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...

Writing Prose
Blog
Alan Watt

Writing Prose

“Prose is architecture, not interior design.” – Ernest Hemingway Our words are in service to our story. When we get too flashy with

Read More »
Weights & Measures
Blog
Alan Watt

Weights & Measures

Proximity Do our characters have to be two thousand miles apart, or three miles apart? If we are trying to convey a

Read More »
Simplicity
Blog
Alan Watt

Simplicity

Forward, he cried From the rear And the front ranks died. Pink Floyd (Us and Them)   We can tell a whole

Read More »
Humor in Tragedy
Blog
Alan Watt

Humor in Tragedy

(Image from Life is Beautiful, 1997) If you’re going to write a tragedy, infuse your story with humor. Humor pulls us towards the

Read More »
Building Sentences
Blog
Alan Watt

Building Sentences

“You become a good writer just as you become a good joiner: by planing down your sentences.”– Anatole France There are no

Read More »

Recent posts

Writing Prose

Writing Prose

“Prose is architecture, not interior design.” – Ernest Hemingway Our words are in service to our story. When we get...

Overcoming Self-Doubt

Overcoming Self-Doubt

I used to be amazed at the madness of my mind. One day, I think my writing is brilliant, and...

The Courage to be Specific in Writing

The Courage to be Specific in Writing

Humans are full of paradoxes. We only love to the extent that we hate. We are constantly changing our minds,...

Weights & Measures

Weights & Measures

Proximity Do our characters have to be two thousand miles apart, or three miles apart? If we are trying to...

Simplicity

Simplicity

Forward, he cried From the rear And the front ranks died. Pink Floyd (Us and Them)   We can tell...

Staying Connected to the Source

Staying Connected to the Source

“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination.” – Albert Einstein...

Humor in Tragedy

Humor in Tragedy

(Image from Life is Beautiful, 1997) If you’re going to write a tragedy, infuse your story with humor. Humor pulls...

Building Sentences

Building Sentences

“You become a good writer just as you become a good joiner: by planing down your sentences.”– Anatole France There...