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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...

What If the Internet Disappeared Overnight? Crafting a Plot Around the Chaos! 

Imagine a world without the internet. This scenario presents a compelling idea for writers: What if the internet disappeared overnight? This concept allows for the exploration of various literary themes and genres, depicting the chaotic impact of the absence of the internet on society. It presents various opportunities for authors to explore the complexities of human nature, culture, and technology.   

The sudden loss of the internet would disrupt the familiar and comforting aspect of life. Writers can delve into individuals and society's adaptability, resilience, and unique survival strategies as they grapple with this new reality. The value and limitations of human relationships are another important factor to note. In today's world, communication and connections are facilitated by the internet, whose absence can draw attention to the basic needs of empathy, social contact, and a feeling of community. 

While the concept of an internet apocalypse is contemporary, writers can explore various literary eras, such as post-apocalyptic, science fiction, or dystopian fiction. Along with this, the genre of an internet apocalypse story can vary depending on the focus and tone. You can add elements of drama, thriller, or mystery as the story progresses. You can even employ a more speculative and imaginative approach, exploring the technological and scientific implications of the event.   

Now, to start writing the plot, you need to focus on the catalyst event. Find out what caused the internet to fail first. This might be an alien invasion, a cyberattack, or even a natural calamity. The impacts are more established when the cause is more striking and unexpected. Describe the immediate mayhem that erupts out. There would be disruptions to vital services, including banking, communication, and transportation. This would have far-reaching effects and send the world back to a time before digital technology. Try to look into the reactions of various characters to the internet apocalypse. While some people would find it difficult to adjust, others might welcome the greater simplicity. Think about the viewpoints of people who have built their careers on technology or who rely significantly on it for their jobs. Examine and try to answer questions about the long-term effects of the internet going away. How will corporations and governments adjust? Will we see the emergence of new social structures? Will people be compelled to adopt a radically different way of life, or will they be able to reconstruct the digital world?  

You can also take inspiration from various novels like 'The Martian.' This book highlights the difficulties of surviving in a technologically isolated setting, even though it is situated on Mars. The lesson here is to emphasize how crucial human spirit, resourcefulness, and innovation are to overcome hardship. Along with society's struggle, the decline of the internet age also brings scope or potential for a new beginning or a new way of life. The internet apocalypse can represent a chance for a fresh start, a new beginning for humanity. As an author, you can explore this in many ways. You can either talk about if technology fades, traditional ways of life may reemerge, and discuss the value of cultural heritage, ancestral knowledge, and simpler living or talk about a new normal and a fresh start to life exploring the possibilities for a more sustainable, equitable, and harmonious future. 

In conclusion, the disappearance of the internet overnight presents a thought-provoking scenario for writers to explore a wide array of literary themes and genres. By considering the catalyst event, immediate disruptions, and long-term effects, authors can create a gripping plot that captivates readers and prompts contemplation about the role of technology in our lives. Whether portraying the return to traditional ways of life or envisioning a fresh start for humanity, the concept of the internet disappearing overnight offers boundless opportunities for imaginative storytelling and exploration of the human experience.

Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Manik Chaturmutha