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These 5 Scenes Are Killing Your Story
Here’s what to do about them
Dec 10, 2025 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
[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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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 • Cae Hawksmoor
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