Include Clever In-Jokes by Tuckerizing – Inventing Reality’s Newsletter for Nov. 10, 2026

Craft of Writing: Include Clever In-Jokes by Tuckerizing
One way of rewarding the careful reader is by tuckerizing. This involves naming secondary characters or offstage icons after people or objects many readers would recognize as a sort of in-joke. READ MORE

How to Devise Your Story’s Plot
When writers come up with a great story idea but don’t know how to develop it, usually the problem is one of plotting. Understanding story structure – i.e. plot – would be extremely helpful in developing their story. My book Devise Your Story’s Plot is all about understanding the basic rules for constructing your story. It examines plot’s role in storytelling, the importance of conflict in plotting, and the five traditional elements of a plot. It also looks at some common plot pitfalls. The structural guidelines outlined in the book work for any genre, whether you’re writing a serious literary piece or penning in any of the escapist genres from romance or science fiction to mystery or fantasy. By the end of this book, with a little imagination tossed in, you should be able to construct an impressive plot. The book is available in paperback, audiobook and Kindle ebook. 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: Keep These Docs for Your Writing Business Records
Self-published authors need to keep a variety of documents, especially if making any claims or deductions on federal income taxes. While you may not have to submit these documents when filing, you’ll need them if audited. READ MORE

This Week’s Podcast: What Makes a Story Character Interesting?
What makes an interesting story character for the ages? It’s more than just having them grow or learn something, and it’s more than just having them being be like a real person. While each of those qualities are important, they are no more than a tree or two when you’re looking for a forest. LISTEN TO PODCAST

Book Marketing Tip: Try These Topics for Email Marketing Campaigns
Anytime you use email marketing to encourage book sales, you’re engaging in a campaign. Such campaigns shouldn’t simply say “buy my book” but instead ought to deliver “news” to readers about your titles. READ MORE

Client Spotlight: “Twin Identity” by Cherie Brachter
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of editing Cherie Brachter’s debut novel, Twin Identity, a novel that still resonates with me. A story of innocence, love, betrayal, crime and passion, the novel begins many years ago when a young couple, Nora and Aubrey, fall in love. Aubrey’s mother blackmails him into breaking off their relationship. Nora’s suicide attempt nearly ends her life, but she finds the courage to move on. Several years later, the loss of a loved one and the truth behind the break-up puts her back in Aubrey’s arms…If they only knew twenty-one years later their two worlds would collide in a roller coaster ride of deceit and danger. Can they find their way back to each other or will their lies destroy any chance of happiness? 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 Nov. 17, 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.