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How to write morally grey characters?

How to write morally grey characters?

Gone are the days when characters used to be completely good or downright evil. Nowadays, readers love books about characters living in the grey area between black and white. For example, there are sympathetic villains who are obviously evil but evoke sympathy in readers. Then there are the anti-heroes, who take the crooked path to achieve something good, and anti-villains, who exhibit heroic traits but are still clearly the bad guys. And there are also the pragmatic idealists, who uphold their morally pure image, but won’t hesitate to break some (or many) rules to maintain that! You know what all…
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The Fae-ntasy Side of Literature – What are Fae Books?

The Fae-ntasy Side of Literature – What are Fae Books?

Literature is all-encompassing, but one just doesn’t realise how immersive it can get. Not only does it borrow from reality, but it also draws from folklore, mythology, people’s random thoughts and dreams. The latter gets explored in detail until a whole topic – or even a sub-genre – is birthed! You will see such a discourse around fictional creatures, such as vampires, werewolves, and faeries.   What is Fae? Faeries, also shortened as fae (or fey, fay, fairy, and fair folk), is a mythical creature appearing in folktales mainly across Europe. There is no single source of their existence –…
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Advanced Reader Copies – What is it, and how to get one?

Advanced Reader Copies – What is it, and how to get one?

Sometimes, when you look up the details of a soon-to-be-published book, you will see a handful of reviews gracing the comments section. That leads you to think – how did these people read the book when it hasn’t even hit the literary world yet? And that leads to the next question – what are these books called, and where can you get them for yourself? Well, these books are called Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) or galley. Authors and publishers circulate these copies among people like bookstagram influencers, reviewers, and book bloggers. These people review the book and post their opinions…
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The Vibrant Shades of Love: The Sub-Genres of Romantic Fiction

The Vibrant Shades of Love: The Sub-Genres of Romantic Fiction

Literary genres are as dynamic as life itself. Some have been around since man learned how to write, while some have been recently birthed. But there is one literary genre that is not only one of the oldest but also one whose popularity is unparalleled. Yes, you guessed it right – it’s romance fiction! Every other reader knows what romance fiction is, but there are certain unspoken criteria that define it. Firstly, the central plotline should be a love story between the main characters, and secondly, it should have a happy ending that leaves you content. As long as those…
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10 Erotic Thrillers released in 2023

10 Erotic Thrillers released in 2023

If there is any hybrid genre that can keep you on your toes, then it definitely has to be erotic mysteries. Erotic mysteries, or romance suspense, is a subgenre that focuses on a mystery and a love story at the same time. A sexy relationship blooms in the middle of a mystery, or suspense takes place because of a love story. There is danger and pleasure, and both work in close tandem to propel the plot forward. In whichever way the story proceeds, both genres contribute equally, making it one of the most challenging genres to write. But the following…
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Farewell Cormac McCarthy: Death Of The Dark Knight Of Literary World

Farewell Cormac McCarthy: Death Of The Dark Knight Of Literary World

Renowned American author, Cormac McCarthy, passed away this week, leaving behind a treasure trove of dark fiction which defined him as a prolific writer. His death has left a big void in the Literary world. His books and quotes were known for its honesty and candour. Many of his novels were adapted in films which earned him money and fame. Cormac McCarthy was a master of expansive, Old Testament-style writing that evoked the bleak, violent nature of the rural South. Like his predecessor William Faulkner, he created vivid scenes of drifters, thieves, prostitutes, and old, broken men, all trapped by…
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How To Write Better Plots For Novels

How To Write Better Plots For Novels

1. Begin with a strong foundation; the proposal is the fundamental concept or the thesis of your novel. It could be an intriguing foundation for a character or a situation. A sturdy foundation is something that will entice the reader and hold their attention. 2. Sketch out your story: It is crucial to outline the primary occurrences of your story before composing. This will assist you in ensuring that your plot has a smooth flow and that you do not overlook essential details. When outlining, contemplate the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. 3. Establish believable characters: Your…
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9 Peculiar Bookstores Around the World

9 Peculiar Bookstores Around the World

The experience of going into a bookstore is an unparalleled one – and every reader would agree. But this experience is also influenced by how the shop is maintained. If the bookstore is appealing, spending hours amidst books seems nothing, and vice versa. But did you know that there are bookstores that go well and beyond their job description? These shops are located in the unlikeliest of places that are, in turn, situated in quirky corners of the earth. Want to know about these paradises for readers? Read along to find out the 9 peculiar bookstores around the world!  …
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Serial Novels: A Thrilling Format for Engaging Storytelling

Serial Novels: A Thrilling Format for Engaging Storytelling

Serial novels have been enthralling readers with their episodic storytelling and numerous cliffhangers for centuries. From Charles Dickens' "The Pickwick Papers" in the 19th century to present-day online serial novels such as Andy Weir's "The Martian," this storytelling format continues to captivate readers. What makes serial novels irresistible, and why have they persisted throughout the ages? Serial novels offer an exceptional reading experience that is challenging to replicate in other storytelling formats. By releasing the story in episodes, authors can build suspense and retain readers' interest over a longer period. Each installment concludes with a cliffhanger, compelling readers to continue…
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The Idea of ‘Zaddy’ in Romance Fiction

The Idea of ‘Zaddy’ in Romance Fiction

Since its emergence as a popular modern slang term in 2016, the word ‘Zaddy’ has taken the world by storm. As a word primarily associated with men, it has frequently been used to describe an older or distinguished man. In the world of literature, this term has quickly found its place as a character type, with many romance novels featuring ‘Zaddy’ characters as protagonists. However, the concept of ‘Zaddy’ is not limited to age or status, and it can be challenging to grasp for first-time readers. In this post, we will bring clarity to the idea of ‘Zaddy’ in fiction.…
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