Writing Coach in a Box

This toolkit provides helpful advice for re-reading drafts, common mistakes first-time authors make, injecting excitement into flat prose, making readers root for the protagonist, using verbs effectively, and mixing long and short sentences. It is based on years of successful writing and publishing and is useful for anyone who writes, including novelists, bloggers, press releases, memoirs, news stories, and screenplays.

Format: Cards
Length: 60 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

What should you look for when you re-reading a draft?
When re-reading a draft, it's essential to pay attention to various aspects of your writing to improve its quality. Here are some key things to look for:

• Clarity: Ensure that your writing is clear and concise. Check for any confusing or ambiguous sentences or paragraphs that may need clarification. Use simple language and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be difficult for readers to understand.
  
• Coherence: Ensure that your writing flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Check for any inconsistencies, plot holes, or logical errors that may disrupt the reader's experience. Make sure that your characters, plot, and setting are consistent throughout the manuscript.
  
• Depth: Evaluate the depth and complexity of your characters. Ensure that they are well-developed, with unique personalities, motivations, and conflicts. Give them realistic reactions and behaviors that reflect their character traits and the circumstances they are in.
  
• Style: Assess the overall style of your writing. Consider whether it is appropriate for your genre and target audience. Evaluate your use of language, tone, and imagery to create a compelling and engaging narrative. Experiment with different writing styles to find what works best for you.
  
• Structure: Evaluate the structure of your manuscript. Check for a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as a well-developed plot arc. Ensure that the pacing is appropriate, with enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
  
• Flow: Assess the flow of your writing. Check for any awkward or repetitive phrases or sentences that may disrupt the reader's flow. Experiment with different sentence structures and lengths to find what works best for your manuscript.
  
• Readability: Evaluate the readability of your writing. Ensure that it is easy to read and understand. Use short, simple sentences and avoid using complex language or jargon that may be difficult for readers to grasp.
  
• Marketability: Consider the marketability of your manuscript. Evaluate whether it has a unique selling point or a compelling story that will appeal to readers. Consider the target audience and the current trends in the publishing industry.
  

What are the most common mistakes first-time authors make?
First-time authors often make several common mistakes that can hinder their writing success. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Lack of planning: Many first-time authors fail to plan their manuscripts properly. They may start writing without a clear idea of what they want to achieve or a well-developed plot. This can lead to a lack of coherence and a disjointed narrative.
  
• Poor character development: First-time authors may struggle to create believable and relatable characters. They may fail to give their characters enough depth, motivation, or conflict to make them interesting to readers.
  
• Overuse of exposition: First-time authors may rely too heavily on exposition to tell the story rather than showing it through dialogue and action. This can lead to a flat and boring narrative that lacks emotional impact.
  
• Inconsistent writing style: First-time authors may struggle to maintain a consistent writing style throughout their manuscript. They may switch between different writing styles, such as first-person narration, third-person narration, or a combination of styles, which can confuse readers.
  
• Poor grammar and punctuation: First-time authors may have a limited understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. This can lead to errors in spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure, which can detract from the overall quality of their writing.
  
• Lack of editing: First-time authors may fail to edit their manuscripts thoroughly. They may skip over important editing steps, such as proofreading and revision, which can result in errors and inconsistencies in their writing.
  
• Relying too much on inspiration: First-time authors may rely too much on inspiration to write their manuscripts. They may wait for inspiration to strike before starting to write, which can lead to a lack of productivity and a delay in completing their work.
  

How can you inject excitement into flat prose?
Injecting excitement into flat prose is an important skill for any writer to develop. Here are some strategies you can use to add interest and vitality to your writing:

• Use vivid imagery: Use descriptive language and imagery to create a vivid picture of your characters, settings, and events. This can help readers visualize the story and feel more engaged with the characters and the plot.
  
• Use dialogue: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for adding excitement to your prose. Use it to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension and conflict. Make sure your dialogue is realistic and reflects the characters' voices and personalities.
  
• Use pacing: Use pacing to create tension and suspense in your story. Vary the speed of your narrative, including slow, quiet moments and fast-paced action scenes. This can keep readers engaged and invested in the story.
  
• Use unexpected twists: Use unexpected twists and turns to keep readers guessing and engaged. This can include plot twists, character revelations, or unexpected discoveries that add depth and complexity to the story.
  
• Use sensory details: Use sensory details to create a sensory experience for your readers. This can include describing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the characters and the settings. This can help readers feel more connected to the story and the characters.
  
• Use symbolism: Use symbolism to add depth and meaning to your story. This can include objects, colors, or symbols that represent important themes or ideas in the story. This can help readers interpret the story on a deeper level and connect with it on an emotional level.
  
• Use humor: Use humor to add lightness and levity to your story. This can include witty dialogue, funny situations, or humorous observations. Humor can help break up the tension and add a sense of fun to the story.
  

How do you make readers root for your protagonist?
Making readers root for your protagonist is an essential aspect of creating a compelling and engaging story. Here are some strategies you can use to make readers connect with your protagonist:

• Create a relatable character: Create a character that readers can relate to on a personal level. Give them relatable traits, motivations, and flaws that make them human and relatable. This can help readers connect with the character and feel invested in their journey.
  
• Show the character's growth: Show the character's growth and development throughout the story. This can include overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and growing as a person. Readers will be more invested in a character who is changing and evolving.
  
• Create a compelling backstory: Create a compelling backstory for your protagonist. This can include experiences, relationships, or events that have shaped the character's personality and motivations. Readers will be more interested in a character with a rich and complex backstory.
  
• Show the character's vulnerability: Show the character's vulnerability and weaknesses. This can make the character more relatable and human, and make readers feel more invested in their journey.
  
• Create a compelling conflict: Create a compelling conflict that drives the story forward. This can include a personal conflict, a societal conflict, or a conflict with a powerful antagonist. Readers will be more invested in a story that has a clear and compelling conflict.
  
• Use dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal the character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This can help readers understand the character's perspective and make them more invested in their journey.
  
• Show the character's strengths: Show the character's strengths and abilities. This can make the character more admirable and inspiring, and make readers root for them.
  
• Create a sense of empathy: Create a sense of empathy for the character. This can include showing the character's emotional struggles, fears, and hopes. Readers will be more invested in a character who they feel empathy for.
  

What verbs should you avoid, and which must you use?
The choice of verbs is an important aspect of writing, and there are certain verbs that should be avoided or used sparingly to avoid overuse or cliche. Here are some verbs to avoid:

• Be: Use "to be" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• To be: Use "to be" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Was: Use "was" in moderation, as it can create a sense of past tense and distance from the present. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Were: Use "were" in moderation, as it can create a sense of past tense and distance from the present. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Had: Use "had" in moderation, as it can create a sense of past tense and distance from the present. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Have: Use "have" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Me: Use "me" in moderation, as it can create a sense of self-centeredness and distance from the reader. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• It: Use "it" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• There: Use "there" in moderation, as it can create a sense of distance and detachment from the reader. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Such: Use "such" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• That: Use "that" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• These: Use "these" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  
• Those: Use "those" in moderation, as it can be overused and lead to flat or passive writing. Instead, use more active and descriptive verbs to convey the desired meaning.
  

Why should you mix long and short sentences?
Mixing long and short sentences can add variety and interest to your writing. Here are some reasons why you should consider mixing long and short sentences:

• Variety: Mixing long and short sentences can add variety to your writing, making it more engaging and dynamic. Long sentences can provide depth and complexity, while short sentences can add pace and energy.
  
• Clarity: Long sentences can be confusing and difficult to read, especially for beginners. Short sentences, on the other hand, can be easier to understand and digest. Mixing long and short sentences can help balance clarity and complexity.
  
• Emphasis: Mixing long and short sentences can help emphasize certain points or ideas. Long sentences can be used to convey important information or details, while short sentences can be used to add emphasis or contrast.
  
• Pacing: Mixing long and short sentences can help control the pacing of your writing. Long sentences can create a sense of tension and suspense, while short sentences can add a sense of urgency or pace.
  
• Flow: Mixing long and short sentences can help create a smooth and flowing narrative. Long sentences can create a sense of immersion and depth, while short sentences can add a sense of movement and momentum.
  
• Readability: Mixing long and short sentences can help improve readability. Long sentences can be difficult to read, especially for beginners, while short sentences can be easier to understand and digest. Mixing long and short sentences can help balance readability and complexity.
  
• Style: Mixing long and short sentences can help add style and personality to your writing. Long sentences can be used to create a formal or academic tone, while short sentences can be used to create a more casual or conversational tone.
  

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 165 x 110 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837760176