Symbolism in Storytelling
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
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
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?
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?
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
