Plot Development: 3 Main Elements
Good plot development doesn’t rush or drag. It doesn’t stumble or take detours, nor does it feel contrived. A good plot builds […]
Parts of a Story
“The most important part of a story is the piece of it you don’t know.”– Barbara Kingsolver In this article, I’ll look […]
Five-Act Structure
The Five-Act Structure is a key aspect of dramatic storytelling. The tradition stretches as far back as the ancient Greeks, and it’s […]
Story Structure
Think of story structure as the skeleton of your tale. We all have different lives, different styles, different appearances. But for the […]
Pacing in Writing
Many writers struggle to get the pacing right in their stories. We adjust scenes: adding, trimming, and attempting to hike up the […]
How Long Should a Screenplay Be?
Screenplays usually land around 90 to 120 pages. And the reason involves both technical considerations and the practical realities of making a […]
Screenplay Structure
Screenplay structure allows a writer to investigate their characters and theme and get to the heart of where they exist in story.
The Pantser Method: Writing Without an Outline
Learn how to hone your strengths as a "pantser." Discovery-based writers often succeed with creative freedom and spontaneity, but successful narratives still require an underlying structure of character transformation to avoid losing direction.
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 […]
How to Write an Effective Resolution
All stories must eventually come to a conclusion, or “resolution.” As an author, your job is to ensure that the plot threads […]