Do You Need a Writing Routine?

by Lewis / October 26, 2021 / Inspiration, NaNoWriMo

“You need a writing routine.”

This is common advice passed down to writers of all types, from beginners just starting their writing journey, to published authors hoping to refine their process. Whether it comes in the form of “you should write every day” or “a writing routine is vital to being productive,” these statements seem to be a constant in the world of fiction writing.

The question is, are they true? Do you really need a writing routine to make it as an author? Well, the answer is complex. There is a grain of truth in these statements—but not every writer’s routine looks the same. So, let me introduce you to four types of writing routines, before helping you choose a routine that fits your personal style!

4 Key Crossroads Your Protagonist Must Face

by Lewis / October 12, 2021 / Character Development

Your protagonist and plot are tightly linked.

When your plot reaches a turning point, so too will your hero—and when your hero makes a key decision, that choice will affect your plot in turn. This is thanks to a few key crossroads, which will ensure your protagonist is an active player in your story from beginning to end.

Of course, figuring out how to make the most of these turning points is where things can get hard. After all, every story and every protagonist is unique. How can you be sure that both you and your hero are ready to handle these major events? Well, this is where story structure comes in handy—as well as a useful idea called the crossroads principle!

4 Ways to Discover Your Protagonist’s Identity

by Lewis / September 21, 2021 / Character Development

Often, the first thing we create for our heroes is their personality.

Personality determines whether your hero is aggressive or shy, confident or anxious, meek or flamboyant. These simple words are often the easiest way to explain what our characters are like, so it makes sense that they’re our first point of reference. However, personality alone isn’t enough; you also need to understand your protagonist’s identity.

This character identity answers a ton of questions, from why your hero behaves the way they do, to what inner challenges they’ll face. So, in this article, let me introduce you to just how important identity is—as well as a few tips for finding your protagonist’s identity!

How to Write Believable Children in Fiction

by Lewis / September 7, 2021 / Character Development

Creating realistic characters isn’t always easy.

From understanding their unique personality to unpacking their backstory and goals, it takes a lot of careful planning to craft a character from scratch. Combine that with a wildly different perspective on the world, and it’s no surprise that things get even harder—which is why writing child characters is such a tricky process.

Fortunately, writing believable children is much like writing any other character. The key is to let go any assumptions you might have, and instead consider the world through their eyes. So, let me walk you through five ways to write with your inner child!

A Complete Guide to Designing Fan-Favorite Book Covers

by Lewis / August 24, 2021 / Publishing

Like it or not, readers will judge your book by its cover.

Your novel’s cover design is often the first thing readers see when they find your book, and it has a lot of important roles to play. Not only will your book cover tell them what genre you’re writing in, but it’ll also highlight key elements of your story and writing style.

As a result, a high-quality book cover is one of the best investments you can make when self-publishing a novel—but let’s be honest. Not everyone has the budget to hire a professional designer. Fortunately, creating DIY book covers on a budget is possible! So, let me share a few tips and tricks for making your DIY book cover the best it can be.