The Art of Plot: Structure That Serves Your Characters
What is a story without a plot? Not much! A plot is the sequence of events that helps give a story its […]
What is Juxtaposition?
The best way to flesh out something is by showing what it isn’t. If that sounds like a paradox, you’re feeling the […]
Active vs Passive Voice
Understanding when and how to use active vs passive voice isn’t just a matter of grammar; it’s a matter of storytelling. The […]
Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?
The words “book” and “novel” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they actually mean different things. In this article, I’ll describe the differences […]
The Power of Diction
The diction you use in your writing is a choice you’re always making, whether subconsciously or not. Writers trade in language. Diction […]
Understanding Tone: Secrets to a Strong Narrative Voice
Creating tone in your writing provides a texture to the work. It’s the emotional coloring that shapes how a reader feels, interprets, […]
How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps
Each writer has their own process. Some writers (often called pantsers) believe that outlining their novel limits their creativity, while others require […]
Analyzing the 3 Types of Irony
Irony is a comparison which reveals an incongruity. That comparison might be between events and understanding, a statement and fact, or the […]
Story Structure of a Novel
Story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the wildness of […]
What is a Novel?
We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by more than […]
How to “Kill Your Darlings”
“Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” – Stephen King Of […]
What is an Allusion?
Stories become richer when they wink at the world beyond their pages, and that’s exactly what an allusion does. By dropping hints […]
Weighing your Rhetorical Choices
Rhetorical choices shape not just what we say, but how we make people feel and think. Every speech, story, or written argument […]
What is a Motif?
Motifs are one of the best literary devices you can have in your writer’s toolbox. Essentially, a motif is a recurring element […]
Book Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories
When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the genre?” To […]
The Unreliable Narrator – All You Need to Know
Usually when you open a book and you’re embarking on a new adventure, you believe what the narrator tells you is true. […]
The Hero’s Journey: A Structure Template
It’s a tale as old as time. The protagonist is torn from their ordinary life and sets off to face a challenge. […]
How to Write Dynamic Characters
Creating memorable stories begins with creating memorable characters—those who struggle, adapt, and ultimately transform. While some characters find their strength in sticking […]
