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 […]
What is a Novel? Definition, History, and Key Characteristics
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” Without Killing Your Voice
“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? How to Enrich Your Story with Meaning
Stories become richer when they wink at the world beyond their pages, and that’s exactly what an allusion does. By dropping hints […]
Understanding Rhetorical Choices: Technique, Tone, and Purpose
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? A Writer’s Guide to Recurring Meaning
Motifs are one of the best literary devices you can have in your writer’s toolbox. Essentially, a motif is a recurring element […]
Novel 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. […]
