Category Archives: Novel Writing

Throughlines and How to Use Them!

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Some time ago I write an article that described the difference between the two basic forms of story structure with the following phrase: You spin a tale, but you weave a story. The common expression “spinning a yarn” conjures up … Continue reading →

Posted in Novel Writing, Plot, Writing Tip of the Day | Comments Off on Throughlines and How to Use Them!

Your Story as a Person

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

All too often, authors get mired in the details of a story, trying to cram everything in and make all the pieces fit.  Characters are then seen only as individuals, so they often unintentionally overlap each other’s dramatic functions. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Writing, Novel Writing, Story Development, Writing Tip of the Day | Comments Off on Your Story as a Person

Finding Inspiration for Your Novel

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

We all know that writing is not just about assembling words, but also about assembling ideas. When we actually sit down to write, we may have our ideas all worked out in advance or we may have no idea what … Continue reading →

Posted in Featured Articles, Novel Writing | Comments Off on Finding Inspiration for Your Novel

Free Book – Write Your Novel Step By Step

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips
Posted in Announcements, Creative Writing, Write Your Novel Step by Step | Comments Off on Free Book – Write Your Novel Step By Step

Writer Your Novel Step by Step #1 – Stages of Writing a Novel

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Step 1 – Stages of Writing a Novel Writers often begin the novel development process by thinking about what their story needs: a main character/protagonist/hero, a solid theme, a riveting plot and, of course, to meet all the touch points … Continue reading →

Posted in Write Your Novel Step by Step | Comments Off on Writer Your Novel Step by Step #1 – Stages of Writing a Novel

The War Between Creativity and Structure

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Perhaps the greatest hurdle in writing is the attempt to bring structure to a story without putting your Muse in a straight jacket. Often structure is brought into the picture too soon, clamping your passion into an iron maiden that … Continue reading →

Posted in Announcements, Novel Writing, Story Development | Comments Off on The War Between Creativity and Structure

Beat Writer’s Block with Idea Spinner!

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Beat Writer’s Block with Idea Spinner – my new tool for writers! Idea Spinner, my newest product for writers, is being released today for just $19.95. Starting with your initial concept, Idea Spinner sidesteps creative block and helps you quickly … Continue reading →

Posted in Announcements, Novel Writing, Story Development, Video, Writer's Block, Writing Tip of the Day | Comments Off on Beat Writer’s Block with Idea Spinner!

“Write Your Novel Step by Step” – Free online book!

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Melanie Anne Phillips

My complete book, Write Your Novel Step by Step, is now available for free on the Storymind web site. Click the picture to start reading!

Posted in Announcements, Write Your Novel Step by Step | Comments Off on “Write Your Novel Step by Step” – Free online book!

Write Your Novel Step by Step (25) “Who’s Your Main Character?”

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Of all your cast, there is one very special player: the Main Character. Your Main Character is the one your story seems to be about – the one with whom your readers most identify – in short, the single most … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Characters, Main Character, Write Your Novel Step by Step | Comments Off on Write Your Novel Step by Step (25) “Who’s Your Main Character?”

Write Your Novel Step by Step (24) “Selecting Your Cast”

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Congratulations! Over the last few steps you’ve learned a tremendous amount of information about your characters’ attributes, self-image, outlook, and personal issues. With all the work you’ve done, you probably have more characters than you need or want. Still, by … Continue reading →

Posted in Building Characters, Write Your Novel Step by Step | Comments Off on Write Your Novel Step by Step (24) “Selecting Your Cast”