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The word 'series' conjures up different emotions in different writers. Some might grin at the thought of spending multiple books exploring the world and story they've created. Others might rub their hands together at the potentially lucrative benefits of a long-running series. And still more might simply cry in horror, 'A series?
World-building is so much more than just a framing device. It's the very essence of any good fantasy or science fiction story, and the basis of a sense of place in other genres. Good world-building lends an immersive richness to your writing, while also giving readers the information they need to understand characters and plotlines.
You've no doubt heard the terms 'online presence' and 'author platform' floating around of late. But what do they mean, exactly? And are they really vital concerns for writers? Shouldn't we be focussing solely on the writing itself? While concentrating on writing and writing alone does sound like a dream scenario, unfortunately, it's just that: a dream.
It's a contradiction we writers know all too well: wanting to write with every fibre of our being, but lacking the necessary inspiration to get started and/or keep going. So what are we to do when creative motivation is lacking?
So you want to write a fantasy novel. You're enamoured with epic sagas from the likes of Tolkien, Martin and Rowling; you love everything about the genre, and you feel that you have your own fantasy story to tell. But this is a complicated genre to write in.
Like any genre of fiction, fantasy is susceptible to a wide range of clichés. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of using repetitive, unoriginal tropes and traditions. Fantasy fiction demands certain essential elements to fit into the genre and reach the right audience - and in seeking out those essential elements, you might fall prey to some dreaded fantasy clichés.
Dialogue in fiction is almost a concrete requirement. We're primarily referring to longform fiction here; short stories may exist without dialogue, but a novel sans speaking is a rare thing to find. As Alice once said before her journey down the rabbit-hole, 'What is the use of a book without pictures or conversation?'
It's that time of year again, writers... The seasons are changing, Christmas decorations are popping up inappropriately in shops, and NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH is nearly upon us! Sunday, November 1st will mark the beginning of 2015 NaNoWriMo: a month-long project that challenges participants to write an entire novel (50,000 words) before December arrives.
When you've finally finished your manuscript after thousands of hours of work, the last thing you want to hear is that there's more work to be done. But unfortunately, that's the simple truth of the matter. Finalising your draft is an enormous achievement, but now's not the time to rest on your laurels!
So you've finished working on your novel, and it's actually looking pretty good. So good, in fact, that you think it's ready to be sent out into the world. Upon reaching this stage, more and more authors these days are choosing the option of self-publishing.
It may not be something you've considered extensively while writing or planning a story, but backstory is a crucial part of any novel. Backstory can simply be defined as: A narrative providing a history or background context, especially for a character or situation in a literary work."
It's a good time to be an author of Young Adult fiction. Thanks to the constantly evolving way people consume literature, in recent years the genre has shed a lot of the stigma it usually carries.
If you're searching for some tips for outdoor entertaining, look no further! We've put together an extensive collection of tips, tricks and ideas for hosting a great backyard party. These 25 tips cover everything from planning and decorating an outdoor party, to making sure your guests are comfortable, entertained and well-fed.
Save the dates are your guests' very first taste of your wedding: they establish its signature style and hint at the feel of the day. You should be able to tell from a save the date whether the wedding will be or casual, classic or , and so on.
There's nothing quite like the charm of a rustic wedding. Picture long outdoor tables set against a backdrop of rolling hills, twinkling fairy lights strung between the trees, or perhaps a refurbished barn decked out with glowing candles, mason jar table settings and farm-fresh flowers.
Welcome to the newest section of Lily Magazine: 'Our Favourite Country Instagrammers'! Curated by Claire Bradshaw, a writer, Instagram addict and lover of the countryside, it's a sister-column to our 'Favourite Country Bloggers' feature. Each month, we'll be showcasing an especially lovely Instagram account that's full of gorgeous countryside snapshots and scenes.