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Book Review & Contest Insights from Real Reviews and Submissions
What separates great books from the rest? Below are articles with insights from real reviews and contest submissions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your book. You’ll also find a wide range of articles covering writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Each article has a Comments section so you can read advice from other authors and leave your own.
Why Some Books Win Awards (And Most Don’t) — Insights From Real Contest Submissions New!
What separates award-winning books from the rest? After evaluating contest submissions across a wide range of genres, certain patterns become clear. Some books consistently rise to the top. Others, even with strong ideas and clear effort behind them, fall short. The difference is rarely dramatic—it...
What We’ve Learned From Reviewing Hundreds of Thousands of Books (And Why Most Don’t Stand Out) New!
After reviewing and evaluating books across thousands of submissions over the past two decades, certain patterns become impossible to ignore. Some books immediately stand out to reviewers. Others—even well-intentioned ones—fade into the middle or fall short. The difference is rarely luck. It comes down to...
The Fictional Fashionista: Dressing Your Characters for Success on the Page
In the world of writing and literature, slight details, from places of narration to expressions portrayed, matter. Somewhere in between falls the fashionable side of characters and what they wear, conveying their personality, status, and even plot points. The dress sense of the fictional characters leaves a positive, lasting impression, which helps the writer create an audience. First and foremost, readers recognize characters through their clothing. From impoverished individuals wearing dirty clothes to wealthy socialites wearing up-market fashion, readers can tell much about their personalities and values based on what they put on their backs. A character's sense of fashion can reveal the individual's likes or dislikes as well as their socioeconomic status, thus creating a memorable image.
Moreover, clothing can play a pivotal role in shaping character dynamics and relationships. Think of the stark contrast between the prim and proper Bennet sisters and the fashionable and flamboyant Bingley sisters in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Through their distinctive attire, Austen highlights the social divide between the two families, setting the stage for the romantic and comedic interplay that unfolds throughout the novel.
When dressing characters for success on the page, it is essential to consider the thematic elements and settings in the story. For example, suppose the writer is working on a particular period, a dystopian future where fashion is a form of rebellion, or perhaps a contemporary romance where style reflects personal identity. In that case, each garment should be carefully chosen to serve the narrative and deepen the reader's engagement with the story.
For example, in "The Hunger Games," clothing plays a crucial role in the arena, where tributes must rely on sponsors to send them supplies. Katniss Everdeen's transformation from the girl on fire in her flaming dress to the Mockingjay symbolizes her defiance against the oppressive Capitol. Meanwhile, the elaborate costumes of the Capitol citizens serve as a stark contrast to the impoverished districts, highlighting the stark class divisions within Panem.
Another famous one is in "The Devil Wears Prada," where fashion is not just a backdrop but a central theme of the story. The designer clothing worn by Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, reflects her power, influence, and demanding personality. Conversely, the protagonist Andy Sachs' evolving wardrobe—from frumpy sweaters to chic designer outfits—mirrors her transformation from a naive assistant to a confident and ambitious young woman.
Thus, ultimately, the fictional fashionista uses clothing to convey feelings that enrich audiences' understanding of the characters in their works. Different types of clothing play a vital role in enhancing the characterization, furthering the plot, and creating mood. In other words, from dresses to raincoats, and even denim jeans, each type of attire speaks for itself, leading to complex storylines that unfold unpredictably. In conclusion, clothing, shoes, and accessories are vital aspects of storytelling. Through the careful and purposeful dressing of the characters, the author can bring their story to new heights, thereby captivating readers and involving them in a make-believe world.
Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Manik Chaturmutha