writing tips, tricks and advice
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table of contents
programs i use
cover advice
writing tips
programs i use
novlr.org
canva
google docs
indesign
photoshop
amazon kdp
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We live for
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novlr
this is my writing software i use to initially write my books. i write in scenes and like to jump around the story and this software helps me organize it by allowing me to separate by "chapters."
it tracks progress, let's me set goals, exports in .doc format & much more. i also use it to write notes, bulk out plot notes or store name lists.
check it out
google doc
this is step two. after my story is complete and in the editing, polishing stage, i import it into google docs and do another round of reading and editing.
i find having it be in a different format helps me catch mistakes i might have missed. this also is the format needed for ebooks and helps me import to indesign for print formatting.
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We live for
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canva
i love canva. i pay for pro to get all the benefits and it's absolutely worth it. i use canva for my initial cover design mockup because i like the available design elements. in order to get nuanced i do like to take it to photoshop later and polish it up. plus, formatting for print for kdp involves a template that you can download from the kdp university.
check it out
photoshop
i have over 20 years of photoshop experience so this isn't for everyone. i just enjoy the added control i have with the cover design that something like canva can't easily give me.
i use photoshop for cover design and any other logo or graphic adjustments the book needs.
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We live for
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indesign
indesign is where i format the book for print. this also is a more advanced way to format and there are easier apps but i enjoy the control this program gives me.
i format the margins, text size as well as chapter header layouts. this is also where i finalize all editing and polishing of the story.
amazon kdp
i self publish through amazon kdp. the interface is generally pretty easy to navigate and upload your documents to. tracking royalties and sales is easy and all in one place.
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We live for
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cover design advice
covers are the first things people see when they decide whether or not to read your book.
the saying, don't judge a book by its cover is wrong. people do judge books by their covers all the time so you want yours to be clean, professional and eye catching. here are some tips.
keep elements simple
tell a story
sleep on the first draft, sometimes you'll catch things after putting it away for a few days
get a second opinion
hire a professional, sometimes it's better if you outsource
font matters, so choose carefully
look at other covers in your genre
don't be afraid to make your font big
design something you'd want to see on your shelf
make sure you have the licensing to use the images
We live for
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pink sunsets
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We live for
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writing tips
writing is something you'll never be an expert in. you'll constantly be learning more and improving your craft so don't get discouraged. here are some tips on how to make your writing pop and stand out.
i heard the best piece of advice once:
if you describe a living room and you mention that there is a sword hanging over the fireplace, you better use that sword later in the story.
this is a great example of avoiding fluff and not needed information. if you keep this in mind when you're reading your favorite books, you'll notice the really great authors do this with everything.
everything has meaning.
this isn't limited to just descriptions of things, it can also apply to dialogue and/or characters that appear in the story.
We live for
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pink sunsets
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We live for
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people need a reason to keep reading.
create tension to keep them engaged and wondering what's next. this could be anything from making two characters almost kiss to having them share one bed in the inn and nothing happens.
tension can be achieved through dialogue, body language, emotion...
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pink sunsets
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We live for
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your plot could be the best thought out story ever but if your characters don't resonate, your story will never go anywhere.
you need to make your readers care about your characters. really care. you want them to feel deeply for the characters because then they'll invest in the tale.
give them a tragic backstory.
talk about their emotions
make them go through hell and back to achieve their goals
they need to learn something - allow your characters to develop through the story to create depth
We live for
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pink sunsets
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We live for
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