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How do you read a novel?
novel study Kristen Tate 7/15/22 novel study Kristen Tate 7/15/22

How do you read a novel?

Use my method to read and analyze novels in your genre to learn the writing craft secrets used by your favorite authors.

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Advanced Zoom tips for editors
editing Kristen Tate 6/1/22 editing Kristen Tate 6/1/22

Advanced Zoom tips for editors

Tips and tricks for using Zoom to build connection with colleagues and clients.

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How experienced novelists can use beta readers in the editing process
revising Kristen Tate 2/25/22 revising Kristen Tate 2/25/22

How experienced novelists can use beta readers in the editing process

Learn how successful indie author Jane Steen, author of the House of Closed Doors Series and Scott-De Quincey Mysteries, uses beta readers as part of her revision process.

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What’s the live version of your scene?
revising Kristen Tate 10/31/21 revising Kristen Tate 10/31/21

What’s the live version of your scene?

If you stepped away from the page or screen, with only the characters and situation in your memory, how would you rewrite your scene in a new way?

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How to fix common point-of-view problems
revising Kristen Tate 10/24/21 revising Kristen Tate 10/24/21

How to fix common point-of-view problems

How do you decide what point of view is best for your story, and how do you use point of view to deepen your reader’s engagement with your characters?

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Get a fresh view of your novel with zoom-out questions
revising Kristen Tate 10/10/21 revising Kristen Tate 10/10/21

Get a fresh view of your novel with zoom-out questions

Construct questions that will help you see your novel in new ways.

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How to spot plot problems
revising Kristen Tate 10/1/21 revising Kristen Tate 10/1/21

How to spot plot problems

Learn how to spot possible plot problems in your novel and how to fix them.

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Could your secondary characters be stars?
writing Kristen Tate 9/19/21 writing Kristen Tate 9/19/21

Could your secondary characters be stars?

How to make sure your secondary characters are pulling their weight in your story.

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How to choose names for your characters
writing Kristen Tate 7/30/21 writing Kristen Tate 7/30/21

How to choose names for your characters

Practical tips from authors about how to create names for your fictional characters.

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Revision checklist: Chekhov’s bunnies
revising Kristen Tate 7/7/21 revising Kristen Tate 7/7/21

Revision checklist: Chekhov’s bunnies

What is Chekhov’s gun principle and why do you need to add it to your revision checklist?

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News for word nerds: 2021 edition
editing Kristen Tate 4/24/21 editing Kristen Tate 4/24/21

News for word nerds: 2021 edition

Highlights from the 2021 ACES conference.

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Does your story need a reversal?
writing Kristen Tate 4/4/21 writing Kristen Tate 4/4/21

Does your story need a reversal?

Plot reversals can add drama and energy to a plot that is dragging.

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5 tips to help you conquer your fears about sending your manuscript to an editor
polishing Kristen Tate 3/4/21 polishing Kristen Tate 3/4/21

5 tips to help you conquer your fears about sending your manuscript to an editor

It can be scary to send your work to an editor, even when you know you need feedback to improve. Here are 5 tips that will help you fight the fear.

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How SOPs can make publishing (and writing!) easier
publishing Kristen Tate 1/22/21 publishing Kristen Tate 1/22/21

How SOPs can make publishing (and writing!) easier

Learn how documenting your standard operating procedures can make it easier to format, publish, and maybe even write your book.

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Using point of view to create drama: Persuasion chapter 24
Kristen Tate 9/13/20 Kristen Tate 9/13/20

Using point of view to create drama: Persuasion chapter 24

Learn how Austen uses point of view to create drama and suspense in a scene without much external action.

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Perfect understanding: Persuasion chapter 23
Kristen Tate 9/6/20 Kristen Tate 9/6/20

Perfect understanding: Persuasion chapter 23

The value of just doing the work.

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Foreseeing many evils: Persuasion chapter 22
novel study Kristen Tate 8/30/20 novel study Kristen Tate 8/30/20

Foreseeing many evils: Persuasion chapter 22

In which we see why Anne is the most Virgo of all of Austen's characters.

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Clearing the air: Persuasion chapter 21
novel study Kristen Tate 8/23/20 novel study Kristen Tate 8/23/20

Clearing the air: Persuasion chapter 21

Austen lets Mrs. Smith say the quiet parts out loud.

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Talking head avoidance device: Persuasion chapter 20
novel study Kristen Tate 8/16/20 novel study Kristen Tate 8/16/20

Talking head avoidance device: Persuasion chapter 20

Austen shows us what a difference the perfect setting can make.

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Turning point: Persuasion chapter 19
novel study Kristen Tate 8/9/20 novel study Kristen Tate 8/9/20

Turning point: Persuasion chapter 19

The river of the plot is about to carry us to the end.

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