• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing

Helping authors achieve their dreams

  • Blog
  • Writing Advice
  • Publishing Advice
  • About
  • Take a Class
  • Get Editing

How to Write a Novel

How to craft a great mystery in a novel

February 21, 2022 by Nathan Bransford 38 Comments

One of the most important skills every writer has to master, no matter their genre, is crafting a great mystery. It’s also one of the most misunderstood elements of novel writing. Mysteries are the lures that keep us turning the pages and keep us glued to the book. They send us into a frenzy because […]

Filed Under: Writing Advice, Writing Novels Tagged With: How to Write a Novel, Jacob Wonderbar, Suspense

What makes a great setting in a novel

October 25, 2021 by Nathan Bransford 112 Comments

What Makes a Great Setting

The Reading Rainbow theme song really had it right. One of the best parts of reading is the way books open up new worlds to us, whether a story is set in an unpronounceable ancient kingdom, the far reaches of outer space, ancient history, the distant future, or even the real world but maybe somewhere […]

Filed Under: Writing Advice, Writing Novels Tagged With: Cormac McCarthy, How to Write a Novel, Lord of the Rings, William Faulkner, writing advice

Don’t be too easy on your characters

September 7, 2021 by Nathan Bransford 44 Comments

We writers can get really, really attached to our characters. They become almost like family members. We want the best for them. Sometimes it can be difficult to see them make mistakes, to see their flaws, and to let the bad qualities shine through from time to time. We can be way too nice to […]

Filed Under: Writing Advice Tagged With: George R.R. Martin, How to Write a Novel, writing advice

How to write a good climax in a novel

June 12, 2019 by Nathan Bransford 3 Comments

Saddle up the bronco, batten the hatches, take cover, and grab some popcorn. It’s climax time. Near the end of a novel, your characters will confront their biggest obstacles, all the simmering plots and subplots will come to a head, and oh, yes, it helps if the climax comprises your best, most dramatic, and most […]

Filed Under: Writing Advice, Writing Novels Tagged With: How to Write a Novel

How did you choose your novel’s structure?

June 11, 2019 by Nathan Bransford 7 Comments

We all know some writers are planners and some writers are pantsers, but when it comes to structuring a novel, there are vastly more choices than the simple question of how you get it done. Multiple POVs. Different time periods. Nonlinear mysteries. There are so many different ways to piece it all together. How did […]

Filed Under: Writing Advice Tagged With: How to Write a Novel, Structure

What I’ve learned from the sales of my guide

April 3, 2014 by Nathan Bransford 27 Comments

One of the best parts about self-publishing is getting nearly real-time data on how and where your book is selling. I’m not one of those writers who feels comfortable posting my exact sales and royalty figures online, but I’m seriously thrilled with how How to Write a Novel is doing and thanks to everyone who has […]

Filed Under: Nathan's Books, Self-publishing Tagged With: E-books, How to Write a Novel

Primary Sidebar

About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors achieve their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

My blog has everything you need to know to write, edit, and publish a book. Can’t find what you need or want personalized help? Reach out.

Learn more about me

Need Editing?

I'm available for consultations, edits, query critiques, brainstorming, and more.
Learn more!

My Books

How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp

Subscribe!

Subscribe to the newsletter and get a FREE writing, publishing, or marketing course.

Forums

Need help with your query? Want to talk books? Check out the Nathan Bransford Forums
Footer Logo
Nathan Bransford

Helping authors achieve their dreams

  • Editing Services
  • My Books
  • About Me
  • Blog Directory
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
Twitter Logo Facebook Logo Instagram Logo
As an Amazon and Bookshop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and Bookshop links are usually affiliate links.