How to Write a Hook
When you’re at the bookstore surfing for a good read, you’re often trying to get a sense of the tone and texture […]
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 […]
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, […]
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” 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 […]
