Category Archives: Novel Writing

Character Change vs. Character Growth

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Main characters don’t have to change to grow.  They can grow in their resolve. It is a common misconception among authors that the main character in a story must change in order to grow.  Certainly, that is one kind of … Continue reading →

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Get Into Your Characters’ Heads

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

One of the most powerful opportunities of the novel format is the ability to describe what a character is thinking. In movies or stage plays (with exceptions) you must show what the character is thinking through action and/or dialog. But … Continue reading →

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The First Step In Writing ANY Novel

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Before you write your first chapter, ponder your opening sentence, or jot down a single word, there’s one step you should always do first, no matter your genre or style. First, the problem, then the solution: When you first come … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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Free Book – Write Your Novel Step By Step

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips
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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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