Make Use of Local Dexterity – Inventing Reality’s Newsletter for Sept. 22, 2026

Craft of Writing: Make Use of Local Dexterity
One of the kindest things writers can do for their readers is employ “local dexterity.” This occurs when images, sentences, paragraphs and scenes are pleasurable to read because of their vividness. READ MORE

Storytelling 101 Quick Read Series Released
You’re writing a book…or trying to self-publish it…or maybe attempting to promote it. But something comes up that brings you to a complete stop – maybe you’re telling rather than showing, don’t get how to format an ebook, can’t figure out how to set up an author’s platform, or are struggling with any of a thousand other obstacles that every day keep people from writing, publishing and marketing their books. The Storytelling 101 Quick Read series answers all of those questions in brief, guidebooks that cut to the chase and provide practical, useful information that can be followed step-by-step. SEE THE SERIES

Writing Tip: Think of Your Story as if a Stage Production
Sometimes when plotting your short story or novel, thinking of it in terms of a theatrical or film production is useful. That’s because theater and film relies heavily on physical action to make the story work; beginning novelists and short story writers sometimes lose sight of the necessity for action and so get lost in their word-heavy medium. READ MORE

Self-Publishing Tip: Add Tagline to Boost Interest in Your Book
When designing your book cover, you may want to consider adding a tagline. A tagline is phrase or short sentence that aims to entice readers into reading the book or at least looking more at it by reading the blurb or a few pages. The lettering typically is small and appears at the top of the cover. READ MORE

This Week’s Podcast: Build Rising Action Scenes Around Conflict
Anytime you’re writing a scene in the story’s rising action, you’ll want to treat it as a short story in and of itself. That means focusing on conflict. LISTEN TO PODCAST

Book Marketing Tip: Stuff Your Book in a Little Free Library
If you’ve written multiple novels, and especially if they’re a series, you may want to consider sticking your book in a Little Free Library. READ MORE

Client Spotlight: “The Marks of the Feather” by Imee C. Nudas
A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of editing multiple drafts of Imee C. Nudas’ fantasy long poem, The Marks of the Feather. Imee came up with a winner! Written in decasyllabic quatrain, the story of Maximus and Layna begins tragically when they are cursed by a dark spell. While their lives seem forever changed and their fate determined for the worst, nothing would prepare them for when their paths cross. Suddenly, they find themselves enthralled in a magical world bewitched by each other’s wondrous gifts and indelible mark. But will the mark be powerful enough to alter their fates and vanquish the dark spell they are under? 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 Sept. 29, 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.