Utilize Both Internal and External Conflicts – Inventing Reality’s Newsletter for May 27, 2025

Plotting Your Book: Utilize Both Internal and External Conflicts
All stories center on conflict; arguably, the whole point of a story is to resolve some type of conflict. One way of thinking about conflict is to divide it into categories – internal and external. READ MORE

Self-Publishing Advice: How to Design Your Paperback Cover
Most potential readers of your paperback will see its front cover before anything written about it. It may be the thumbnail of your book cover that’s online or the cover facing forward on a bookstore shelf. If that cover compels them to read the book blurb or opening lines, you are a step closer to making a sale. How do you create a great cover for your book? My book Design Your Paperback Cover answers that question. It starts with what software/apps you need to design a cover, moves on to the cover’s various elements, and finally looks at uploading it to a print on demand company like Kindle Direct Publishing. SEE BOOK

Writing Tip: Don’t Overdescribe in Text Surrounding Dialogue
Too many details in the text surrounding dialogue can distract readers from what the characters say. This common dialogue mistake may seem to have less to with what is spoken than the words around it, but that’s not exactly the case. In fact, the problem usually a sign of poorly written dialogue. READ MORE

Self-Publishing Tip: Pros and Cons of Using Draft2Digital for Ebooks
A number of self-publishing companies exist, and most are rip-offs. Yes, they may turn out a quality-looking product, but they don’t get you an Amazon.com landing page for your title or you’re unable to sell your title across several platforms such as Kindle or Nook. Worse, they are extremely expensive. What about Draft2Digital? READ MORE

This Week’s Podcast: Consider Using Man vs. Nature Conflict in Story
When developing your story, you’ll want your characters to face a number of challenges or conflicts. One of the most basic of them is man vs. nature. In this conflict, the characters find their goals jeopardized by the natural forces of the universe: the cold of an ice age, dangerous plants and animals in an alien jungle, or the vacuum of space. LISTEN TO PODCAST

Book Marketing Tip: Promote Your Book at Writing Conferences
One way to promote your book is through a public appearance at a writing conference. Writing organizations, colleges and other groups offer a wide variety of such programs. Typically, they help writers develop their skills, learn the industry, and make connections. READ MORE

Client Spotlight: “The Picture Jumper” by Mary Missig
A year after his dad’s death, twelve-year-old Lincoln wonders whether his strait-laced but clearly struggling mom will ever tell him what really happened the night of the car accident. How did she walk away while his dad didn’t? Then, after a tearful wish and a clap of thunder, Lincoln discovers he can jump into pictures. Exploring the solar system, the Constitutional Convention, and the Titanic, Lincoln gathers clues about his dad’s death. But what will he learn about his dad, about his mom, and about himself? And can he keep his gift a secret when his teacher and classmates suspect something? I edited this novel in 2022. CHECK IT OUT

$25 Off Your Next Edit!
For being a newsletter subscriber, please take $25 off your next edit with Inventing Reality Editing Service. When scheduling your edit, be sure to mention you’re a subscriber and give the email where you received this newsletter. Minimum order of $200. Offer expires June 3, 2025. SCHEDULE EDIT

My name is Rob Bignell. I’m an affordable, professional editor who runs Inventing Reality Editing Service, which meets the manuscript needs of both aspiring and published writers and offers a variety of self-publishing services. During the past 15 years, I’ve helped more than 400 novelists and nonfiction authors obtain their publishing dreams at reasonable prices. I’m also the author of a novel, the Storytelling 101 Quick Read series, four children’s books, more than 25 bestselling hiking guidebooks, and even a book of poetry. Several of my short stories in the literary and science fiction genres also have been published.