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“How Many Words in a Novel?”
How many words long should your novel be? The short answer is . . . as long as it needs to be.
January 16, 2026
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How to Write a Novel
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In the best stories, the reader’s attention keeps in sync with the rhythm of the prose. It’s like a snowball...
In a previous article, I went over formatting requirements for screenplays. These techniques can also help set up a sound...
Metaphors are one of the first additions to our writing toolbox, usually paired with the simile in our high school...
Occasionally, tucked somewhere between an introduction, epigraph, and dedication, a book might have a prologue. This is the story before...
There’s rhythm in prose. The rhythm might be intentionally terse, like a Charles Bukowski novel, or dense and languid like...
Ever since humans have been able to communicate, we share stories, weaving the tapestry of our shared existence. These stories...
“Danger lies in the writer becoming the victim of his own exaggeration, losing the exact notion of sincerity, and in...
Have you thought about your creative goals for this coming year? If you’re planning to write your novel, here are...
When I did a book tour for my first novel, someone asked, “Have you sold the film rights?” And when...
When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the...
We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by...
A novel’s story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge...
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Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?
The words “book” and “novel” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they actually mean different things. In this article, I’ll describe the differences
December 25, 2025
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How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps
Each writer has their own process. Some writers (often called pantsers) believe that outlining their novel limits their creativity, while others require
December 22, 2025
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The Essential Guide to Novel Structure for Writers
A novel’s story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the
December 20, 2025
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What is a Novel? Definition, History, and Key Characteristics
We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by more than
December 19, 2025
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Novel Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories
When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the genre?” To
December 14, 2025
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12 Maxims of The 90-Day Novel
Have you thought about your creative goals for this coming year? If you’re planning to write your novel, here are 12 maxims that
December 26, 2023
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Blog
Sell Your Novel to the Movies
When I did a book tour for my first novel, someone asked, “Have you sold the film rights?” And when I said
April 2, 2019
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Blog
Writing Fiction: Letting Go of Our Story
“Danger lies in the writer becoming the victim of his own exaggeration, losing the exact notion of sincerity, and in the end
June 13, 2017
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Recent posts
How many words long should your novel be? The short answer is . . . as long as it needs...
The words “book” and “novel” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they actually mean different things. In this article, I’ll describe...
Each writer has their own process. Some writers (often called pantsers) believe that outlining their novel limits their creativity, while...
A novel’s story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge...
We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by...
When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the...
Have you thought about your creative goals for this coming year? If you’re planning to write your novel, here are...
When I did a book tour for my first novel, someone asked, “Have you sold the film rights?” And when...
“Danger lies in the writer becoming the victim of his own exaggeration, losing the exact notion of sincerity, and in...
