The Art of Storytelling
A practical guide to the craft of novel writing,
from developing characters and structuring
conflict to drafting, revision, publishing and
building a life around stories.
Releases 6th October 2026
Why this book
Craft
Understand the essential building blocks of storytelling, from character and conflict to structure, scenes and voice.
Clarity
See how the elements of a novel work together, with an editor’s perspective on why stories succeed or lose their way.
Practice
Apply the craft through practical exercises, examples and techniques designed to take you from idea to finished manuscript.
Meet Heena
Heena R. Pardeshi
Heena R. Pardeshi is an author, developmental editor and writing coach whose work spans fiction, narrative non-fiction and the craft of storytelling.
For more than a decade, she has worked closely with writers at different stages of the publishing journey, helping shape manuscripts, strengthen stories and bring greater clarity to the page. Alongside her editorial work, she has written fiction, literary criticism and long-form essays, while building platforms centred on books, publishing and the writing life.
Her approach to stories is rooted equally in craft and curiosity: in understanding how a book works, why certain choices resonate, and how writers can develop a stronger, more intentional relationship with their own work.
Books
The Art of Storytelling
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Novel
Releasing on 6th October 2026
The Manor
A gothic novella based on Indian folklore.
Released in 2024 by Verbatik Media
Deceived
A dark psychological thriller novel.
Released in 2017 by Citrus Publishers
As Above So Below, a work-in-progress. A supernatural horror adventure novel.
Releasing in 2027
Elsewhere
The Reading
Bud
Reviews & Bookish Conversations
Verbatik
Media
Editorial & Publishing Content
Workshops & Webinars
Talks, launches & writing workshops
Writing &
Musings
Personal writing & long-form pieces
Blog
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The Publishing Industry Has Convinced Writers They Need to Become Influencers
Authors were once expected to write books and participate in publicity. Now they are building platforms, making Reels, studying analytics and maintaining personal brands. Somewhere along the way, being a writer started looking suspiciously like being an influencer.
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John Grisham Emailed Me. Sort Of.
John Grisham appeared in my inbox recently. So have Colleen Hoover, Shari Lapena and Lucinda Berry. My literary network is apparently thriving—provided we ignore the minor detail that every single email is spam.
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To the Writing Community, Thank You
Writing may happen alone, but becoming a writer rarely does. A reflection on NaNoWriMo, writing communities, first drafts, editing, teaching, and more than a decade spent learning alongside other writers.
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Hello, and Welcome
Welcome to my author website—a space for books, storytelling, writing craft, editing, and reflections from more than a decade spent working with stories.
