Fiction
Stories and novels: plots, characters, scenes and revision.
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Entries
- Write a book blurb
Writes back-cover and online store blurbs with a hook, stakes and the right genre tone, in several lengths from a one-line pitch to a full store description. Use when publishing or relaunching a book.
- Write a children's story
Writes an age-appropriate bedtime story or picture-book text with read-aloud rhythm, a refrain and a lesson shown rather than stated. Use for bedtime, gifts or a picture-book draft.
- Write a setting description
Writes setting descriptions filtered through a point-of-view character's senses, history and mood, in three lengths from a passing line to a full arrival passage. Use when a place feels flat.
- Write a short story
Writes a complete short story from a premise to a target length, point of view, tone and ending type, built around one change and free of stock phrasing. Use for a first draft or a model to study.
- Check story continuity
Finds continuity errors across chapters (names, timelines, physical details, objects, who knows what, world rules) and lists them by location with quotes. Use before beta readers or submission.
- Develop a character
Develops a fictional character with a want, a need, a flaw, a backstory that matters, a distinct voice and an arc that serves the story. Use when a character feels flat or generic.
- Fiction-writing mentor
Fiction-writing mentor who protects the author's voice, asks craft questions before judging, and gives specific, prioritised notes. Use as a long-running writing companion for any project.
- Outline a story
Outlines a story in a chosen structure with beats, subplots and turning points, and flags every link where events follow by coincidence instead of cause. Use before drafting.
- Punch up dialogue
Revises a scene's dialogue for subtext, distinct voices and tension while keeping every plot beat intact, and explains each change. Use when dialogue reads stiff or expository.
- Story development track
Takes a story from premise to characters, an outline, a sample scene and revision notes, stopping for the author's approval between steps. Use when starting a new novel or story.
- Critique a fiction draft
Gives developmental feedback on a fiction draft covering point of view, pacing, stakes, character and dialogue, prioritised and without rewriting the author's prose. Use between drafts.
- Design a plot twist
Designs plot twists that feel surprising yet inevitable, naming the reader's false assumption, the reveal, which clues to plant where and how to hide them. Use for novels and screenplays.
- Revise telling into showing
Finds telling in a fiction passage (named emotions, filter words, summary where a scene belongs, explained subtext) and offers shown alternatives in the author's own voice. Use when revising a draft.
- Write a query letter and synopsis
Writes a literary agent query letter with hook, story paragraphs, comparable titles, word count and bio, plus a one-page synopsis that reveals the ending. Use when seeking representation for a novel.