Welcome to the Reading Room
Join us with a cuppa and settle in for expert writing advice, writing and publishing tips, book reviews, and your questions answered!
How do you write time skips?
"Any advice on how to write time skips? I'm working on the second draft of my novel and I keep getting stuck on transitions where time passes. Sometimes it's just a few days, but there's also a big jump of several years in the middle. I never know if I'm doing it...
How to Write the Hero’s Journey (with downloadable template)
For writers who plot, the blank page before you start outlining your story is perhaps the most daunting of all. No matter how good the concept is, without a clear idea of where your story will go and a good understanding of beats and pacing, it can feel impossible to...
What’s the best way to edit my writing without feeling overwhelmed?
"How do I know when I've done enough editing and my story's actually ready to show to other people? I always feel like there's more I could fix, but at some point, I don't know if I'm overthinking it or if it really still needs work." There is no scarier feeling for a...
Got a Question? Ask Novlr!
Want to know more about a certain aspect of writing or need more general advice or inspiration? We’re here to help!
How do I write enemies to lovers?
"I don't know if there's already an article about this, but how should I go about an enemies to lovers type side plot? My two protagonists are in a situation where they are trapped together for a long time, and they are fighting on opposite sides of a war, so...
How do I write a character backstory?
“How do I write a unique character backstory effectively?” Backstory can feel like quicksand. If you take one step in too deep, you’ll find yourself suddenly drowning in family trees, childhood pets, and three pages about a summer camp no one needs to read. It’s so...
What’s the difference between an anti-villain and an anti-hero?
"Hello! 👋 What's the difference between Anti-Villain and Anti-Hero??" Villains and heroes are two sides of the same coin. Every villain is the hero of their own story, but how the reader perceives them all comes down to how you present them. Anti-heroes and...
