What is a Hook in Storytelling?
Try to recall your favorite story. How did it begin? What were the first words? If the first lines of a book […]
Symbolism in Storytelling: Writing with Deeper Meaning
Does the word “symbolism” give you unwelcome flashbacks to your high school English classes? The idea is foreign when we first hear […]
How to Write an Effective Synopsis
Previously, I unpacked the theory behind synopsis writing, explored the mechanics of what makes a synopsis work, and defined its purpose. A […]
The Importance of Character Flaws
Without flaws, characters may be admirable, but they don’t feel real. Humans are complex and contradictory. We’re all naturally flawed in some […]
Writing Effective Antagonists: Craft Conflict that Matters
It may sound dry, but at the heart of every story is an argument. The theme (or dramatic question) is played out […]
Your Writing Guide to “Show, Don’t Tell”
I suppose everything is easier said than done. The same is true for writing. It’s one thing to say a person is […]
Mastering the Anti-Villain: How to Build Sympathetic, Relatable Antagonists
In storytelling, we have heroes and villains, but where do anti-villains fit in? Who are they, and why have they become so […]
What Makes a Protagonist? The Character at the Center of Your Story
When you think of your favorite movies or books, what’s the first thing you think of? Is it the setting, the twist […]
Writing Monologues That Matter
Most of our everyday speech happens in dialogue — in conversations. You might talk to yourself from time to time, but odds […]
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? Using Contrast to Deepen Your Story
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: Choosing Power or Perspective
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: Writing with Intention and Impact
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 […]
The Essential Guide to Novel Structure for Writers
A novel’s story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the […]
