LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON

Tag: how to write a novel

  • “The end of the world shouldn’t be this much fun!” –Qwillery

    Check out this fabulous review from The Qwillery: “It Happened One Doomsday is a delight! It’s a fabulous blend of humor, Urban Fantasy and biblical prophecy with a touch of romance. The end of the world shouldn’t be this much fun!” But there’s more! They also interviewed Yours Truly. I talked frankly about: – What inspired me…

  • 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…

  • 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 Short, Sad Saga of Mississippi Jones

    The Short, Sad Saga of Mississippi Jones

    Some names stick with us. Bridget Jones, Holden Caulfield, Nero Wolfe — these names are all indelibly stamped into our literary consciousness. Those names are evocative. Memorable. Unique. Some writers are incredibly good at coming up with names. I am not one of them.

  • BookGoodies.com: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?

    BookGoodies.com: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?

    I once got to hear Orson Scott Card talk about his writing method. He went on at great length about how the voices of his characters talked to him. The voices told him to do this, he said, the voices told him to do that. As he droned on endlessly, a friend leaned over to…