Blue Garret library

Resources to help you improve your manuscript

Novel study

Deep-dive analyses of recent popular fiction, with lessons you can apply to your own work

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openings, grammar, word choice

What can verbs do for you?

openings, grammar, word choice

See how Maggie O'Farrell uses inventive writing to lure readers into a story whose ending we think we already know.

openings, grammar, word choice

dialogue, point of view, backstory

What can dialogue do?

dialogue, point of view, backstory

Learn the techniques Casey McQuiston uses to maximize the impact of dialogue in I Kissed Shara Wheeler.

dialogue, point of view, backstory

historical fiction, point of view

How do you make omniscient narration fresh and modern?

historical fiction, point of view

Is there a place for omniscient narration, associated closely with nineteenth-century novels, in a twenty-first-century literary landscape dominated by limited narration?

historical fiction, point of view

Read the new Novel Study series, featuring all-new posts on recent bestsellers like Wild Dark Shore, King of Ashes, God of the Woods, and What We Can Know

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Novel Study: Decoding the Secrets and Structures of Contemporary Fiction

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Story spreadsheets and detailed craft notes for bestselling novels

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Popular blog posts

A selection of the Blue Garret’s most popular content — find all posts, organized by topic, in the index

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editing business

The Blue Garret tech stack

editing business

Read about the tools I use every day to keep my business running smoothly.

editing business

scene, theme

Ending a scene with a resonant moment

scene, theme

Not every scene can end with a cliff-hanger. What other techniques can you use to get maximum impact from your last few lines?

scene, theme

point of view, characters, introspection

How to use sensory details to ground introspection

point of view, characters, introspection

Learn how to use sensory details to bring important introspective moments alive for your readers and help them identify with your point-of-view character.

point of view, characters, introspection

conferences, editing business

Public speaking for introverts

conferences, editing business

Learn how introverted writers and editors can overcome the fear of public speaking and make it a powerful marketing tool.

conferences, editing business

Advanced Zoom tips for editors

Tips and tricks for using Zoom to build connection with colleagues and clients.

beta readers

How experienced novelists can use beta readers in the editing process

beta readers

Learn how successful indie author Jane Steen, author of the House of Closed Doors Series and Scott-De Quincey Mysteries, uses beta readers as part of her revision process.

beta readers