LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON

Tag: Fiction University

  • Never Suffer Writer’s Block Again

    Have you ever sat down to write, and found that everything you wrote seemed terrible? Every writer has felt that way, at one time or another. Here’s the uncomfortable truth about those critical thoughts: they can actually help you become a better writer. But only if you know how to recognize those thoughts for what…

  • Writers: Outline Your Novel the Incredibly Easy Way

    Every day, I’m thankful to have the opportunity to write for a living. Seriously. Every single day. That’s why I share my tips and techniques to help aspiring writers navigate the pitfalls of the writing craft. One of my favorites is a method for outlining novels that is super simple, quick, and (dare I say) fun. Here…

  • 6 Secrets of Science Fiction and Fantasy World Building

    How do you, as a writer, build a new world that fascinates your readers, draws them in, and makes them want to come back for more? If you write fantasy, science fiction, or horror, you need to do your world building the right way. I’ve revealed the shortcuts and tips you should use — and…

  • Plot Problem? Fix It Fast with a Retcon

    Plot Problem? Fix It Fast with a Retcon

    Sooner or later, every story runs into a little hiccup. As you write, you’ll discover that certain facts don’t fit together anymore. Maybe a character needs to be changed or removed. Maybe you find a plot hole big enough to drive a Mack truck through. Somewhere, in the inner workings of your story, something has…

  • 7 Ways to Master “Show, Don’t Tell”

    7 Ways to Master “Show, Don’t Tell”

    “Show, Don’t Tell” is probably the most often-repeated writing advice in the world. It means that you shouldn’t dump a load of information in the middle of the page, because it will stop your story dead. But it’s easy to fix that problem, if you know how. Here are seven different ways that you can…

  • 6 Easy Steps to Writing Unforgettable Characters

    6 Easy Steps to Writing Unforgettable Characters

    Every writer knows that creating interesting characters is one of the toughest parts of the job. I don’t feel like an expert on characters by any means, but RT Book Reviews said this about my latest book: “MacNaughton has a real gift for developing quirky and crazy characters.” Nice to hear, but I’ll tell you:…

  • 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.  

  • 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 >

  • 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.…