A Guide to Writing Nonfiction

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Nonfiction novels offer a unique blend of storytelling and factual information, captivating readers with their true-to-life narratives. Writing a compelling nonfiction novel requires a combination of research, creativity, and attention to accuracy. Here’s a more detailed exploration of the process:

1. Choosing Your Topic:

  • Selecting a topic you’re passionate about is crucial. It ensures that you’ll be driven and motivated throughout the writing process.
  • Consider your personal interests, expertise, and the availability of source material.
  • Look for subjects that have a rich history, offer a unique perspective, or address significant social issues.

2. Research and Information Gathering:

  • Extensive research forms the backbone of any nonfiction novel.
  • Utilize credible sources such as books, journals, and interviews with experts.
  • Aim to gather a comprehensive understanding of your chosen topic, including its historical context, key events, and relevant facts.

3. Creating a Narrative Arc:

  • While nonfiction novels are based on real events, they still require a strong narrative structure.
  • Develop a compelling plot, memorable characters, and a satisfying conclusion.
  • Use narrative devices like foreshadowing, flashbacks, and character development to enhance the storytelling experience.

4. Striking the Balance Between Accuracy and Engagement:

  • Nonfiction novels must adhere to the principles of accuracy and fairness.
  • Present multiple perspectives and avoid bias by presenting facts in a balanced manner.
  • Ensure that your writing is engaging and accessible to a broad audience while maintaining intellectual rigor.

5. Writing with Clarity and Objectivity:

  • Nonfiction novels should be written in a clear, concise, and objective style.
  • Avoid using jargon or technical language that might alienate readers.
  • Strive for a writing style that is both informative and accessible.

6. Getting Feedback and Refining Your Work:

  • Seek feedback from beta readers, critique partners, or a professional editor.
  • Use their insights to identify areas for improvement, such as strengthening the plot, developing characters, or clarifying complex concepts.
  • Revise and edit your manuscript multiple times to ensure its quality and polish.

7. Incorporating Visual Elements (Optional):

  • Consider including maps, charts, photographs, or illustrations to enhance the reader’s understanding of the subject matter.
  • Visual elements can help break up the text and make the content more visually appealing.

8. Marketing and Promotion:

  • Once your nonfiction novel is complete, you’ll need to market and promote it to reach your target audience.
  • Develop a marketing plan that includes social media, online advertising, book signings, and reviews.

Writing a nonfiction novel is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By combining meticulous research with storytelling prowess, you can create a work that informs, engages, and resonates with readers.

Writing Discipline

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Consistency is a cornerstone of success in many endeavors, and writing is no exception. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a freelance journalist, or a student trying to ace your papers, writing regularly is essential for honing your craft, building your audience, and achieving your goals.

The benefits of consistent writing are numerous. It helps you develop your writing skills, improve your storytelling ability, and refine your unique voice. Moreover, it allows you to establish a writing routine that works for you, stay motivated, and overcome writer’s block.

But how can you develop the discipline to write consistently? Here are 10 tips to help you get started:

  1. Set Realistic Goals: Start by setting realistic writing goals that are tailored to your lifestyle and schedule. Whether it’s writing a certain number of words per day or completing a certain number of pages per week, make sure your goals are achievable and sustainable.
  2. Choose a Writing Time: Dedicate a specific time each day or week to writing. Consistency is key, so choose a time when you’re most productive and stick to it as much as possible.
  3. Create a Writing Space: Find a comfortable and inspiring writing space where you can focus and be creative. Whether it’s your desk, a library, or a coffee shop, make sure your writing space is free from distractions.
  4. Write First, Edit Later: Don’t get caught up in editing as you write. The goal is to get your thoughts and ideas down on paper first. You can always go back and edit later.
  5. Embrace Imperfection: Accept that your writing won’t always be perfect. Focus on getting your ideas out there and worry about polishing them later.
  6. Take Breaks: Don’t try to write for hours on end without taking breaks. Get up, move around, or take a few minutes to clear your head.
  7. Write for Yourself: Write what you’re passionate about and what interests you. Don’t try to write what you think others want to read. Your passion will shine through in your writing.
  8. Find Inspiration: Read widely, listen to music, watch movies, and observe the world around you. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
  9. Join a Writing Community: Join a writing group, online forum, or writing class. Surrounding yourself with other writers can provide motivation, support, and feedback.
  10. Celebrate Your Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your writing achievements, no matter how small. This will help you stay motivated and on track.

The Art of Deadlines

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As a writer, it’s easy to get caught up in the creative process and lose track of time. Before you know it, weeks have gone by and you haven’t finished your project. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the best ways to stay on track and motivated as a writer is to set deadlines.

Why set deadlines?

Setting deadlines has several benefits. First, they create a sense of urgency and help you stay focused. When you know you have a deadline, you’re more likely to prioritize your writing and make time for it in your schedule. Second, deadlines help you break down your work into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make the writing process feel less daunting and more achievable. Third, deadlines give you a sense of accomplishment when you meet them. This can boost your confidence and motivation, making it easier to keep writing.

How to set effective deadlines

Not all deadlines are created equal. When setting deadlines for yourself, it’s important to make sure they’re realistic and achievable. Here are a few tips:

  • Start with a big-picture goal. What do you want to achieve with your writing project? Once you know the end goal, you can break it down into smaller, more manageable deadlines.
  • Be realistic about your time and resources. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic deadlines. Consider your other commitments and obligations, and make sure they’re flexible enough to accommodate unexpected events.
  • Give yourself some wiggle room. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to give yourself some wiggle room in your deadlines. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed if you fall behind.

Tips for meeting your deadlines

Once you’ve set your deadlines, it’s important to have a plan for meeting them. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

  • Create a writing schedule. Plan out when you’re going to write each week, and stick to your schedule as much as possible.
  • Break your work down into smaller tasks. This will make the writing process feel less daunting and more achievable.
  • Set aside dedicated writing time. Make sure you have a specific time and place each week where you can focus on your writing.
  • Find a writing buddy or accountability partner. Having someone to support you and hold you accountable can make a big difference.
  • Reward yourself when you meet your deadlines. This will help you stay motivated and make the writing process more enjoyable.

Setting deadlines for yourself is an essential part of being successful. By following these tips, you can set effective deadlines and stay on track to achieve your goals.

Utilizing Time Blocks

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All writing projects may seem overwhelming in the beginning. Especially if you end up having a bout of the dreaded writer’s block. Dividing up your time to work on your project is the best way to work efficiently.

Time blocking is a time management strategy that involves dividing your day into specific blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or activity. This technique can help you stay focused, avoid distractions, and make the most of your time.

To use time blocks for writing, consider following these steps:

  1. Identify your writing tasks. What are the specific writing tasks that you need to complete? Make a list of all the tasks, big and small.
  2. Estimate the amount of time each task will take. How long do you think it will take to complete each task? Be realistic, and don’t underestimate the amount of time you need.
  3. Create a time blocking schedule. Divide the tasks you identified in Step 1 into time blocks. Each time block should have a specific start and end time, and the tasks assigned to it should fit within that time frame.
  4. Stick to your schedule. Once you’ve created your time blocking schedule, it’s important to stick to it as closely as possible. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.
  5. Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air. Taking a break can help you clear your head and come back to your writing refreshed and ready to focus.

While utilizing time blocks may seem time consuming itself, there are several benefits. It reduces distractions, improves productivity, and reduces stress or anxiety. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to sit down and write without wondering what you need to work on next.

2023 Year in Review

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To celebrate five years of Dragon Soul Press, we present the five best in each of the following categories: Author Interviews, Prolific Authors, Anthologies, Blog Posts, and the Editor’s Pick.

Top 5 Author Interviews

These are the most viewed author interviews for the year.

  1. Jarrett Mazza
  2. Isaac Marion
  3. Michael Raff
  4. Sofi Laporte
  5. Damascus Mincemeyer

Top 5 Prolific Authors

These authors have submitted and been accepted into the most DSP anthologies for the year.

  1. Barend Nieuwstraten III
  2. Edgar Mahaffey
  3. Jennifer Strassel
  4. Toni Mobley
  5. Douglas Allen Gohl and Katie Kent

Top 5 Anthologies

These anthologies were the most popular among readers during the year.

  1. A Winter Promise
  2. Reign of Fire
  3. Pirate Gold
  4. To Hunt and To Hold
  5. Magick & Mystery

Top 5 Blog Posts

These are the most viewed blog posts for the year.

  1. 4 Online Word Count Trackers
  2. Signs You Should Delete a Character
  3. Do’s and Don’ts of World-building
  4. Submitting Closer to Deadlines
  5. Crafting Strong Endings

Editor’s Pick

These are the stories that resonated the most with the editor during the year. Titles are in order of publication.

  1. Reign of Fire‘s Her Fiery Highness by Monica Wenzel
  2. Song of the Siren‘s To Love (and Not Eat) a Pirate by J.M. Rhineheart
  3. Trickster‘s Crossing Over by Ben Howels
  4. A Death in the Night‘s Unforgettable by Victoria Azzi
  5. To Hunt and To Hold‘s Blood Drive by Robin Kelly