Penny Carroll

Writer & Editor

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  • How-to

    Who’s talking? Finding the right point-of-view character for your scene

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    If you’re writing a dual or multi-POV novel, read this for tips on choosing the right character to lead pivotal scenes.

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  • Author interviews

    “I really want readers to fall in love with every character” – Emma Mugglestone on writing a small-town romance series

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    Meet the author of the gorgeous new small-town romance novel The Reality of Us.

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  • Editing, How-to, Writing

    How to format text messages in fiction

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    A woman standing in front of a window looks at her phone screen as though reading a text message.

    An easy guide to depicting dialogue as text messages in a contemporary fiction novel. Text messages are a part of everyday life so if you’re writing contemporary fiction there’s a good chance you’ll want to include a few in your story. But how do you format them? Should you use quote marks? Do you need […]

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  • Editing, How-to

    Introducing the vocative comma

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    This tiny piece of punctuation saves lives. One of the best things about punctuation is that when it’s used correctly it’s invisible in plain sight. It’s like driving a road you know so well that you get home without recalling the journey. But when it’s misused? Those misplaced commas, semicolons and dashes can be jarring! […]

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  • Author interviews

    “I want my characters to be relatable and authentic” – Stephanie Hazeltine on writing domestic thrillers 

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    As a primary school teacher, Stephanie Hazeltine always thought she’d write children’s books one day – but when she started writing, it was the heart-racing thriller genre that got her hooked. She’s just released her second domestic thriller novel, You Weren’t Watching, which is book two in her Suburban Secrets series. I was delighted to […]

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  • Author interviews

    “I love to push limits in romance” – Natalie Murray on writing historical fiction, switching to contemporary romance, and how editing brings out her best

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    Natalie Murray is an Australian author to watch. If you’re a fan of historical romance, you might already know her Emmie and the Tudor King series, which follows a young woman’s time slip into Tudor England and entanglement with a (fictional) fiery ruler. It’s swoon-worthy, passionate, transportive reading. Now, Natalie has returned to the present […]

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Hi there!
Hi there!

I'm Penny, a writer and editor. On this blog I share writing tips, editing advice and interviews with authors to get you inspired. Read more

 
Recent Posts
  • How to respond to structural edits
  • Rose Monroe is raising the stakes with her Mafia romance series
  • Breaking up is hard to do
  • Diane Hester is reshaping the past with fiction
  • How to make your dialogue shine
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  • Editing
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  • Proofreading
  • Writing

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You guys, there are a concerning number of breaths You guys, there are a concerning number of breaths being held unconsciously in the fictional realm… 😬 Seriously though, if you find yourself resorting to the same old tired phrases and descriptions in your writing, here are some tips to help you freshen things up. And if you’re keen for more easy tricks to polish your manuscript, DM me and I’ll send you my free DIY Editing Cheat Sheet 🙃 #editing #writersofig
There’s no arguing with hair-up-messy-bun mode 👊 A There’s no arguing with hair-up-messy-bun mode 👊 Authors, if you’re looking for this kind of attention on your manuscript, drop me a DM. 
#editing #lockedin
Ever wished you could pick up the phone to an edit Ever wished you could pick up the phone to an editor for advice, feedback or a pep talk? You guys… I’m right here. Link in bio to book a Storyboard Session with me where you can ask me anything about your story and share a 5000 word sample for targeted feedback. ☎️ PS these are just a few of the things you might want to ask but the sky is the limit! #editing #amwriting
Authors, if you’re tinkering with your manuscript Authors, if you’re tinkering with your manuscript while it’s being edited, you might be losing out. Why? Because your editor can’t edit what’s not there. Not only do you miss out on the opportunity for a refreshing brain break, you immediately devalue the edit you’ve paid for by making some of it null and void, and if you update the plot, characters or copy you might find that your editor’s feedback confusing and harder to implement within the context of the new material you’ve added 🫠🫠🫠  My advice? If you have a bright idea while your manuscript is off with the editor, jot it down in a notebook or document and see if it still works to implement alongside your editor’s feedback. And before you book an editor, consider if you’re really ready for feedback. If your brain is still whirring with bright ideas, you might have another draft or two to go!  If you’re not sure where to start with editing, head to my website or shoot me a DM and I’ll send you a handy checklist to help you figure it out 🥰 #editing

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