewolf stories Recent conversations on social media about werewolves have been intriguing. Readers don’t just want alpha/beta… Read More »Werewolf story ideas

Why authors shouldn’t read book reviews

Book reviews are everywhere. Social media, retailer websites, on the back of books… Everywhere. So why shouldn’t authors read book reviews? The majority of reviews aren’t intended for the author – there’s a reason most reviews don’t address the author directly. A review helps readers to decide on whether or not to buy a book. They also indicate whether someone enjoyed reading a book. When authors read reviews of their books, they’re opening themselves up to criticism, and rarely is it something they can work on. This can lead to all kinds of problems, both for their mental health and… Read More »Why authors shouldn’t read book reviews

#Lovember: a 30-day romance writing challenge

#Lovember2024 romance writing challenge

Welcome to the first #Lovember writing challenge! This is a romance writing challenge taking place every November where you can write your heart out. #Lovember2024 is all about love and romance: self-love, romantic love, platonic love, familial love, and more. While romance is the main genre focused on, anyone can use the #Lovember prompts to inspire a story, no matter the genre they’re writing in. There are 30 word prompts, one for each day of November, as well as 5 storyline prompts and 7 character prompts. Every prompt is optional – do as many or as few as you like.… Read More »#Lovember2024 romance writing challenge

Horror prompts for short stories

So, you want to write about something horrible. These horror prompts for short stories will be right up your dark, dank alley. The horror genre is cathartic, allowing you to release strong emotions of fear, revulsion, and terror. To make yourself uncomfortable is a horror writer’s greatest goal. Causing a reader to be spooked or unnerved is even better. For more inspiration, check out my other horror writing prompts. Or try some Halloween writing prompts. 22 horror prompts You can take just one prompt or combine any of the following for one story! Every prompt is entirely up to your… Read More »Horror prompts for short stories