From the Reading Chair

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Vital Organs Part 3: The Central Event

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

The central event is the one event the book cannot do without; it is central to and creates the story. Without it, the book collapses like a house of cards.

Vital Organs Part 2: The Major Dramatic Question

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

To develop your work and create a strong story structure, it is crucial to understand the major dramatic question that lies at the heart of your story.

Vital Organs Part 1: Story Essence

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Where does the real story lie? What is the essence of your tale? What are you really trying to say? What is it about?

Endings

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

When you are crafting your ending, think about whether you have said what you wanted to say. Are there any loose ends? Are there story questions posed that aren’t answered?

Listening to the written word

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Listening to the written word helps us understand the effects we create through word choices. Read your own work aloud. Edit with your ears. You'll ‘hear’ things that you may not ‘see’ on the page.

The function and roles of subplots are important principles to understand, but there is no golden rule. That’s what makes the creative endeavour of writing fiction so alluring and at the same time so terrifying.

The Messy First Draft

Rewriting and editing, The writing life

It may be shambolic, confused, all over the place. It may be a train wreck. That's okay. It’s just the first draft. And first drafts are messy.

Writing a synopsis

Rewriting and editing, When you're done

Writers often moan and groan about writing a synopsis. But there's no escape; you're going to have to do it.

What Emojis Tell Us About Writing Good Dialogue

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Recently I’ve been prompted to consider why a fat, pink heart may say more to us than the word ‘love’ or ‘xx’, and what this tells us about writing good dialogue.

Behind the Successful Debut Book

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done

The 'overnight' success of debut books is usually built on a development process spanning many, many years.

Laurel Cohn and her team offer comprehensive editing and manuscript development services, as well as mentoring and consultations to help you realise your writing goal.

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‘I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live and work, the Midjungbal of the Bundjalung, and pay my respects to Elders past and present. For thousands of years the First Peoples of this Country have understood the power of story to shape and reshape our understanding of ourselves and our world, a continuing practice from which we can all draw inspiration.’ Laurel Cohn