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 I turn an existing short story into a novel?
"I wrote a short story a while back that I really love, and I keep thinking about it. I feel like there's more to explore with these characters and this world. How do I go about expanding it into a full-length novel without just padding it out?" Many novels began...
How to Craft the Perfect Story Setting (With Downloadable Template)
Your setting is fundamental to your story. It’s the backbone of your plot and is essential to providing narrative context, establishing the mood and tone for your scenes, and even acting as a plot device in its own right. The best settings are the ones that readers...
How do you choose between multiple story options?
"I'm stuck on my story and I don't know how to continue. I have a few continuations in mind and don't know which one to pick. Every continuation works. I am a writer of a kind where if I write something, in my mind I'd be thinking 'why didn't I go with the other...
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 you write a tragic backstory?
"I'm trying to write a backstory for my main character. She's supposed to have this really tragic past that explains why she's so closed off and distrustful, but every time I write it, it feels... fake? Like I'm just piling on sad things for no reason. How do I make...
How do you fix plot holes?
"Hello, I was writing my book and I realised that I had two plot holes that need fixing. I am not good at fixing plot holes so I tried to find something in the reading room about it but there was nothing there yet. Can you help?" Plot holes are a natural part of the...
How do you research an unfamiliar industry?
"How to do research for a story set in a field you know very little about (the film, music industry, sports like basketball...)?" The adage “write what you know” is often bandied about like it’s something deeply meaningful. It’s the one piece of writing advice I’ve...
