LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON

Category: For Writers

  • The #1 Secret to Fantasy World Building

    Every fantasy author struggles with a tough challenge: How do you create a unique world that’s as believable as it is exciting? It’s called world building, and every writer does it a little differently. My secret is to start with research. The world we live in is so weird, it’s impossible not to get inspired.…

  • Deepest secrets revealed on RMFW podcast

    OK, so maybe not my “deepest secrets.” But this is possibly the most interesting interview I’ve ever done. When the unstoppable Mark Stevens from Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers invited me onto the RMFW podcast, I had no idea he’d ask me such thought-provoking questions. A few of the many, many things we talked about: •…

  • 6 Easy Steps to Planning Out Your Novel

    Attention writers: Even if you hate the idea of writing an outline or synopsis, you can still figure out a plan to help you finish your novel fast, avoid major revisions, and beat writer’s block forever. It’s surprisingly easy. And I’ll show you how. Click here to read the free article on Fiction University.  

  • Podcast: making The Leap to full-time writer

    Listen to my interview on The Leap podcast, where we talk about making major life changes, being creative, conquering fear, and striving for the life you really want to live. Here’s an excerpt: THE LEAP: Laurence, what can you tell people about making the leap themselves? What should they look out for? What should they…

  • Free for writers: Instant Plot workshop tomorrow

    Writing a book? Live in the Denver metro area? Join me tomorrow evening for a fun, free workshop that explains exactly how to outline any novel or story in just minutes. Find out how to take charge of your plot, avoid the three dumbest plotting mistakes, spot the warning signs of a dead-end story, and master…

  • Is Your Story Stuck? 5 Questions You Need to Ask

    Writing a book but feeling stuck? Do you have the sneaking suspicion that your story went off the rails somewhere? Don’t worry. You can fix practically any story problem just by asking yourself five simple questions. Read the full post on Fiction University >

  • Free workshop! Instant Plot: Plan Your Novel the Easy Way

    Hey, who doesn’t like free and easy? If you’re a writer in the Denver metro area, you should join me for a fun, free workshop that explains exactly how to outline any novel or story in just minutes. (By the way, even if you aren’t in the Denver area, don’t despair. Just shoot me an…

  • 6 Secrets of Successful Critique Groups

    6 Secrets of Successful Critique Groups

    Critique groups: best thing ever for writers? Or soul-crushing pits of despair? Here are my 6 secrets for spotting a top-notch critique group — or assembling your own. Connect with other writers and get the feedback you need to finish your book, publish it, and write the next one. Everything you need to know from…

  • 7 Keys to Writing Irresistible Plots

    7 Keys to Writing Irresistible Plots

    If you’ve ever tried to write a book, you’ve probably struggled with plotting. Plot is more than just what happens in the story. There’s a bigger structure to what happens, and when, and why. Do it right, and you’ll create a gripping story. But do it wrong, and your story will get nothing but yawns.…

  • The Easiest Way to Organize Your Thoughts

    The Easiest Way to Organize Your Thoughts

    Imagine if there was a way you could instantly spark new ideas, organize your thoughts and get more done every day. As a writer, my brain is constantly loaded up with new ideas. But I’ve found a way to quickly break down my thoughts, sort them out, and get organized, so that I can be…