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...
Chemistry is the study of interactions—atoms bonding, molecules transforming, and elements combining to create something entirely new. For creative writers, these same principles can be applied to worldbuilding, character development, dialogue, and more. The art of storytelling is, in many ways, a form of alchemy: taking disparate elements and weaving them into something extraordinary. Here’s how lessons from chemistry can inspire your writing process.
In chemistry, the periodic table organizes elements by their properties, offering a framework that simplifies a complex system. For writers, this concept can be applied to worldbuilding.
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the structured relationships between elves, dwarves, and humans create a cohesive world. Their distinct “properties” influence their interactions, much like elements in a chemical reaction.
In chemistry, bonds form between atoms to create molecules, and the type of bond—ionic, covalent, or metallic—determines the molecule’s properties. In writing, relationships between characters work the same way.
Think about the “bond type” between your characters. How does it influence their interactions, conflicts, and growth?
Chemical reactions occur when substances interact to form something new. A catalyst speeds up this process without being consumed. In writing, characters, events, or revelations can serve as catalysts to propel the story forward.
Chemistry teaches us that matter exists in different states—solid, liquid, gas, and plasma—depending on external conditions. Characters, too, can “change state” based on their circumstances and internal growth.
What “state of matter” best describes your character at the beginning of the story? How do external pressures cause them to change states over time?
In chemistry, equilibrium is the balance between opposing forces in a reaction. In writing, achieving equilibrium is about balancing tension and resolution to keep readers engaged.
In The Hunger Games, Katniss's actions repeatedly disrupt the Capitol’s equilibrium, forcing both sides to escalate their strategies.
In chemistry, mass is neither created nor destroyed in a reaction. In writing, every element should serve a purpose—whether it’s advancing the plot, deepening a theme, or developing a character.
Chemists experiment to discover new compounds, often through trial and error. Writers, too, must take risks to innovate and find their voice.
Just as chemistry transforms raw elements into something extraordinary, writing is about turning ideas into compelling stories. By borrowing principles from chemistry, you can add structure, depth, and dynamism to your creative work.
Whether you’re building a world, crafting complex characters, or driving a plot forward, think like a chemist: experiment, combine, and let your creativity react. Who knows what literary gold you might create?
Hold onto your hats, folks, because we're about to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of frenemies! These enigmatic relationships, which straddle...
Symbolism is the art of imbuing objects, characters, or events with deeper meanings beyond their literal representations.
Think about the last time you did the research for a potential purchase. Let’s say you needed a new washing machine or vacuum cleaner and were...