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Complexity, Cohesion, and Control in Fiction
The construction of a complex novel may be likened to the weaving of an intricate textile: numerous threads, characters, ambitions, conflicts, and settings, are interlaced to produce a unified design. However elaborate the craftsmanship, the reader should perceive only coherence and inevitability. As Gustave Flaubert observed, “An author in his book must be like God in the universe, present everywhere and visible nowhere.” The labour of orchestration must remain invisible; th
brightwritenow
6 days ago3 min read
Reflecting on January Reading: A Monthly Wrap-Up of Books, Highlights, and Book Mail
January often feels like a fresh page, a chance to set new goals and embrace new experiences. Here are my 2026 reading resolutions. If you’re looking for book recommendations or inspiration to start your own reading journey, this post will offer a detailed glimpse into a month well spent with books. Publisher Mail Cape Fever by Nadia Davids is a richly atmospheric and emotionally resonant novel set in South Africa in the 1920s, within a British colonial society defined by ri
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Feb 63 min read
Flash Fiction Friday
I haven't done one of these for a while, but I thought new year and all that... Let's get the ink flowing with this easy breezy flash fiction prompt. The ides is you respond to the prompt with a story of no more than 500 words and post it in the comments here. We can all read and comment and share our stories! I am going dark for this prompt so join in if you like thriller/ horror/ suspense... Prompt The voicemail is only twelve seconds long. You don’t recognise the voice at
brightwritenow
Jan 231 min read
Mastering the Art of Tension in Thrillers: A 10-Step Guide for Writers
Tension drives thrillers. It keeps readers turning pages, heart pounding, eager to find out what happens next. Yet many new writers believe tension means nonstop action or loud drama. That’s a mistake. True tension is subtle, layered, and carefully crafted. It’s the question lurking beneath the surface, the stakes that matter deeply, the pressure that tightens with every scene. This guide breaks down a 10-step process to build tension that grips readers from start to finish.
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Jan 214 min read
Story Structure
Story Shapes “ For centuries there's been one path through fiction we're most likely to travel - one we're actually told to follow - and that's the dramatic arc: a situation arises, grows tense, reaches a peak, subsides!” (Meander, Spiral Explode by Jane Alison) Aristotle (384-322 BCE) suggested dramas should have a three-act structure, a beginning, middle and end. Beginning (Exposition/Protasis): This part introduces the characters, setting, and initial situation of the sto
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Jan 144 min read
Creative writing prompt
Something Happened on the Way to… BCW Writing Session – 13.01.2026 At our BCW writing session on 13 January 2026 , we explored a deceptively simple but powerful prompt: Something Happened on the Way to… Choose a Familiar Journey Think of a journey you know well — one you have travelled at least once before (and perhaps many times). Type of journey (path, train, car, walk, etc.): Where does it start? Where does it end? Visualise the Journey Imagine this journey as if you a
brightwritenow
Jan 142 min read
How authors can use CTAs on BookTok
If you’re a thriller author, like me, on BookTok, calls to action (CTAs) can feel… awkward. You don’t want to sound salesy.You don’t want to break the tension. And you definitely don’t want to scare readers away with “BUY MY BOOK.” The good news?You don’t need hard sells to grow an audience or sell books. You need layered CTAs —ones that match the mood of your content, train the algorithm, and slowly turn viewers into readers. Here’s how to do it. Micro CTAs for thriller aut
brightwritenow
Jan 42 min read
The Goblin
I was thirteen when I turned into a goblin. The world was big and I was small and my dog was my sidekick. I packed up my school bag with pencils and notebooks to make leaf rubbings and design my adventures. The fairy palace was my own creation. I drew it into being. I scrawled a tiny door on the rock, and just like that, it was real. Major Event was the keeper and the guard who stood watch over the drawbridge. “How do you stop the kids from storming t
brightwritenow
Jan 44 min read
A Journey Through November Reads
Book Club Book A Tale for the Time Being Ruth Ozeki A Tale for the Time Being is a novel of striking ambition. It blends themes of time, identity, and cross-cultural connection. Ozeki’s premise—Nao’s diary washing ashore in Canada—draws Ruth into the mystery of the girl’s life. This inventive concept is initially enchanting. Nao’s voice is sharp, insightful, and often profoundly moving. Her reflections on bullying, displacement, and Zen philosophy form the novel’s emotional
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Dec 2, 20252 min read
October Reading Wrap-Up 🎃📚
October always feels like the perfect month to curl up with a dark, twisty book, and this year didn’t disappoint. Highlight My standout read for this month was Small Boat . Inspired by the 2021 Channel disaster, in which 27 migrants drowned, Small Boat is a stark, unsettling novella. It examines responsibility, complicity, and the failures of empathy. Told through the perspective of a French radio operator accused of negligence, the story unfolds as a relentless stream of th
brightwritenow
Oct 26, 20254 min read
Crafting an Engaging Author Profile
Creating an engaging author profile is an essential step for writers who want to connect with their audience and build a loyal following. A well-crafted profile not only introduces you to readers but also reflects your personality, style, and the essence of your work. Whether you are a novelist, blogger, or content creator, your author profile can be a powerful tool to attract interest and encourage readers to explore your books . Why Engaging Author Profiles Matter An author
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Oct 21, 20254 min read
September Reading Wrap-up
🍂 September Reading Wrap-Up: A Journey Through Dark Thrills and Unexpected Love Stories 🍂 September has been a month filled with dark thrills, unexpected love stories, and thought-provoking non-fiction. My reading pile took me on quite the ride. From unsettling psychological suspense and chilling cult mysteries to tender magical realism and sharp cultural critique, some books gripped me with their atmosphere. Others left me questioning believability, while a few were simpl
brightwritenow
Sep 29, 20252 min read
The Life of a Punisher: A Glimpse into the Shadows
The Weight of Responsibility I mean, nobody wants this job, do they? Do you think I want to spend my days dishing out punishments? Judges get paid. And… they have twelve people to decide guilty or not guilty. All I have are two eyes and a heap of responsibility weighing on me. Back in the day, there was at least a bit of glamour with the job. A pretty dress and some sparkle. But not now… Now, I’m parked outside some creep’s house at 2 AM in a hoodie. A hoodie! No glamour, no
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Sep 16, 20254 min read
August Reading Wrap Up
August was another brilliant reading month for me. Here are the highlights! Kindle Unlimited Highlight Tiny Daggers Caroline Corcoran...
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Aug 30, 20253 min read
How Authors Build Their Unique Writing Styles
Every author has a distinct voice that sets their work apart. This unique writing style is what draws readers in and keeps them coming...
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Aug 15, 20254 min read
July Reading Highlights: Thrilling Adventures Await
Kindle Unlimited Highlights Jess Lourey’s The Taken Ones is a chilling, well-paced thriller that blends psychological depth with a gripping cold case mystery. Set in small-town Minnesota, the story follows detective Van Reed and forensic psychologist Harry Steinbeck as they unravel a decades-old disappearance tied to a present-day murder. Lourey’s writing is gritty and immersive, with strong character development—particularly in the nuanced relationship between Van and Harry
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Aug 4, 20253 min read
Balancing Act: Navigating Full-Time Work and the Writer's Journey
Writing for me is not just a hobby; it is something I need to do to feel a sense of balance and that my creative self has an outlet. ...
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Jul 24, 20254 min read
Explore Ideas to Spark Your Creative Writing
If you're struggling with creative writing, you're not alone. Many writers face blocks that hinder their progress. Whether you're a...
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Jul 8, 20253 min read
Essential Tips for Creating an Effective Author Website
In today's digital age, a professional author website is more than just a portfolio; it is a dynamic platform essential for building your...
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Jul 3, 20254 min read
This Week's Challenge: Crafting Flash Fiction with Fire as a Central Theme
This week’s challenge invites you to write a flash fiction piece. The maximum word count is 500 words. Your story must revolve around the...
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Jun 27, 20252 min read
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