At this point, it's a bigger twist when the bad guy _isn't_ the hero's father.

A red herring is a false clue to throw your reader off the scent — and just like with a real herring, it’s good practice not to hit your reader over the head with it.

A plot twist should never be about shock value alone; it should shake things up and move your story forward.

If you're considering joining #NaNoWriMo for the first time, or just looking to slightly calm your nerves: here's everything you need to know for your first time: nearlycomplete.net/blog/your-firs…

#NaNoWriMo isn't about making things perfect; it's about making them at all. You can do this. What story will you be working on?

The worst thing you write is far better than the best thing you didn't.

Even the best authors don't have starlight flowing out of their pens. Some days will be tough, or exhausting, or disappointing, and that's perfectly okay. You're in good company: that of every writer ever.

Happy #NaNoWriMo, writers! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or joining for the very first time: you've got this! Throughout this month, I'll be sharing some of the many things I wish I'd known when I first started writing. In today's premiere episode: writing first drafts.

You can always improve on bad writing, but you can't edit an empty page. If your New Year's Resolution is to finally write that novel, here's a magical trick to keep at it when life inevitably slaps you in the face: nearlycomplete.net/blog/placehold…

Putting your ideas to paper, however unpolished, lifts a heavy, heavy weight off your shoulders. It’s on the page now, safe and sound.

Sometimes your brain is a bit fried, and that's perfectly fine. Placeholder sentences are an ideal way to make the most of your fried brain.

The worst thing you write is far better than the best thing you didn’t.

Writer's block got you down? Not to worry! This personalised writing prompt should help get those gears turning.

Any writing you do in self-isolation should help soothe your anxiety, not fan the flames. Here are 5 healthy, low-pressure ways to fit writing into these turbulent times: nearlycomplete.net/blog/writing-t…

One paragraph; one sentence; even a solitary word: whatever you managed to write, it was one step in the right direction.

Set that font colour to white, and write write write!

Now more than ever, taking time to recharge is an essential part of being productive. So let me say this, then say it again: you don’t have to be writing.

4 more weeks until the National Novel Writing Month is here once more! Remember: #NaNoWriMo isn't about making things perfect; it's about making them at all. You can do this!

Millions of people around the world have played with the idea of writing a book, yet very few of them ever sit down to actually make it happen. Whatever next month's #NaNoWriMo may bring; you'll be way ahead of all of them.

Whether it's a migraine, a broken laptop, or an unreasonably grumpy pet turtle: sometimes things don't go as planned. Thankfully, #NaNoWriMo is not a hit-or-miss affair: however far you end up getting, you'll still be a far better writer for it in the end.