Aliventures

09/06/2026

Some writers carry a story idea for years, even decades, before they start developing it into a novel.

How long has your idea been waiting?

With support and (gentle!) accountability, you could make 2026 the year you finally write your novel.

Come and join us in Writers' Cafe: I still have 7 spaces open for new members. The link is in the comments, or just Google "Ali Luke Writers' Cafe"

(Once we're full this time round, we won't open again till September.)

20/05/2026

This might sound a bit unkind ... but really, it puts the power back in your hands.

**Your novel will never matter to anyone else more than it matters to you.**

Let's face it, if you don't seem to care that much about your novel ... then why would the people around you bother to help you make time for it?

If you ditch your writing plans because the dishes need doing, or a re-run of Downton Abbey is on, or you're in a doomscrolling spiral ... then why would your loved ones think your writing is truly important to you?

No one else will make your novel a priority if you don't.

Start taking your writing seriously. Show that it matters to you. Then, other people can start caring about it too.

18/05/2026

Variety is good ... most of the time.

One thing you SHOULDN'T vary is your character's names.

Why?

At best, it's a distraction: our attention is drawn to the name, when it should be on the action & dialogue.

Often, especially early in your novel, it can be downright confusing. We have to take a second to figure out if "Tom" and "The Captain" are the same person.

Even a moment's distraction or confusion breaks immersion, jolting the reader out of your story.

Keep it simple for everyone. Stick to ONE name in the narrative.

(You can switch it up in dialogue, but again, each character should normally use one specific name/title for someone. Don't chop and change without a reason.)

14/05/2026

If you've finished a first draft of your novel ... congratulations! 🎉

It is a TON of work.

But the nice thing about a first draft is that if you just keep going, step by step (or word by word!) ... you'll get to the end.

Once you've got there?

You might not have a clue what you're supposed to do next.

Should you start editing Chapter One? Should you jump in somewhere else? Should you fix the sentences then the bigger stuff? Should you get a beta reader or editor?

For a clear map of where to go with your finished first draft ... come to my free workshop this Sunday!

Comment "workshop" and I'll DM you the details. :-)

12/05/2026

Some writers hammer out a scrappy first draft as quickly as possible.

Others go slowly, trying to get everything as right as possible first time round.

Both approaches can work! But both have distinct pros and cons to keep in mind.

Which is right for you? Do you like to speed through the first draft ... or take it slow?

06/05/2026

29/04/2026

Your writing doesn't have to come last.

The earlier you can fit writing into your day, the more likely it is to happen.

Here's a challenge for you: find the first 15 minute slot today where writing can (reasonably!) fit in ... and write.

Leave a comment to tell me how it goes!

28/04/2026

Want to make faster progress on your novel?

You need a deadline.

That might be a critique group meeting, a co-writing session that you're committed to showing up for, a competition you want to enter, or a meeting with a writing coach/mentor.

With a deadline in place, you have a much clearer reason to fit writing into your week. For help with that, just leave a comment and I'll send you my FREE worksheet "Make Time to Write".

27/04/2026

If your novel's taking WAY longer than you thought it would...

If you're not sure whether you're making progress or just getting even more stuck...

If you're starting to wonder if it's even worth carrying on...

Then you need this workshop! Comment/DM and I'll send you the link to join us live TODAY (Monday 27th April).

(No worries if you can't make it live: there'll be a full recording too. Just let me know, and I'll make sure I send that to you as soon as it's ready.)

23/04/2026

What's REALLY holding you back from finishing your novel?

It might look like a lack of time ... but in reality, one of these four hidden roadblocks is likely keeping you stuck.

Comment WORKSHOP and I'll send you the details of my free workshop on Mon 27th. In under an hour, we'll pinpoint the issue and get you back on track.