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Tag: writing tips

5 Ways To Describe A Character Without Using The Clichéd Mirror Look

On April 9, 2021 By K.M. Allan28 Comments

Just as book trends see certain genres fall in and out of favor, there are certain elements of books that once worked but now no longer do. One such example is the clichéd mirror look, aka when the author has the MC look in a mirror and describe themselves so the reader knows how they …

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March 2021 Roundup

On March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 By K.M. Allan15 Comments

Welcome to the March 2021 roundup! And the year continues to fly by! I can't believe we've hit the end of March already. I was busy doing lots of editing this month and will continue to do so into April—because let's face it—a writer's work is never done. I hope you've all had a safe …

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The Chapter Checklist

On March 19, 2021 By K.M. Allan17 Comments

If you follow me on social media, you’ll know I’ve spent the last few months editing my latest WIP. It’s book 3 in my Urban Fantasy YA series, Blackbirch, and I’m aiming to have it published in the first half of this year. I spent most of 2020 rewriting the draft I penned back in …

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Writing Do’s And Don’ts: Room Settings

On March 5, 2021March 5, 2021 By K.M. Allan23 Comments

There are so many things to include when penning a book. Not only do you need to create relatable characters, a plot that works, and a world that is believable, but you need to fill that world with details. One thing that can be easy to overlook when it comes to details is room settings. …

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February 2021 Roundup

On February 28, 2021February 28, 2021 By K.M. Allan16 Comments

Welcome to the February 2021 roundup! Is it just me, or did February fly by really fast? I know it was a short 28-day month, but it still felt quicker than that. There are a few people I follow on social media who had planned to use the 28 days to achieve goals, such as …

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5 Ways To Avoid Info-Dumping

On February 19, 2021 By K.M. Allan29 Comments

When you become a writer, one of the "rules" you're advised to learn is to avoid info-dumping. If you haven't heard of it before, it's when the writer bombards the reader with everything they think they should know—all at once. While you might think there's no way you do that, info-dumping is an easy trap …

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The Benefits Of A Whiteboard To-Do List

On February 5, 2021 By K.M. Allan19 Comments

If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time in the last four years, you’ll know I’m a fan of writing routines, being organized, and to-do lists! While I regularly assess and change my writing routine depending on how my life is going, if I find something that helps with the routine, I’ll …

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January 2021 Roundup

On January 30, 2021 By K.M. Allan11 Comments

Welcome to the January 2021 roundup! Well, nothing happened to magically change the current world situation when we ticked over into 2021, so January was pretty much the same as December (and November, October, September… you get the picture), just with less tinsel. I did take a few weeks off from writing, but as was …

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Writing Tips: Building Tension

On January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 By K.M. Allan29 Comments

When it comes to crafting a book, everyone wants something that will have the reader turning the page. While such an achievement requires a combination of factors like a good plot, excellent characters, well-flowing prose, chocolate sacrifices, and the naming rights of your firstborn to the muse (if you're willing to go that far), you …

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K.M. Allan

K.M. Allan

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

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Recent Posts

  • 5 Ways To Describe A Character Without Using The Clichéd Mirror Look
  • March 2021 Roundup
  • The Chapter Checklist
  • Writing Do’s And Don’ts: Room Settings
  • February 2021 Roundup

Top Posts

  • 5 Writing Ideas To Transform A Boring Scene
  • The Delete Checklist
  • Character Dos and Don'ts
  • The Weak Word Checklist
  • Invoking The Five Senses

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I think Dash is hoping I won’t notice that he’s stolen my seat 🤣. Today I’m finishing this week’s #blog and working on more #Blackbirch 3 edits. I’m halfway through now 😊. What are you working on?
#WritingTipWednesday - Go For A Basic Backstory.
The #Blackbirch 3 edits continue! I’ve switched tactics & now I’m focusing on the notes I made during my last read through instead of trying to rewrite at the same time. It’s made the process quicker & I’m getting through 3 chapters a day instead of 1! What #WritingGoals are you working on this week?
Monday Motivation.
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