Ditch the Begin Fallacy – Inventing Reality’s Newsletter for March 24, 2026

Craft of Writing: Ditch the Begin Fallacy
One way to tighten your writing is to eliminate the begin fallacy. This occurs when the writer introduces an action to the reader by saying “began to,” as in “My nerves began to calm.” READ MORE

200+ Writing Prompts That Lead To Stories
You’re stuck on what to write so check out some writing prompts to spur your creativity. But they don’t help you out of your writing rut…sure, there are some neat ideas, but none of them actually lead to a story. That’s because writing prompts all too often miss a key element: conflict. Conflict is the heart of every story, and without it you’re just writing a journal entry. My book Storystarters presents more than 200 writing prompts centered on exciting and interesting conflicts for your protagonist to solve. The prompts are divided among more than 50 topics and pit your story’s hero against nature, another person, society, God and himself in various scenarios. Don’t settle for prompts that at best make interesting writing exercises for middle school students – instead opt for prompts that will get you writing something publishable! SEE BOOK

Writing Problem SOLVED: People Keep Interrupting Me while I’m Trying to Write
Every time you sit down to write, inevitably you end up saying, “If only no one were around!” Fortunately, there are a lot of steps you can take to avoid writing time interruptions. READ MORE

Self-Publishing Tip: Do I Need to Buy a Barcode when Self-Publishing?
When purchasing an ISBN, you’re often asked if you also want to purchase a barcode for your self-published book. Do you need to buy one? READ MORE

This Week’s Podcast: Promote Your Book at Writing Conferences
Another 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. LISTEN TO PODCAST

Book Marketing Tip: How to Construct Your Email Marketing Message
Once you’ve decided on a topic for your email marketing campaign, you’ll need to craft a message. This is where the hard work begins. READ MORE

Client Spotlight: “Bessie Howard, Virtual Sorceress: Her Amazing Adventures through Time and Space!” by Gib Check
About three years ago during covid, Gib Check used his spare time to write a middle grade novel that had been floating in his head for a long time. After I edited the manuscript, Gib published his tale about science whiz Bessie Howard, who has her life all figured out: college at a prestigious university where she’ll learn to be a cyberneticist. But one day while playing a virtual reality game with her friends, something strange happens – she’s teleported to wherever the game is set… the Age of Dinosaurs, the Battle of Gallipoli, the Civil War, Mars. As she tries to figure out why this is occurring to her, unscrupulous powers at Ultra Tech catch wind of her ability and seek to learn how it’s happening for their own personal gain! 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 March 31, 2026. 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 425 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.