Melissa Delport's Blog, page 2

The hero's journey is used intentionally and unintentionally by authors every day. The trope is hugely popular and has been since even before it was templated. We previously discussed the hero's journey in detail as part of our step-by-step book writing guide but I wanted to demonstrate these twelve stages through a popular fictional example. I've used Harry Potter because he's well-known enough that most people will understand the journey, even if they haven't read the books.

Whether working on a novel, maintaining a blog, or writing for a competition, a good writing schedule can mean the difference between success and failure. In this post, as a part of our step-by-step writing guide, we'll explore the benefits of having a writing schedule and show you how to create one of your own, tailored to your specific goals and needs.

The ideal length of a book is a topic that writers have debated for years. How long should my book be? is a question almost every new author has asked themselves. Word count is dependent on many variables - the book's genre, the trend at the time of publication, the author's preference - all of these factors come into play when determining the length of your manuscript but a standard must be set so that authors have a benchmark to work toward.

These five companies are undoubtedly the largest and most influential publishing companies across the globe, and each plays a significant role in shaping the literary landscape. While every publisher gets to decide which books they want to publish, these five influence trends due to their size, reputation, and power within the industry. And that power is well-deserved. Every one of these five has made significant contributions to the publishing industry.

The post The Big Five Publishers: the Giants of the Publishing World appeared first on Melissa Delport.

These five companies are undoubtedly the largest and most influential publishing companies across the globe, and each plays a significant role in shaping the literary landscape. While every publisher gets to decide which books they want to publish, these five influence trends due to their size, reputation, and power within the industry. And that power is well-deserved. Every one of these five has made significant contributions to the publishing industry.

Whether you are writing an epic fantasy, a contemporary drama, or even a short story, understanding and utilizing the hero's journey can significantly enhance your writing. In this post, we'll explore what the hero's journey entails, its core components, and how you can apply this framework to create compelling narratives.

The importance of a great opening line cannot be overlooked, and writing one is a challenge every writer will encounter. As an author, I know how challenging it is to sit down and start writing a book – it’s why I created my step-by-step writing guide. But the opening line is a challenge all on its own. This introductory sentence will set the stage for the entire story that comes after. It will be your first impression on readers and those initial words must inspire them to keep reading. Over the course of my career, I have written 28 opening lines… some good, and some bad. Most were written before I knew the importance of the initial sentence and will probably be changed at some point in the future when I have time to correct my wrongs. Let me highlight a few of my favorites: FAVORITE FIRST LINES The train hurtled toward Henry Abbott at one hundred and twenty-five miles per hour. – The Clock Keeper World War Three began on the third day of September 2016. – The Legacy The path they wandered through the thorn wood was dense and overgrown – a tangle of bark and vine that snatched at the woman’s cloak and seemed to hiss at her trespass. – The Space Between Dreams & Chaos “And then the little man fell through the hole in the ground and was never seen again.” – The Cathedral of Cliffdale I never meant to have an affair. – Awkward Infidelity Various opening lines from Melissa Delport books. So how can you create a compelling opening line? Let’s start with a few things you might do. Surprise the Reader Readers are accustomed to stock phrases and familiar tropes when opening a book. Surprise them with something unexpected that catches their attention right away. Come at your story sideways rather than head-on for the best impact. Make them wonder “What’s going on here?” and you’ll have them hooked. Pose an Intriguing Scenario or Question Ask an odd question or present a puzzle for readers in your first line. Make them need to know the answer. Curiosity is a sure way to keep people interested and turning those pages. You don’t have to answer the question yet – let it linger to build anticipation. Introduce an Interesting Character A fascinating character introduction will make readers want to follow along to learn more about this new person being introduced. Describe an unusual trait or open with a bold or contentious opinion to keep your reader interested. Set an Evocative Scene Your opening line can drop readers directly into a strong scene that grabs their attention. Describe sounds, visuals, and smells that create a vivid world and make the reader feel immersed. On the flip side, be sure not to info-dump too much detail all at once – a couple of choice sensory descriptors can go a long way to establish the scene and mood. Foreshadow a Coming Conflict By subtly hinting at impending trouble or danger ahead, you create tension and a sense of momentum that will sweep readers along. You don’t have to spell out exactly what’s coming, simply indicate that situations are brewing beneath the surface or danger lurks around the corner. At least enough to cause them concern in your opening line. Use Striking Imagery A vivid, unexpected image can instantly draw readers in by engaging their imagination. Metaphors and similes, when artfully crafted, can condense a lot of meaning into only a few words. Find a way to describe your opening scene or initial action with fresh, unique descriptions that readers won’t expect. Find Your Style and Tone When you construct that first line, make sure it is consistent with the overall style and tone of your book. Is this a brooding thriller or a light romantic comedy? The voice you establish from line one should match the rest of the story or readers will feel misled. Reader expectation is key. No matter what your book is about, it is important to use striking opening lines. They should be memorable and effective, however, there is no single formula or template that you can follow to ensure guaranteed success. Don’t be afraid to break the rules to make your opening line more effective. It is entirely up to you to reflect your unique voice, perspective, and flair for storytelling. If you do it authentically, your authority and confidence will shine. It will help you to develop a strong reading experience right from the start. FAQ’s

Looking for the perfect books to read this Halloween? Look no further… I’ve compiled a list of my top ten Halloween books to get you in the mood for spooky season!

Reading not only benefits your brain, but it also has incredible social benefits for adults and students alike. It's no secret that we are addicted to our screens. The good news is that reading is the perfect distraction from the mindless scroll. And it has benefits way beyond the page.

As an author, you should be effective when creating a query letter. It will help you to make a good first impression and, in the world of literary agents and publishing houses, a first impression can mean the difference between an offer of representation and a prompt rejection. A well-written query letter will also convince the recipient to invest further time into reading more of your work. Here's how to write a compelling query letter.