Vary Syntax to Give Writing Flavor, Texture – Inventing Reality’s Newsletter for April 21, 2026

Craft of Writing: Vary Syntax to Give Writing Flavor, Texture
When writing, you’ll want to vary the syntax, which is the pattern of the sentence’s words – that is, the order of the parts of speech within a sentence. READ MORE

Writing Tips: How to Create Your Story’s Characters
Successful stories require characters who face some challenge or conflict. While coming up with such story ideas is easy enough, many writers struggle with ensuring their characters are interesting so the reader will want to follow them on their journey. My book Create Your Story’s Characters is all about making that process easier for writers. It examines how characters fit among a story’s basic elements then discusses the different kinds of characters. Next, it hones in on those types of characters that make great protagonists – three-dimensional, dynamic characters who gradually grow so that by the end of the story they are better, wiser people who can overcome the challenge they face. Lastly, it looks at some common pitfalls that beginning authors stumble into when creating characters. SEE BOOK

Writing Tip: There’s No Need to “Want” to be a Writer. Simply Write.
All too often, struggling writers sabotage themselves without even realizing it. They do this by labeling themselves as an “aspiring novelist,” or as a “wannabe writer.” Perhaps they even say stuff like “I wish I were a writer” or “Someday I’ll publish a book.” Such terminology highlights not the writers’ vision but their failure. Rather than focusing on what they are – writers – they concentrate on what they are not – unpublished. READ MORE

Self-Publishing Tip: Five Tips for Taking a Book Cover Photo
The truth is you’re probably a better photographer than you realize. We live in a very visual society, and with the advent of avatars, selfies, and Instagram, we constantly take photos. Still, there are some basic guidelines that professional photographers follow that you’ll want to consider when taking a photo for your book cover. READ MORE

This Week’s Podcast: How to Arrange a Public Book Reading/Signing
Just because you’ve published a book, don’t expect to get invitations to do book readings. You’ll have to arrange them yourself. The good news is you’ll find a lot of venues will be willing to have your speak. LISTEN TO PODCAST

Book Marketing Tip: 6 Tips for Authors Creating a Marketing Campaign
Trying to start a campaign to market your book? Here are six great tips for doing so. READ MORE

Client Spotlight: “Under the Broccoli Canopy” by Barbara Peterson
A recent editing client of mine has published her first book! Under the Broccoli Canopy, by Barbara Peterson, is an imaginative, young adult fantasy where the peaceful flow of forest life—festivals, friendships, and the quiet wisdom of ancient trees—is interrupted by an imminent, unsettling danger. In this extraordinary forest, animals talk, roots whisper secrets, and butterfly fairies sent by Mother Nature disperse healing mists to mend animals and plants after hard winters. 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 April 28, 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.