What is Creative Writing? How to Shape Ideas into Art
Creative writing invites writers to move beyond facts and formulas, using imagination and craft to shape ideas into compelling stories. Even though […]
How to Outline a Dramatic Opening
Structurally, a dramatic opening functions as a hook. Emotionally, it needs to do more than just attract attention. When an opening scene […]
How to Write a Novel: Step by Step
“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” – W. Somerset Maugham There may be […]
“Save the Cat” Story Structure: A Screenwriter’s Practical Guide
One structure model designed specifically for screenwriters is Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat!” If you’ve been in one of my workshops, you’ll […]
Hyperbole: When Exaggeration Strengthens Story
Hyperbole is how we speak when ordinary language isn’t big enough. Do you remember your first heartbreak? Even though you knew it […]
Master Character Arcs for Compelling Storytelling
Do character arcs matter? Here’s an important lesson to remember: No matter how elaborate your plot is, if your reader doesn’t care […]
What I Need to Write
Dorland Mountain Arts Colony is a tranquil retreat for writers, artists, and musicians in the mountains of Temecula, California. The first time […]
How to Start a Story: Crafting Openings That Captivate
In the best stories, the reader’s attention keeps in sync with the rhythm of the prose. It’s like a snowball rolling down […]
Script Format 101: Writing for the Screen and Stage
In a previous article, I went over formatting requirements for screenplays. These techniques can also help set up a sound foundation for […]
Extended Metaphors: Turning Simple Comparisons into Lasting Impact
Metaphors are one of the first additions to our writing toolbox, usually paired with the simile in our high school English class. […]
What is a Prologue? How and When to Use One
Occasionally, tucked somewhere between an introduction, epigraph, and dedication, a book might have a prologue. This is the story before the story. […]
Stream-of-Consciousness Writing: Tips for Creative Expression
There’s rhythm in prose. The rhythm might be intentionally terse, like a Charles Bukowski novel, or dense and languid like the work […]
Mastering Story Arcs for Stronger Storytelling
Ever since humans have been able to communicate, we share stories, weaving the tapestry of our shared existence. These stories differ wildly […]
Morning Pages: A Daily Habit to Boost Creativity
“Morning pages” is the term coined by Julia Cameron in her work The Artist’s Way used to describe the habit of sitting […]
Round Characters: Techniques to Create Depth in Character Arcs
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a character who jumped off the page and felt so alive that you missed them […]
Theme in Literature Explained (With Examples & Tips)
Theme is a mysterious and often misunderstood term. Simply put, a theme is a unifying or dominant idea explored in a work […]
How to Start Writing a Book: The No-Fluff Starter Guide
Welcome! And congratulations! If you’re reading this, you are about to begin a creative journey that can bring satisfaction and a deepening […]
Screenplay Format Made Simple: Tips & Essentials
Getting your screenplay format down right matters more than you might think. You could write the most brilliant story ever conceived, with […]
