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Tag: dialogue

Editing Tips: What To Check When It Feels Like Something Is Missing

On November 5, 2021 By K.M. Allan20 Comments

Well, you did it. You took that spark of an idea, fleshed it out into an entire book, edited the last page for the last time, and finished one final read-through. The book is done. At least it should be. As proud as you were, there was a little voice in your head as you …

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7 Tips For Creating Awesome Characters

On November 27, 2020 By K.M. Allan23 Comments

While a great storyline and an intense setting can make for an excellent read, what really creates a great book is awesome characters. After all, how many pages have you kept turning just to see what happens to the MC? Getting your reader to care about your characters is a task every writer should aim …

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The Dialogue Checklist

The Dialogue Checklist

On November 15, 2019February 26, 2021 By K.M. Allan37 Comments

Dialogue is an important part of any story and essential to get right. Good dialogue can reveal twists, unveil character traits, motivations, change the direction of the story, and give your cliffhangers the perfect bite—I mean, who doesn't love the final line of a scene ending in a suspenseful piece of dialogue! While it's up …

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4 Reasons To Use Action Beats When Writing

4 Reasons To Use Action Beats When Writing

On May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 By K.M. Allan67 Comments

If you're wondering what an action beat is, you're not alone. Not too long ago, I didn't know what it was either. I've since learned it's an action your character is doing while they're talking. Yeah, it's not exactly an earth-shattering revelation and is something you've probably been writing naturally anyway, it's just now you know …

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The Basic Scene Checklist

The Basic Scene Checklist

On May 10, 2019 By K.M. Allan41 Comments

I don't know about you, but when I write, I don't really plan. Sure, I might have an idea of what I want to write about, but generally, I'll write until something takes shape. That creative freedom is what I love about writing. It's also a double-edged sword because you've got to somehow make sense of …

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6 Draft Checklist Ideas And Why You Should Create Your Own

6 Draft Checklist Ideas (And Why You Should Create Your Own)

On February 22, 2019 By K.M. Allan54 Comments

Just as no two writers will write an idea the same way, drafting is a unique process as well. Some authors may draft their MS in as little as five passes, others (raises hand) might have 20 odd drafts under their belt for certain works in progress. When drafting is such a mammoth task, it's …

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Writing Tips For Great Scenes

Writing Tips For Great Scenes

On February 8, 2019 By K.M. Allan70 Comments

If the thought of writing a novel freaks you out, first, know you're not alone. Second, this seemingly huge task is not as overwhelming as you think it is. Sure, you have to come up with characters, plot lines, unique ideas, master show, don't tell, and learn how to use commas properly. And it could take …

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8 Early Draft Cuts For A Stronger Manuscript

8 Early Draft Cuts For A Stronger Manuscript

On December 7, 2018 By K.M. Allan44 Comments

There’s a reason it’s a good idea to not show anyone early drafts, and that’s because it’s usually full of writing that should be cut. And these cuts aren’t darlings—writing that’s good but doesn’t fit with the story—they’re the parts of your MS that will make it stronger once you’ve removed them. They are the weak …

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7 Dialogue Downers

7 Dialogue Downers

On October 19, 2018 By K.M. Allan39 Comments

One of the ironic twists of being a writer who works alone at a desk making up imaginary things is writing dialogue. You know, a conversation between two or more people when it’s rare you’ve spoken to another person, out loud, about anything interesting for days at a time. While your real life skills may …

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K.M. Allan

K.M. Allan

YA writer and blogger. Author of The Blackbirch Series, The Beginning, The Dark Half, and The Ritual (books 1, 2 & 3) are out now! I'm also an identical twin, but not the evil one.

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