FDF #22: Pantsing vs Plotting
At Noon ET, Author MJ Blehart will be comparing and contrasting the different approaches of writing styles between “pantsers” and “planners” and the pros and cons of both. This will be a live chat, so please bring your questions and opinions to the event! In this First Draft Friday live video chat, he’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips.
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FDF #21: How to Structure a Novel
At Noon ET, author Jim Woods will show you a fun, simple way to structure your book. Learn how to create a compelling story that draws in the reader and keeps them turning the page. In this live video chat, he’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips.
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FDF #20: Creating side characters that shine
At 5pm ET, author Cindy Skaggs will discuss using into secondary (or side) characters in your novel. Side characters can be instrumental in giving your book depth, opening up your fictional world, and can be a great place for additional plotlines and main character development to occur. In this live video chat, she’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips on how to make the best use of these characters.
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FDF #19: Building a stronger editing team
At 5pm ET, editor Marion Archer will discuss what you need to know about building in the right beta readers and developmental eyes, when to bring them on, and the importance of a well-rounded editing team. She’ll answer your questions and give you actionable tips on how to have a stronger editing team and process.
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FDF #18: Writing in the Young Adult Voice
At 12pm ET, Author Morgan Baden will discuss how to nail the Young Adult voice in your writing. In this live video chat with Alessandra Torre, they will explore how tone and language can make or break an authentic teen voice, and learn what makes a book be classified as YA in the first place.
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FDF #17: How hot should your romance novel be?
At 5pm ET, romance authors Bron Whitley and Alessandra Torre will discuss heat levels in different romance subgenres. Learn tips on building chemistry among characters in sweet and steamy ways, along with some do's and don'ts of writing romantic scenes.
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FDF #16: Increasing your writing speed
Bestselling author Chris Fox discusses how to get the most out of your writing time by increasing your writing speed. Learn tips and effective habits to improve your daily word count.
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FDF #15: Forbidden Sins of Your First Page
Author Tex Thompson discusses some common pitfalls of a novel's first pages, and how to kick yours into proper place. Learn about exposition, pacing, whether or not to use a prologue, and using unexpected emotions to hook a reader.
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FDF #14: Writing mistakes to avoid in your novel
Book editor Susan Barnes reveals the most common missteps that authors make. These mistakes can cause poor reviews, lost sales, and readers abandoning your novel midway through. In this half-hour event, Susan teaches how to avoid common pitfalls and what to watch our for when you're writing and rewriting a draft.
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FDF #13: Bringing your location to life
On this First Draft Friday, bestselling author Maria Luis joins host Alessandra Torre. Maria shares how to use your location in the same way that you do your characters – to help bring your book to life!
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FDF #12: Self-Editing Steps for Authors
Learning how to improve your manuscript is an important skill for any author to have. On this First Draft Friday, USA Today bestselling romance author Penny Reid and Authors A.I. CEO Alessandra Torre discuss self-editing. Penny will share the steps she takes in her own self-edit process.
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FDF #11: Getting Cozy with Mysteries
These bestselling mystery authors have an open discussion about writing in the mystery genre. They’ll share tips for appealing to mystery readers, what those readers expect in a novel, and what to avoid when penning a mystery novel.
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