How to Outline a Dramatic Opening
Structurally, a dramatic opening functions as a hook. Emotionally, it needs to do more than just attract attention. When an opening scene […]
“Save the Cat” Story Structure: A Screenwriter’s Practical Guide
One structure model designed specifically for screenwriters is Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat!” If you’ve been in one of my workshops, you’ll […]
Hyperbole: When Exaggeration Strengthens Story
Hyperbole is how we speak when ordinary language isn’t big enough. Do you remember your first heartbreak? Even though you knew it […]
Master Character Arcs for Compelling Storytelling
Do character arcs matter? Here’s an important lesson to remember: No matter how elaborate your plot is, if your reader doesn’t care […]
How to Start a Story: Crafting Openings That Captivate
In the best stories, the reader’s attention keeps in sync with the rhythm of the prose. It’s like a snowball rolling down […]
Script Format 101: Writing for the Screen and Stage
In a previous article, I went over formatting requirements for screenplays. These techniques can also help set up a sound foundation for […]
What is a Prologue? How and When to Use One
Occasionally, tucked somewhere between an introduction, epigraph, and dedication, a book might have a prologue. This is the story before the story. […]
Stream-of-Consciousness Writing: Tips for Creative Expression
There’s rhythm in prose. The rhythm might be intentionally terse, like a Charles Bukowski novel, or dense and languid like the work […]
Mastering Story Arcs for Stronger Storytelling
Ever since humans have been able to communicate, we share stories, weaving the tapestry of our shared existence. These stories differ wildly […]
Morning Pages: A Daily Habit to Boost Creativity
“Morning pages” is the term coined by Julia Cameron in her work The Artist’s Way used to describe the habit of sitting […]
Round Characters: Techniques to Create Depth in Character Arcs
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a character who jumped off the page and felt so alive that you missed them […]
Screenplay Format Made Simple: Tips & Essentials
Getting your screenplay format down right matters more than you might think. You could write the most brilliant story ever conceived, with […]
Worldbuilding: A Step-by-Step Writer’s Guide
Crafting a compelling story comes with several responsibilities. You are in charge of creating the plot, the characters, the prose, the dialogue, […]
What is a Thematic Statement? Examples and Writing Strategies
Your story’s thematic statement is the central argument that drives your narrative. Writers sometimes obsess over their plot to the point that […]
How to Write Dialogue that Sounds Authentic
Writing dialogue can be intimidating, even for the most experienced writers. Sometimes the words feel clumsy and unnatural, or we find ourselves […]
Fridging: When Trauma Replaces Character Development
The “fridging” trope was named after a specific incident in a Green Lantern comic (vol. 3 #54). The titular hero comes home […]
Mastering the Three-Act Structure for Stronger Stories
In his book, Poetics, Aristotle laid the foundation for story structure by stating that all stories must have a beginning, middle, and […]
The Snowflake Method of Outlining
Writing a story can sometimes seem overwhelming. Think of your favorite books. You can tell when a writer has put a great […]
