Writing Team

The Hire a Writer team frequently puts our noggins together for co-written blogs.

Slang is a dynamic and fascinating aspect of language that reflects the ever-changing nature of culture and communication.

3 min read

A Guide to Slang (When to Use it, Etc.)

Slang is a linguistic chameleon, constantly evolving and adapting to the cultural landscape. It's the rebellious cousin of formal language, often frowned upon in academic circles but celebrated in popular culture. For creative writers, understanding...

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Discover the made-up words you use every day and how they became a part of your daily language!

2 min read

Made-Up Words You Use Every Day

You might not realize it, but many of the words we use every day started as made-up creations. Over time, these words became so commonplace that we...

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Both pastiche and parody offer creative ways to engage with famous styles, but they serve very different purposes.

4 min read

Pastiche vs. Parody: Blending and Bending Famous Styles

In literature, film, and art, the lines between pastiche and parody are often blurred. Both forms of creative expression borrow from or imitate...

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Cryptozoological fiction opens up a world of creative possibilities for writers, blending mystery, adventure, and the supernatural.

4 min read

Cryptozoological Fiction

Cryptozoology, the study of hidden or legendary animals whose existence is unconfirmed by science, offers fertile ground for fiction writers. From...

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In this article, we’ll explore the definition of creativity and provide 20 examples, drawing from both short stories and speeches by brilliant minds.

4 min read

Define Creativity: 20 Brilliant Examples from Short Stories and Speeches

Creativity is often described as the ability to produce original and valuable ideas. It’s the spark that turns imagination into reality, taking the...

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In this article, we will explore some of Shakespeare's most famous word creations, where they appeared in his works, and how they continue to influence modern language and popular culture.

4 min read

How Many Words Did Shakespeare Invent?

William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright in the English language, left a significant imprint on not only theater but also the...

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The butterfly effect in writing offers a way to create intricate, interconnected narratives where every choice and action, no matter how small, has lasting consequences.

4 min read

Butterfly Effects: Harnessing Chaos Theory in Writing

The term butterfly effect originates from chaos theory and refers to the concept that small causes can have large effects. The idea suggests that...

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David Ogilvy's name will forever be synonymous with modern advertising and marketing.

4 min read

David Ogilvy: The Father of Modern Advertising

David Ogilvy is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern advertising and marketing. Known for his groundbreaking campaigns,...

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These powerful words, when wielded by skilled authors, have the ability to transport readers to realms beyond imagination.

3 min read

Powerful Words: Illustrated by Bizarre and Fantastical Literature

Words have the power to shape realities, evoke emotions, and transport us to worlds beyond our imagination. In this article, we'll explore a...

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Writing body language to show that a character is intrigued or paying close attention allows readers to feel the moment alongside the character.

4 min read

Intrigued and Paying Attention: How to Write Characters' Body Language

When it comes to storytelling, showing is often more powerful than telling. One of the best ways to convey your characters’ emotions, thoughts, and...

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These out-of-the-box authors push the boundaries of what tone can be

5 min read

Different Tones in Writing: The Weird, the Wild, and the Wonderfully Out of the Box

Writing isn’t just about words; it’s about how those words are delivered. Tone is the personality of a piece, the mood it sets, the emotional weight...

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This collection of quotes about writing offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives from some of the most influential and insightful writers in literary history.

14 min read

Quotes about Writing

The art of writing has been a subject of reflection, admiration, and sometimes frustration for countless authors throughout history. From the...

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With time and dedication, you'll find yourself writing faster and more efficiently than you ever thought possible.

10 min read

How to Speed Write: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Faster

The ability to write quickly and efficiently has become an indispensable skill. Whether you're a student burning the midnight oil to finish an essay,...

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While debates about words like 'irregardless' or 'impactful' may continue, they serve as reminders of the fluid nature of language.

2 min read

Is 'funnier' a word? And other linguistic debates

The English language is full of surprises, and even native speakers sometimes find themselves questioning the legitimacy of certain words. In this...

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The phrase

3 min read

The Etymology of the Phrase "Preach to the Choir"

The phrase "preach to the choir" is a common expression in modern English, often used to describe a situation where someone is trying to persuade or...

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N-grams remain a fundamental concept in natural language processing, providing a bridge between raw text and machine understanding.

2 min read

N-grams: The Building Blocks of Natural Language Processing

Researchers and developers are constantly seeking ways to make machines better understand and generate human language. One of the fundamental...

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By understanding how compound words develop and incorporating them into your marketing strategies, you can communicate ideas clearly.

3 min read

Compound Words: What They Are, How They Develop, and Their Role in Marketing

Compound words are an essential part of the English language, evolving over time to reflect new concepts, technologies, and cultural shifts. In...

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Taglines are a vital part of brand identity, capturing the essence of your business in just a few words.

3 min read

Tagline Experiments

A memorable tagline is one of the most important elements of a brand’s identity. It communicates a brand’s message in a brief and impactful way,...

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Analogies are a powerful tool in both storytelling and communication.

2 min read

What is an Analogy?

An analogy is a comparison between two things, often to explain or clarify something unfamiliar by relating it to something more familiar. It helps...

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By recognizing the potential influence of writing on our minds, we can become more discerning readers and more responsible writers

2 min read

Mind Control and the Art of Writing

In the realm of human cognition, few concepts are as intriguing and controversial as mind control. While often associated with science fiction or...

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Stickers are more than just a fun addition—they are a powerful marketing tool that can help businesses of any size create memorable brand experiences.

4 min read

Creative Uses for Stickers

Stickers may seem like a simple tool, but they can be incredibly powerful for creative expression and marketing. Whether you’re a small business,...

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Proofreading is more than just a final check—it's an integral part of the writing process that can elevate your work from good to great.

4 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Proofreading

In the world of writing, whether it's for business, academia, or creative pursuits, the difference between good and great often comes down to one...

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The

2 min read

The Ghost of Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf, like many writers, was haunted. Not by a specter of the night, but by a question that has plagued creatives for centuries: Can one be...

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Divorcing your creative process from how the work will be received is crucial.

4 min read

Are Trigger Warnings Ruining Us?

Racism, sexual violence, colonialism, and graphic brutality.

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Discover how freewriting boosts creativity and productivity with insights from famous writers and psychology.

3 min read

Freewriting

In the world of writing and creativity, the concepts of freewriting and the messy first draft have gained significant traction. Embraced by seasoned...

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It’s obvious from Dostoevsky’s doodles that the writer, while writing, wasn’t always … well, writing.

8 min read

The Unexpected Artist

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. World-renowned author. Master of the psychological novel. Troubled gambler. Political prisoner. Prolific … doodler?

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Explore how attention and focus systems in the brain can boost your productivity and creativity.

1 min read

The Psychology of Focus: Unlocking Creativity and Productivity

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable...

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When we find ourselves bored and fall back on consuming some type of media, the excuses are always the same.

3 min read

To Write or To Scroll?

Every time we take out our smartphone, we engage with the same unconscious dilemma: to consume or to create. Think about it — you could do a million...

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As writers, it's common to feel guilty when we are not writing. It's a little like always having homework. But it's important to remember that even the greats made sure to live.

3 min read

Don’t Be a Lonely Writer

The romantic mythology of the hermit is deep within every creative individual. As a writer, the notion is particularly enticing — disappear from...

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Heimisdóttir believes, “The future of linguistic diversity is bright.”

5 min read

Is AI Going to Change the Way We Speak?

How often do you use the word “tapestry” in your everyday speech? How about “delve”? Does “testament” regularly show up in your text chains?

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Discover 15 top apps and tools to boost your writing productivity and overcome distractions.

2 min read

The Best Apps for Writing

Writing can be challenging, especially when distractions abound. Here are some apps and tools to boost your productivity and focus.

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Discover the best playlists for writing, from gentle indie folk to video game soundtracks. Enhance your creativity and focus with these 15 diverse musical options.

1 min read

Best Playlists for Writing

As a writer, finding the right ambiance to spark your creativity is crucial. Music can be a powerful tool to set the mood and help you focus. Here's...

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Dive into Wuxia, the Chinese literary genre depicting the lives and adventures of martial heroes.

2 min read

Exploring Wuxia: The World of Martial Heroes

Wuxia, a Chinese literary genre, translates to "martial heroes." It combines elements of historical fiction with the rich traditions of Chinese...

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Discover Ergodic literature, a non-linear genre requiring active reader engagement. Explore examples and writing tips.

2 min read

Exploring Ergodic Literature

Ergodic literature is a genre that challenges conventional reading by requiring significant effort from the reader to engage with and interpret the...

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Explore Cli-Fi, a genre blending climate change, dystopia, and speculative fiction. Learn writing tips.

2 min read

Exploring Cli-Fi: Climate Fiction and Its Impact

Cli-Fi, short for climate fiction, is a genre of literature that focuses on climate change and its effects on the planet and humanity. This genre,...

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News or storytelling? Explore how emotional manipulation in journalism affects our understanding of events.

2 min read

The Emotional Manipulation of News

We seek stories that stir our emotions. We crave excitement, empathy, and even fear from our novels and movies. Storytellers excel at eliciting these...

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Explore societal narratives: powerful stories shaping our world, often based more on fiction than fact.

2 min read

Let's Talk About Societal Narratives

In our increasingly interconnected world, certain terms have become so ubiquitous that they risk losing their precise meanings. "Narrative" is one...

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Saunders'

2 min read

A Tale of Wealth, Morality, and Societal Blindness: "The Semplica-Girl Diaries"

George Saunders' short story "The Semplica-Girl Diaries" is a masterful exploration of societal norms, wealth disparity, and moral blindness,...

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Unlock your writing's humor potential. Tips for reluctant comedians to add wit and charm to their stories.

4 min read

LOL - How to Use Humor

Humor can be a powerful tool in storytelling, even for those of us who don't consider ourselves naturally funny. This guide aims to help writers who...

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using clothes to characterize

5 min read

Using Clothes to Characterize

"Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality," says legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. And as writers, we can...

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When learning to overcome writer’s block, it's useful to consider the brain's incredible capacity for creativity.

2 min read

Overcome Writer’s Block with Neuroscience

Our unique neuronal connections enable us to create literature, art, and complex ideas. Understanding how these brain functions work can provide...

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Breaking Boundaries: The Avant-Garde in Creative Writing and the power of subplots in storytelling.

5 min read

Breaking Boundaries: The Avant-Garde in Creative Writing

Avant-garde refers to artistic movements that are innovative, experimental, and nonconformist in nature. This term has been used to describe various...

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pitching

2 min read

Tips on Pitching Your Writing to Publications

Every writer, editor, and pitching process is unique, but we've observed several key elements that make a pitch sing. To help you put your best foot...

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A woman with glasses reading a book.

3 min read

Start Thinking About Your Writing Strengths

It's time to flip the script on how writers approach their craft. For far too long, the writing community has been stuck in a rut of self-doubt,...

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A man writing poetry in pop art style.

4 min read

4 Poetry Prompts To Get You Writing

Alright, folks! Are you ready to get those creative juices flowing and write some poetry that'll knock your readers' socks off? Well, buckle up...

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A woman smiling and writing in pop art style.

5 min read

Tips for Beating Creative Resistance

It's time to talk about the elephant in the room, the one thing holding you back from unleashing your inner creative genius: resistance.

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A woman annotating a book in pop-art style.

4 min read

Beta Reading: How It Helps and Why You Need It

You've come to the right place if you're itching to dive into the exciting world of beta reading and help shape the next generation of bestsellers....

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A close up of someone's hands as they type on a computer in pop art style.

2 min read

Top Tips to Write an Op-Ed

Alright, folks, listen up! If you've got something important to say and want to make a splash in the opinion pages, it's time to learn how to write a...

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A teenage boy writing in a book in pop art style.

5 min read

Writers and Vision Boards: Visualize Success

Attention all you writers, dreamers, and goal-chasers out there! Listen up because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of vision boards and...

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A child reading a book in pop art style.

4 min read

Don’t Sleep on Writing Bedtime Stories

If you're itching to learn how to write a bedtime story that'll knock the socks off your readers and send them drifting off to dreamland with a smile...

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A man frowning in pop art style.

2 min read

To Friend or Not to Friend: Frenemies Throughout History

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we're about to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of frenemies! These enigmatic relationships, which straddle...

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A person going for a walk in pop art style.

3 min read

Top Ten Self-Care Techniques for Writers

Hey there, fellow word wranglers and story slingers! Are you ready to dive into the world of writerly self-care?

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A woman sitting on a stool as she types on a floating typewriter in pop art style.

2 min read

5 Tips for Writing Fast(er)

Are you ready to kick your writing into high gear? Well, get ready because we’re about to drop some knowledge that'll have your fingers flying across...

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An elf comedian in pop art style.

2 min read

Laughter and Magic: Top Tips to Write Humorous Urban Fantasy

Urban fantasy seamlessly blends the mundane and the extraordinary in the ever-evolving tapestry of speculative fiction. It invites readers to embark...

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A novelist signing a contract in pop art style.

4 min read

Unlock the Gateway to Success: First Pages in Query Submissions

In the highly competitive realm of publishing, the first pages of a manuscript wield immense power – they can either open doors to literary success...

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A woman editing a book with a pen in pop art style.

4 min read

A Guide to Editing Anthologies

In literary curation, the role of an editor often emerges unexpectedly, as if destiny itself bestows this mantle upon one's shoulders. Such was the...

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A woman peering over the top of a book in pop art style.

3 min read

Learn from Mistakes: Overlooking Banned Books in Writing

Making mistakes is an integral part of the writing journey. Each misstep presents an opportunity to learn and grow. A lot of writers make one crucial...

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A woman reading a poetry book in pop-art style.

3 min read

Explore the Rich Tapestry of Poetry: A Dive into Poetic Forms

Poetry, as an expressive art form, embraces a vast array of structures and styles. Delving into the world of poetic forms reveals a fascinating...

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Four-panel pop-art style of four women, one in each panel, with various expressions of surprise on their faces.

3 min read

Unwanted Exits and Narrative Shifts: Crafting Compelling Fiction

In fiction writing, the art of keeping readers engaged is a delicate dance. Unwanted exits and narrative shifts are pivotal in shaping the reader's...

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creative writing process

2 min read

Creative Writing Process: Prewriting, Writing, and Rewriting

As writers, we aspire to reach the “perfect” final draft for whichever project we have in mind. We want to produce works of art that take readers...

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touch the grass

1 min read

Touch the Grass: A Screenwriter's Unexpected Muse

It's common to jest at the admonishment "touch grass," usually a jibe at those seemingly too digitalized.

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gen z

4 min read

A Guide to Grammar for the Gen Z Squad

Gen Z, also known as those who came into the world from 1997 to 2012 (stretching to 2015 because, as we'll dive into with their linguistic quirks,...

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eulogies

1 min read

The Argument for Personal Eulogies and What Yours Should Include

In a world where the certainties are death and taxes, the tradition has been to leave the final words about us to others. Typically, these eulogies...

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how to read as a writer

3 min read

How to Read as a Writer

So, you've crafted your story, but it feels like something is amiss. The pacing in the middle might be off, or perhaps the climax isn't as impactful...

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dystopian writing

3 min read

Dystopian Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination

Dystopian literature enjoyed a surge in popularity a few years ago with series like The Hunger Games. Though the genre witnessed a decline, it's...

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thriller

5 min read

Discovering Thriller Story Ideas

Thrillers are the masterclass in suspense, tension, and surprises, captivating readers with every page turn. If you aim to craft the next...

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bizarro fiction

3 min read

Bizarro Fiction 101: Beyond the Weird for Weird's Sake

Bizarro Fiction, a relatively new genre often likened to the cult section in your video store, has been a niche of literary experimentation.

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assonance

2 min read

Assonance: Definition and Creative Writing Techniques

If you aspire to craft better prose, immerse yourself in poetry.

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verbal irony

4 min read

Examples of Verbal Irony

Verbal irony, often mistaken, is an element that likely permeates your speech without your conscious awareness.

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Pop-art image of woman with green hair in glasses, looking like she just experienced an internal revelation.

2 min read

Character Awareness: Revelation in Storytelling

In storytelling, the contrast between a character's understanding and that of others, including the audience, is a potent narrative device. This...

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3 min read

8 Innovative Ways to Incorporate the Dinkus in Your Literary Works

Dinkus. What a word, right? While it may sound close to an insult levied by a particular character on Strangers Things, we're talking about a term...

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A romantic couple (man and woman) looking at one another while filled with angst, in pop art style.

3 min read

Craft Angst: Embrace the Challenge

There's an undeniable allure to mastering the art of writing about angst. It's a popular theme, especially among young to middle-aged readers, and it...

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Pop art style image of woman with brown hair in a science fiction scene.

3 min read

Navigate the Enigmatic Realm of Slipstream Fiction

Ah, slipstream fiction. Much like speculative fiction, it lives in that nebulous territory between literary fiction, science fiction, and fantasy....

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afrofuturism

2 min read

Commentary on "How hip-hop uses Afrofuturism to take listeners on journeys of empowerment"

As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's only natural to ponder the genre's future. However, for many hip-hop artists, the future has always...

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kick off events

2 min read

Kick-off Events

In writing fiction, or even performance art, it's essential to understand the role of a kick-off event – that opening scene that sets the stage for...

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kill the cat

1 min read

Save the Cat! Plot Beats

Okay, so when it comes to storytelling, we've got this thing called a "story beat," and it turns out there are two different flavors to it, each...

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song and color

4 min read

Every Song Has a Color

Every song has a color – and an emotion – attached to it. Researchers have explored the world of music-to-color associations for years. We know that...

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houseplant

2 min read

Unearthly Chronicles: Writing 'The Diary of a Sentient Houseplant

Creative writing has always been a realm of endless possibilities, and sometimes, the most captivating stories sprout from the most unexpected seeds...

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taxonomy

2 min read

Unlocking the Power of Taxonomy

Nope. Not stuffed animals. We're talking about taxonomy.

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cryptic crossword clues

2 min read

Cryptic Crossword Clues and Creative Writing

Cryptic crosswords are the enigmatic gems of the puzzling world, where words become intricate puzzles waiting to be unraveled. But have you ever...

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ai poetry

2 min read

Write Like a Robot: Exploring the Art of AI-Generated Poetry

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, it's not surprising that artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into the realm of creative...

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weird worlds

2 min read

Whispers of the Unusual: Channeling the Weird into Words

In a world filled with mundane musings and ordinary narratives, there exists a realm of creativity that thrives on the strange, the bizarre, and the...

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surreal story

2 min read

Surreal Serendipities: Finding the Extraordinary in Everyday Coincidences

Let's pause and explore the enchanting world of serendipity, where chance encounters and seemingly trivial coincidences lead to extraordinary...

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minotaur pop art style

3 min read

Conversations with the Minotaur and Other Enigmatic Beings

Deep within the recesses of myth and legend lies a realm where reality and imagination intertwine. In "Whispers of the Labyrinth: Conversations with...

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no gravity pop art style

3 min read

Adventures in a World Where Gravity is Optional

In a world where imagination knows no bounds, the concept of altering the very fabric of nature's laws becomes a playground for creativity.

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inkscapes of the mind

2 min read

Inkscapes of the Mind: Painting Dreams and Memories with Words

Human imagination is a powerful tool that allows us to conjure up vivid images, emotions, and sensations. Just as an artist wields a brush to paint...

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tv pop art style

5 min read

Lessons for Writers from Iconic Sitcoms

You know why you love sitcoms? Writers. Writers make sitcoms worth watching (and the world go round, but that's obviously our biased opinion).

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cute alien pop art style

2 min read

Exploring the Quirky Universe of Nathan Pyle's Strange Planet

Nathan Pyle's "Strange Planet" series of books and comics has taken the world by storm, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the mundane...

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imaginary friend pop art style

2 min read

Did You Have Imaginary Friends?

Imagination is a wondrous force that has the ability to create entire worlds and characters from the depths of our minds. It's a tool we often...

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bigfoot pop art style

5 min read

A Literary Exploration of Urban Legends

Urban legends, those chilling tales whispered in hushed tones around campfires and shared in late-night conversations, have a peculiar way of...

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alien pop art style

3 min read

Alien Advice Column

Welcome to an Extraterrestrial Expedition of Imagination!

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girl pop art style

2 min read

Metaphor Mania: Crafting Short Stories Based on Everyday Idioms

Metaphors are the spices of language, enriching our communication by infusing it with vivid imagery and underlying meanings.

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word bubble pop art style

3 min read

The Diction Dictionary: Crafting Neologisms

Language is a remarkable tool for expressing emotions, yet there are moments when words fall short, failing to capture the nuances of complex...

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elephant in a bathtub pop art style

4 min read

Surrealist Storytelling: A Journey Beyond Reality

Behold, fellow adventurers of the eccentric! Let us embark on a kaleidoscopic escapade into the mesmerizing labyrinth of surrealist storytelling—a...

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man in a mask pop art style

2 min read

Exploring Atypical Writing Styles

Writing is a canvas for artistic expression, and just as there are countless ways to paint a picture, there are a myriad of writing styles that...

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clown pop art style

4 min read

Absurd Writing Prompts: Embrace the Ridiculous

As professional writers, we often find ourselves seeking inspiration and unique ideas to spark our creativity.

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man sitting in front of a large moon pop art style

2 min read

A Journey Through the Different Types of Poetry: Styles and Famous Poets

Poetry is a diverse and expressive art form that has captivated audiences for centuries. From classical sonnets to contemporary free verse, poets...

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the flash pop art style

2 min read

Exploring Flash Fiction: Crafting Powerful Stories in a Limited Word Count

Flash fiction is a unique and dynamic form of storytelling that challenges writers to craft compelling narratives in a concise and limited word...

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symbols in a grid pop art style

2 min read

Incorporating Symbolism: Adding Deeper Layers to Your Narrative

Symbolism is the art of imbuing objects, characters, or events with deeper meanings beyond their literal representations.

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