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These 5 Scenes Are Killing Your Story
Here’s what to do about them
Dec 10, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
311
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The Trad Publishing Graveyard: How Good Stories Die
I see a lot of books that are doomed before they've even been queried. Here's how to avoid the same mistakes, and give your novel the best chance of…
Sep 17, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
107
53
23
Why Most Writers Quit (and How to Keep Going)
The worst thing about my job is sending a writer their feedback, and then watching them deflate.
Feb 18
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Cae Hawksmoor
85
49
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Is "Show, Don't Tell" Ruining Your Writing?
I asked hundreds of writers what they understood by "show, don't tell" and these common misconceptions stole the show. Here's how to fix them.
Oct 15, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
81
69
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[Interlude] The love I crave, but can't recall
I woke up at 4am this morning to the news my mother is dead.
Dec 3, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
81
53
7
A Field Guide to Telling: Your Story's Seven Sins
Recognise the different types of telling in the wild, and how to approach them with care.
Jan 21
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Cae Hawksmoor
70
29
14
Developmental Editing: The Brutally Honest Career Guide
Every week, I get messages asking how I became a developmental editor, and how others can do the same.
Nov 12, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
64
26
9
Why Your Fight Scenes Feel Boring (And How to Fix Them)
Are your fight scenes boring readers? A developmental editor reveals 3 common mistakes that kill tension—and how to fix them in 10 minutes.
Apr 15
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Cae Hawksmoor
61
34
16
Structureless Stories: Spotting Scenes That Readers Skip
A deep dive into scene structure, and how to keep your readers captivated in each moment. For writers of speculative fiction.
Aug 6, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
59
23
17
Why Prose Falls Flat
As a developmental editor, I see too many stories ruined by poor prose. Here's how to fix the most common problems.
Oct 1, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
58
28
19
When First Person Feels Distant (and Third Feels Close)
Why first person isn't necessarily "more immersive" and how to navigate the tricky world of narrative distance.
Mar 18
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Cae Hawksmoor
58
30
20
A Writer’s Guide to Feedback: What Helps, What Hurts, and How to Use It
A guide to the various paths to getting feedback on your writing, and how to deal with the folks who just want to tear you down.
Oct 29, 2025
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Cae Hawksmoor
58
43
24
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