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Writing Craft Resource Center

The Writing Hub

Everything I know about writing craft: fiction technique, character, structure, dialogue, grammar, editing and the psychology of getting words on the page. I’ve authored 113+ books of my own.

No pitch. No pressure.

TL;DR: This is my writing craft hub, laid out in sixteen chapters: fiction technique, character, structure, dialogue, world building, editing, grammar, creativity and productivity. It’s for writers who want the mechanics explained. You’ll also find writing exercises, the psychology of writing and AI, how my own novels were written, and a long list of craft books worth reading.

This hub is laid out in chapters, from fiction craft and character to structure, dialogue, editing, productivity, the handbooks and exercises, and the books behind my own novels. When you’re ready to talk about your own book, see my ghostwriting services or start smaller with the Book Discovery Intensive.

Writing Hub chapters by focus
Focus Chapters
Fiction technique and character 1. Mastering fiction writing; 2. Building characters readers remember
Story mechanics 3. Structuring a novel; 4. Writing dialogue that sounds real; 5. World building and setting
Craft and correctness 6. Honing your craft; 7. Editing and revising a manuscript; 8. Grammar and language
Getting words on the page 9. Creativity and inspiration; 10. Productivity and the writing process
The mind and AI 11. The psychology of writing and the role of AI
Practice 12. Writing exercises
Publishing 13. Publishing, platform and promotion
From other books and writers 14. How my novels were written; 15. What other writers say; 16. Craft books

1. Mastering fiction writing

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2. Building characters readers remember

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3. Structuring a novel

How to start writing a novelFive steps for starting a novel, drawn from the Writing Hub. Begin with a character who wants something and a reason they cannot have it, outline enough to know the direction, write the first draft without stopping to fix it, then revise to make it readable.How to start writing a novel1A characterwho wantsStart with acharacter whowants something.2A reason theycannotGive them areason theycannot have it.3Outline enoughKnow where youare going beforeyou draft.4Draft withoutstoppingWrite the first draftwithout stoppingto fix it.5ReviseThe first draft getsthe story down;revision makes itreadable.
How to start writing a novelFive steps for starting a novel, drawn from the Writing Hub. Begin with a character who wants something and a reason they cannot have it, outline enough to know the direction, write the first draft without stopping to fix it, then revise to make it readable.How to start writing a novel1A character who wantsStart with a character who wants something.2A reason they cannotGive them a reason they cannot have it.3Outline enoughKnow where you are going before you draft.4Draft without stoppingWrite the first draft without stopping to fix it.5ReviseThe first draft gets the story down; revisionmakes it readable.

The first draft gets the story down, and revision is where the book gets good.

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4. Writing dialogue that sounds real

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5. World building and setting

↑ Back to chapters

6. Honing your craft

↑ Back to chapters

7. Editing and revising a manuscript

↑ Back to chapters

8. Grammar and language

↑ Back to chapters

9. Creativity and inspiration

↑ Back to chapters

10. Productivity and the writing process

↑ Back to chapters

11. The psychology of writing and the role of AI

↑ Back to chapters

12. Writing exercises

↑ Back to chapters

13. Publishing, platform and promotion

↑ Back to chapters

14. Behind the Book: how my novels were written

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15. What other writers say

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16. Books a writer should read on craft

↑ Back to chapters

Thinking about a book of your own? Start with the Ghostwriting Hub. Related: Psychology of Writing Hub, Memoir Hub, Publishing & Marketing Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start writing a novel?
Start with a character who wants something and a reason they can’t have it. Outline enough to know where you’re going, then write the first draft without stopping to fix it.
Should I outline or write by the seat of my pants?
Outline. Writers who don’t usually find the story in the middle of the first draft and spend the rewrites tearing out everything before it.
How do I make dialogue sound real?
Give every character a different agenda, let them talk past each other, and leave the important thing unsaid.
How important is revision?
It’s where the book gets good. The first draft gets the story down, and revision makes it readable.

Ready to talk about your book?

If you’ve been meaning to write a book and want help getting it done, the next step is a conversation about your project.

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Categories and tags
CategoriesWritingWriting Craft
TagsResearchWriting Craft
About the Author
Richard Lowe, professional ghostwriter

Richard Lowe is a professional ghostwriter and author with 113+ books authored and 54+ ghostwritten. Before writing full time he spent 33 years in enterprise technology, including 20 years as Director of Computer Operations and Technical Services at Trader Joe's. He writes nonfiction, fiction and memoir, and works with executives and experts on books that build authority.

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Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of Richard Lowe and are based on personal experience and research. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional legal, financial, accounting, or business advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making important business or legal decisions. Richard Lowe is not a lawyer, accountant, or licensed professional advisor, and this content does not establish any professional relationship.

The Writing King

Professional ghostwriting for executives, founders, coaches, and authors who want to get the book done right. 113+ books authored. 54+ ghostwritten for clients.

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