Writing Techniques

Most popular posts

A model modeling the effects of great tension in writing.

How to Use Tension in Writing

Tension can arise from anywhere — in a simple conversation, a family dinner, a job interview, or even with a...

A collection of word magnets representing the idea that all language is invented, including made-up words.

The Purpose of Made-Up Words in Stories

Have you ever read a book and come across a word you’d never heard or seen before? At first, you...

A sea of people, all of whom might share a voice in the fourth person point of view.

Fourth Person Point of View

Fourth person point of view is a unique and rarely used perspective in stories.  First person gives us “I.” Second...

A character waves at the camera, which is a sign of a writer not knowing how to introduce a character.

How to Introduce a Character: 5 Key Methods

A character’s introduction is one of the most important parts of your story. Done well, your reader can make a...

A fencing match is one of many scenes you can write once you know how to write a fight scene.

How to Write a Fight Scene in 6 Steps

Learning how to write a fight scene isn’t really about choreography. It’s about tension and what’s truly at stake for...

An eye peering through a page, symbolizing a point of view in literature.

Point of View in Literature

There is no “correct” approach to point of view in literature. Your sole consideration is how you want your reader...

Second Person POV
Blog
Alan Watt

Point of View: Second Person

You probably haven’t read many books written in the second person perspective, maybe since your last “choose your own adventure” novel. Most

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How Do I Begin?
Blog
Alan Watt

How Do I Begin?

“How do I begin?” The process of story creation is mysterious. Where do your story ideas come from? From where do your

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Asking Why
Blog
Alan Watt

Asking “Why?”

Always keep your ideal reader close by in your mind asking “Why?” Our subconscious is perfectly designed for this process. It already

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On Writing Dialogue
Blog
Alan Watt

On Writing Dialogue

“If you have a good ear for dialogue, you just can’t help thinking about the way people talk. You’re drawn to it.

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Humor in Writing
Blog
Alan Watt

Humor in Writing

There is nothing less funny than writing about humor. I was a standup comic for years. Every once in a while after

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Make it Dramatic
Blog
Alan Watt

Make it Dramatic

“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.” – Alfred Hitchcock Story moves as the result of complications that arise, not

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Recent posts

Imagery

Imagery: Writing with All 5 Senses

As writers and engineers of stories, imagery is our bread and butter. In some sense, all the literary devices at...

irony

What is Irony? Exploring Its Forms and Power in Storytelling

A finely developed sense of irony is a wonderful tool for a writer. In this article, I will discuss different...

Second Person POV

Point of View: Second Person

You probably haven’t read many books written in the second person perspective, maybe since your last “choose your own adventure”...

first person point of view

Point of View: First Person

The first time you experienced the magic of storytelling, odds are it was a personal story you heard in first...

Pathos

How to Invoke Pathos in Your Writing

Pathos is a key aspect of any rhetorician’s approach to their oratory. If you are writing a speech in your...

third person limited pov

Third Person Limited – Point of View

Picking a perspective is like choosing your weapon before a gladiator match; it limits and defines your style of approach....

Third person omniscient

Third Person Omniscient – Point of View

Third person omniscient POV offers writers the rare power to see into every mind and move freely across the landscape...

How Do I Begin?

How Do I Begin?

“How do I begin?” The process of story creation is mysterious. Where do your story ideas come from? From where...

Hold Your Story Loosely

Hold the Story Loosely

Our idea of the story is never the whole story. The act of writing a novel, memoir, or screenplay is...

Humor is Not About Writing Funny

Humor Is Not About Writing Funny

Humor connects us. It makes us care. I don’t mean one-liners. Humor is not about jokes, but it is about...

Write What You Know Can Be Misunderstood

“Write What You Know” Can Be Misunderstood

Every writer hears the old song: “Write what you know.” This can be misunderstood. The fact is, we don’t write...

Asking Why

Asking “Why?”

Always keep your ideal reader close by in your mind asking “Why?” Our subconscious is perfectly designed for this process....

On Writing Dialogue

On Writing Dialogue

“If you have a good ear for dialogue, you just can’t help thinking about the way people talk. You’re drawn...

Developing Your Writing Technique

Developing Your Writing Technique

  Technique develops over time. By reading and writing, we absorb a sense of story structure, cadence, and rhythm. We...

Humor in Writing

Humor in Writing

There is nothing less funny than writing about humor. I was a standup comic for years. Every once in a...

Make it Dramatic

Make it Dramatic

“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.” – Alfred Hitchcock Story moves as the result of complications that...

3 Secrets for Getting Started on Writing Your First Novel

3 Secrets for Getting Started on Writing Your First Novel

Every writer struggles with getting the story from imagination to the page. The first-time novelist confronts the special challenge of...

Finding Your Writing Voice

Finding Your Writing Voice

I work with many first-time novelists, screenwriters, and memoirists, and the question of voice always comes up. “Do you think...