STORYTELLING BLOG

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As news consumption evolves, this research delineates the approaches that have a place in modern journalism.

2 min read

Storytelling vs. Newsgathering: How Modern Journalists Navigate Their Craft

Writing Team: Dec 9, 2024 11:51:57 AM

In a bustling Belgian newsroom, a veteran reporter sits at his desk, ignoring the day's breaking news. While his colleagues frantically chase the latest headlines, he's pursuing something different - a story about peep shows that has no immediate...

Storytelling Research Journalism

Whether you have 40 minutes or an afternoon, consider reaching out to a loved one and starting the conversation before it’s too late.

2 min read

StoryCorps Connect Brings Families Together

Writing Team: Dec 9, 2024 11:46:26 AM

StoryCorps, the acclaimed nonprofit that has been gathering personal stories since 2003, is now online, offering families the chance to connect and...

Storytelling Communication

These prompts offer foundations for building compelling love stories.

3 min read

Romance Writing Prompts to Inspire Your Fiction

Writing Team: Dec 3, 2024 11:44:11 AM

Every great love story starts with a spark of inspiration. Whether you're crafting your first romance novel or your fiftieth, fresh ideas can help...

Storytelling Fiction Romance

A complex character will always be more compelling than a complex plot.

1 min read

Too Much Plot?

Writing Team: Dec 3, 2024 11:39:42 AM

Is your story drowning in plot twists? Does your novel feel weighed down by excessive subplots? Here's how to diagnose the problem and restore your...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Pacing is about creating a journey that feels natural and engaging for your readers.

3 min read

Pacing in Your Story: Practical Tips and Techniques

Writing Team: Nov 25, 2024 10:16:54 AM

Pacing is a critical element of storytelling, whether you're crafting a novel, short story, screenplay, or even creative nonfiction. The way your...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Rising action is the heartbeat of your story, driving readers toward an unforgettable climax.

4 min read

What Is Rising Action?

Writing Team: Nov 25, 2024 9:58:54 AM

You’ve likely encountered the term “rising action” and wondered how to use it to craft compelling stories. While it may sound complex, rising action...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Success as a neurodivergent writer isn't about forcing yourself to write like everyone else.

3 min read

Writing Strategies for Neurodivergent Authors

Writing Team: Nov 18, 2024 9:30:00 AM

The blank page can feel particularly daunting when your brain works differently from what most writing advice assumes. For neurodivergent writers,...

Audience Writing Career

Rhetorical devices are powerful tools that, when used skillfully, can elevate your writing from good to exceptional.

2 min read

Rhetorical Devices: A Writer's Guide to Crafting Powerful Prose

Writing Team: Nov 18, 2024 8:30:00 AM

Rhetorical devices are the tools that transform good writing into great writing. Like a master painter's brushstrokes or a composer's musical...

Storytelling Writing Author

A plot diagram is your story’s foundation, helping you transform your ideas into a cohesive, compelling narrative.

4 min read

How to Create a Plot Diagram

Writing Team: Nov 11, 2024 4:02:03 PM

Plotting a story can be a challenge for any writer. It’s easy to get lost without a roadmap, and that’s where a plot diagram comes in handy. By...

Creative Storytelling Plot

Effective foreshadowing is like a promise made to your reader—a contract that builds trust and creates anticipation.

2 min read

Master Foreshadowing

Writing Team: Nov 11, 2024 3:58:20 PM

The power of foreshadowing lies not in what is said, but in what is promised. Like a master magician who shows you the card before it disappears,...

Storytelling Fiction Author

When masterfully executed, a holographic narrative becomes like a literary kaleidoscope.

3 min read

Holographic Narrative Design

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:36:12 AM

Just as a hologram contains the complete image within each fragment, holographic narrative design creates stories where every scene, dialogue, and...

Storytelling Writing Narrative

'Stories,' the old writer said, watching her young protégé struggle with dialogue, 'are bridges between hearts.'

6 min read

The Building Blocks: NLP Patterns in Dialogue

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:31:38 AM

Ever wonder why some fictional conversations stay with you long after you've closed the book, while others fade faster than your morning coffee buzz?...

Storytelling Natural language processing

Becoming a professional storyteller requires a blend of creativity, persistence, and adaptability.

5 min read

How to Become a Professional Storyteller

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:24:15 AM

Storytelling is one of humanity's oldest art forms, captivating audiences across cultures and generations. Whether you're interested in live...

Storytelling Career

Entering storytelling contests is an excellent way to hone your craft, receive feedback, and gain recognition.

5 min read

20 Storytelling Contests to Enter in 2025

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2024 10:19:29 AM

Participating in storytelling contests offers writers a platform to showcase their talents, gain recognition, and potentially earn rewards. Here are...

Writing Contests

4 min read

Chronesthesia in Storytelling

Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:54:37 PM

In storytelling, chronesthesia—the mental ability to perceive and travel through time—is a powerful tool to manipulate a reader's sense of the past...

Storytelling Character Plot

4 min read

Biomimetic Plot Structures

Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:51:16 PM

Writers often look to nature for inspiration—whether for metaphors, settings, or character development. But what if we could take inspiration from...

Storytelling Writing Character Plot

Psycholinguistics provides writers with a deeper understanding of how humans process and produce language.

4 min read

Psycholinguistics in Dialogue: Crafting Authentic Speech Patterns

Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:47:17 PM

Crafting authentic dialogue in writing is an art that requires more than just a good ear for how people speak. Psycholinguistics, the study of the...

Storytelling Writing Fiction Character

4 min read

Transmedia Storytelling

Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:39:37 PM

Transmedia storytelling—a narrative technique that spreads a story across multiple platforms—has become an innovative way to engage audiences in more...

Creative Storytelling Media

4 min read

Ethnographic Approaches to Character Development

Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Method actors are renowned for their commitment to fully embodying their characters, often living as them for extended periods. As writers, we can...

Writing Character Author

Biomimicry offers a fresh lens through which to view and construct narratives.

3 min read

Biomimicry in Storytelling

Writing Team: Oct 21, 2024 8:30:00 AM

Writers and narrative designers are constantly seeking fresh approaches to engage their audiences. One innovative method gaining traction is the...

Storytelling Writing

Neurocinematics offers exciting possibilities for enhancing digital storytelling.

3 min read

Neurocinematics in Digital Storytelling

Writing Team: Oct 15, 2024 3:51:05 PM

Storytellers are increasingly turning to neuroscience to enhance their narrative techniques. Neurocinematics, the study of how film and other...

Storytelling Writing Author

Implementing story circles and techniques from indigenous oral traditions can profoundly enrich modern storytelling.

3 min read

Implementing Story Circles: Advanced Techniques from Indigenous Oral Traditions

Writing Team: Oct 15, 2024 3:47:39 PM

For professional writers seeking to enrich their storytelling techniques, the ancient practice of story circles from indigenous oral traditions...

Storytelling Culture

From selection to shelf, each book in a library represents a decision made with the community's best interests in mind.

2 min read

How Do Libraries Buy Books?

Writing Team: Oct 8, 2024 7:19:02 PM

Libraries are the cornerstone of information access in communities worldwide, providing a vast array of books and resources to the public. But have...

Business Book Author

Narrative nonfiction is a unique genre that transforms factual information into a compelling story.

2 min read

What Is Narrative Nonfiction?

Writing Team: Oct 8, 2024 7:13:40 PM

Narrative nonfiction is a genre of writing that uses the techniques of fiction—such as character development, storytelling, and scene-setting—while...

Storytelling Writing Character

These five authors demonstrate how tone can be a powerful tool in a writer's arsenal.

2 min read

Types of Tone: Exploring Distinct Writing Styles

Writing Team: Sep 30, 2024 9:15:00 AM

Tone in writing is the attitude or emotional character that the author conveys through their words. It's a crucial element that can dramatically...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Cliffhangers are a potent tool in a writer's arsenal, capable of keeping audiences invested across episodes, sequels, or chapters.

1 min read

Cliffhangers: Hooking Your Audience with Suspense

Writing Team: Sep 30, 2024 6:30:00 AM

Cliffhangers are powerful narrative devices that leave audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next. Whether you're...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Naivety is a powerful tool in storytelling, allowing characters to serve as entry points for the audience or to illustrate the harsh lessons that accompany experience and growth.

5 min read

Define Naïve

Writing Team: Sep 23, 2024 7:30:00 AM

Naivety is often perceived as a lack of experience or worldly wisdom, characterized by a certain innocence, credulity, or childlike simplicity. In...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Through visual cues, body language, pacing of dialogue, and powerful soundtracks, filmmakers and writers tap into this emotion to create moments that leave a lasting impact on viewers.

4 min read

Define Exhilaration Through Epic Films

Writing Team: Sep 23, 2024 5:00:00 AM

The wind howled against the towering cliffs, whipping through the vast, open valley below. At the edge stood Mia, her heart pounding as she gazed...

Storytelling Scriptwriting

Scrivener offers many more features than covered in this guide, but these basics will get you started on writing your book.

2 min read

Easy Guide to Using Scrivener for Your Self-Written Book

Writing Team: Sep 20, 2024 12:58:29 PM

Scrivener is a powerful tool for writers, offering a wide range of features to help you organize, write, and prepare your book for publication. This...

Book Writing Tools

Your book cover is a crucial marketing tool and an important part of your book's identity.

3 min read

Book Cover Artists: Styles, Finding, and Collaborating

Writing Team: Sep 20, 2024 12:55:09 PM

A book's cover is often the first point of contact between a potential reader and your work. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about conveying the...

Book Writing Art

Remember that every published author started somewhere, and many wrote their first novels while balancing other responsibilities.

3 min read

How to Draft a Novel

Writing Team: Sep 20, 2024 12:51:14 PM

Writing a novel while juggling a full-time job can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and dedication, it's entirely achievable. This guide...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

George Carlin’s legacy as a wordsmith and social critic shows how deeply effective writing can be when it challenges the status quo.

5 min read

The Carlin Method: A Detailed Approach for Writers

Writing Team: Sep 16, 2024 2:24:24 PM

When it comes to comedy, social commentary, and wordplay, few names stand as tall as George Carlin. His sharp wit, observational humor, and deep...

Storytelling Copywriting Writing Comedy Scriptwriting

Selective perception is a powerful tool in storytelling, allowing authors to control the flow of information, create tension, and develop characters in intricate ways.

4 min read

Selective Perception as a Storytelling Tool

Writing Team: Sep 16, 2024 10:30:00 AM

In storytelling, the concept of selective perception can play a pivotal role in shaping how readers interpret characters, plot points, and the...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

2 min read

Imagine Learning

Writing Team: Sep 16, 2024 6:00:00 AM

This article explores the art of visualization and its impact on learning and storytelling and provides practical methods for leveraging this...

Storytelling Art

These examples from historical literature demonstrate the multifaceted nature of fear.

2 min read

Definition of Fear: Insights from Historical Literature

Writing Team: Sep 10, 2024 11:23:07 AM

Fear, a primal emotion deeply ingrained in the human psyche, has been a central theme in literature throughout history. This article explores the...

Writing Literature Emotion Character

By practicing with these subtle errors, you can significantly improve your proofreading abilities.

2 min read

Sample Texts to Proofread

Writing Team: Sep 10, 2024 11:20:25 AM

Proofreading is an essential skill for writers, editors, and anyone who works with text. It involves meticulously reviewing content for errors in...

Storytelling Editing Reading

Goofus and Gallant are more than just cartoon characters—they’re timeless teaching tools that help children understand the importance of good behavior.

4 min read

Goofus and Gallant: A Look at These Timeless Archetypes

Writing Team: Sep 6, 2024 2:13:05 PM

Goofus and Gallant is a beloved and enduring feature of Highlights for Children, a children’s magazine that has been around since 1946. The feature,...

Writing Comedy Character

Getting a book published is a lengthy process that requires dedication, patience, and a lot of hard work.

4 min read

How to Get a Book Published

Writing Team: Sep 6, 2024 2:09:34 PM

Publishing a book is a dream for many writers, but the journey from manuscript to printed work can seem daunting. Whether you’re aiming for...

Storytelling Book Writing

By weaving a talisman into your story, you create a powerful symbol that can enrich your narrative and provide deeper connections for your readers.

2 min read

Find Your Talisman

Writing Team: Aug 26, 2024 5:45:00 AM

Each book has a central idea or theme that carries the story. This idea may be something abstract like love, faith, freedom, truth, or adventure. As...

Creative Writing Scriptwriting

Discover the power of silence in writing. Learn how to balance dialogue, ideas, and description for maximum impact.

3 min read

Silence as a Creative Tool

Writing Team: Aug 26, 2024 5:45:00 AM

It's not just what we choose to say, but what we choose not to say, that holds immense power. To illustrate this, watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir...

Storytelling Communication Character Technique

Using thematic or ironic names can enrich your story by providing additional layers of meaning and creating a more immersive experience for the reader.

3 min read

The Magic of Names

Writing Team: Aug 19, 2024 8:15:00 AM

Names are more than mere labels; they carry depth, history, and symbolism. As a writer, choosing the perfect name for your characters can be a...

Storytelling Character

Learn to balance description and exposition in writing, with examples from classic and modern literature.

3 min read

Description vs. Exposition

Writing Team: Aug 19, 2024 5:30:00 AM

Dialogue is easy to spot because it has those nifty little quotation marks, but not all text that isn’t dialogue can be lumped together. The...

Storytelling Writing Work

Choose wisely. Be consistent. And don’t tear the fabric of the space-time continuum.

2 min read

Make Sense of Verb Tense

Writing Team: Aug 12, 2024 5:30:00 AM

Verb tense affects the narrative distance. This article is on verb tense and how that affects the viewpoint choices we make.

Writing Fiction Scriptwriting

Discover how the Major Dramatic Question can transform your novel into a gripping, unforgettable story.

3 min read

The Major Dramatic Question: The Backbone of Your Novel

Writing Team: Aug 12, 2024 4:45:00 AM

As a novelist, crafting a compelling story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish is your ultimate goal. One of the most powerful tools at...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

magine watching a thrilling movie that ends abruptly at the climax, leaving you hanging without any closure. Frustrating, right?

2 min read

The Importance of the Denouement

Writing Team: Aug 6, 2024 6:54:17 PM

Imagine watching a thrilling movie that ends abruptly at the climax, leaving you hanging without any closure. Frustrating, right? This scenario made...

Storytelling Technical Writing

Explore the literary references in Taylor Swift's songs, from Romeo & Juliet to The Great Gatsby.

4 min read

Taylor Swift's Book References

Writing Team: Aug 6, 2024 6:48:41 PM

As a lyricist, Taylor Swift has enthralled audiences worldwide. But did you know she’s also woven a subtle tapestry of literary references throughout...

Storytelling Literature

Polysyndeton might seem like a simple repetition of conjunctions, but in the hands of a skilled writer, it becomes a powerful tool for conveying emotion, controlling pace, and emphasizing ideas.

3 min read

Polysyndeton: The Literary Device That Packs a Punch

Writing Team: Aug 5, 2024 5:33:51 PM

Imagine you're reading a novel, and suddenly, you come across a sentence that seems to go on forever, each phrase connected by "and" after "and"...

Storytelling Content Strategy Writing

Hemingway's writing style only appears simple. It's the result of careful craft and constant revision.

5 min read

How to Write Like Hemingway

Writing Team: Aug 5, 2024 5:30:17 PM

rnest Hemingway's writing is famously concise, powerful, and "true." Let's break down how he achieves this iconic style and explore how you can...

Storytelling Writing Art

Explore Bangsian fantasy: afterlife adventures with famous characters, humor, and philosophical musings.

2 min read

What is Bangsian Fantasy?

Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:55:55 PM

Bangsian fantasy is a unique sub-genre of fantasy literature named after John Kendrick Bangs, an American author who popularized this style in the...

Storytelling genre

Master goal-driven scenes: Advanced techniques for crafting nuanced, compelling narratives in fiction.

2 min read

Scene Mastery: Crafting Effective Goal-Driven Scenes

Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:50:56 PM

As seasoned writers, we understand that the art of crafting compelling scenes is at the heart of engaging storytelling. Goal-driven scenes, in...

Storytelling Writing Character

Craft compelling story conflict: Learn strategies to create tension and engage readers in your fiction.

1 min read

Writing Conflict as a Story Engine

Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:47:19 PM

Conflict is the engine that drives a story forward, captivating readers and keeping them engaged until the final page. But creating effective...

Storytelling Character

Explore the Queen Bee trope in literature: From Lady Macbeth to Emma, classic examples and modern twists.

1 min read

The Queen Bee in Literature

Writing Team: Jul 26, 2024 10:03:53 AM

The concept of archetypes, popularized by Carl Jung in 1959, has long influenced character creation in literature. Among these archetypes, the "Queen...

Storytelling Writing Character

Unveil your characters' hidden depths: 7 secrets they might conceal, creating authenticity and intrigue.

4 min read

What is Your Character Hiding?

Writing Team: Jul 26, 2024 10:00:19 AM

Being able to write realistic, consistent, multi-dimensional characters is vital to gaining reader interest. Doing so first requires we know a lot...

Storytelling Writing

Learn to craft compelling sales stories that engage prospects and drive action through effective storytelling.

2 min read

How to Create a Compelling Story That Sells

Writing Team: Jul 22, 2024 5:33:01 PM

Storytelling is a powerful sales tool. Stories engage readers without feeling like a sales pitch. When done well, they lead prospects to convince...

Storytelling Sales Writing

Learn 3 powerful storytelling models to captivate your audience and boost engagement in content creation.

1 min read

3 Simple Models for Building an Audience with Storytelling

Writing Team: Jul 22, 2024 5:28:27 PM

Stories surround us 24/7, influencing every aspect of modern life. In our attention-driven economy, they're more crucial than ever for reaching an...

Storytelling Content Strategy

Learn how to write a character's embarrassment with physical cues, emotions, behaviors, and growth tips.

2 min read

Writing a Character's Embarrassment

Writing Team: Jul 15, 2024 5:32:48 PM

Portraying a character's embarrassment authentically can add depth and relatability to your storytelling. Here's a guide to help you effectively...

Writing Emotion

1 min read

The Emotion of Disappointment

Writing Team: Jul 15, 2024 5:26:16 PM

Capturing the emotion of disappointment in a character requires understanding its complex nature and varied expressions. Here’s how you can...

Creative Storytelling Emotion

Sidestep common missteps in conveying character emotion to craft an opening that grips readers from the start.

3 min read

3 Emotion Problems to Avoid in Your Story Opening

Writing Team: Jul 10, 2024 12:07:51 PM

As writers, we know that the opening pages of a story are crucial - they're often the only chance we have to captivate readers and make them...

Storytelling Emotion

Explore how intense emotions can destabilize a character, leading to impulsive choices and loss of control.

1 min read

EMOTION AMPLIFIERS DESTABILIZE A CHARACTER

Writing Team: Jul 10, 2024 11:54:42 AM

When internal strain becomes too much, rational thought and behavioral control can go out the window. While giving in to big feelings may provide...

Storytelling Writing

Explore metaphors vs. similes: Powerful literary tools with examples from classic literature. Elevate your writing.

7 min read

Metaphor vs. Simile: Mastering the Art of Figurative Language

Joy Youell: Jul 6, 2024 10:31:47 AM

Among the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal are metaphors and similes. While these two literary devices share similarities, understanding...

Storytelling Writing

2 min read

Mastering Subplots in Your Novel: Tips and Techniques

Writing Team: Jul 3, 2024 12:13:04 PM

If you’re writing a novel, you likely have a solid grasp of your main narrative arc. However, incorporating subplots can be crucial to make your...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

Explore collaborative writing with AI, featuring insights from bestselling author Rachelle Ayala.

2 min read

Commentary on Collaborative Writing with AI Featuring Rachelle Ayala

Writing Team: Jul 3, 2024 12:08:27 PM

In the fascinating world of AI and its integration into creative fields, Joanna Penn recently hosted an insightful interview with Rachelle Ayala, a...

Storytelling Writing

Master storytelling with 5 key elements, illustrated through J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

7 min read

5 Elements of Storytelling

Joy Youell: Jun 28, 2024 10:49:03 AM

Have you ever found yourself questioning your storytelling skills? We've all experienced that nagging doubt, that sinking feeling in our stomach when...

Storytelling Writing

5 min read

The Petal Structure: A Guide for Storytelling Writers

Joy Youell: Jun 28, 2024 10:39:52 AM

The petal structure, or the daisy structure or radial narrative, is a sophisticated storytelling technique that offers writers a unique way to weave...

Storytelling Writing

2 min read

Storytelling in Academic Writing: Structure, Tools, and Techniques

Joy Youell: Jun 19, 2024 9:53:20 AM

Writing academically can often feel like a dry and arduous task, especially when striving to engage readers with complex ideas and research findings....

Storytelling Writing

2 min read

Top 10 Writing Strategies for Fiction Writers

Writing Team: Jun 19, 2024 9:46:26 AM

Writing fiction can be particularly challenging, as it involves not just putting words on paper but crafting a story that captivates readers from...

Storytelling Writing Scriptwriting

An architect sitting at a table, designing a building in an impressionist oil painting style.

5 min read

The Architecture of Narrative: Story Planning

Writing Team: Jun 7, 2024 4:35:16 PM

In the vast landscape of the writing world, there are many paths to the summit of a completed novel. Some writers prefer the winding, serendipitous...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

A man visibly sad, holding his head in his hand in an impressionist oil painting style.

5 min read

How to Write Impactful Character Deaths in Fiction

Writing Team: Jun 7, 2024 4:33:17 PM

In the realm of storytelling, death is a constant companion. It stalks the battlefields and hospital wards, lurks in the shadows of dark alleys and...

Storytelling Fiction Character

A person looking into a dark room in an impressionist oil painting style.

5 min read

The Descent into Darkness: Crafting Negative Character Arcs

Writing Team: May 24, 2024 2:48:36 PM

The Challenge and the RewardIn storytelling, the protagonist's journey often takes center stage. Readers watch, transfixed, as characters navigate...

Storytelling Writing Fiction Character

One person calling out to another person in the distance in an impressionist oil painting style.

4 min read

Echoes of the Past: Crafting Character Through Backstory

Writing Team: May 24, 2024 2:44:59 PM

In the tapestry of a character's life, the threads of the past often weave the richest patterns. These threads, these echoes of a life lived before...

Storytelling Fiction Character

Two people arguing in an impressionist oil painting style.

3 min read

Character Flaws That Fuel Conflict

Writing Team: May 10, 2024 10:18:09 PM

In our zeal to create characters that captivate and inspire, we often fall prey to the temptation of the flawless, the allure of the immaculate. We...

Storytelling Fiction Character

A teenager reading while sitting in a window sill in an impressionist oil painting style.

4 min read

What Goes into Writing Static Character Arcs?

Writing Team: May 10, 2024 10:15:33 PM

The protagonist's journey often takes center stage. We watch, transfixed, as they navigate the twists and turns of the plot, their inner landscape...

Storytelling Fiction Character

A character looking in a mirror in an impressionist oil painting style.

3 min read

The Labyrinth of the Soul: Characters And Internal Conflict

Writing Team: Apr 27, 2024 11:17:36 AM

In the realm of fiction, conflict reigns supreme. It is the engine that drives the narrative, the spark that ignites the reader's imagination. While...

Storytelling Fiction Character

A character looking at a ghost in an impressionist oil painting style.

4 min read

The Ghost: Crafting Character Through Emotional Wounds

Writing Team: Apr 27, 2024 11:15:14 AM

In the tapestry of a character's life, the threads of the past often weave the most intricate patterns. These threads, these echoes of old pains and...

Storytelling Fiction Character

A woman singing into a microphone in an impressionist oil painting style.

3 min read

How to Give Your Characters a Unique Voice

Writing Team: Apr 12, 2024 8:27:09 PM

In the realm of fiction, character reigns supreme. Readers experience the triumphs and tragedies, the loves and losses, the grand adventures and...

Storytelling Fiction Character

A woman sitting on a bench with her back to the audience in an impressionist oil painting style.

3 min read

Capturing a Complex Protagonist

Writing Team: Apr 12, 2024 8:23:52 PM

The craft of creating a protagonist—of birthing a character vivid and fully formed enough to arrest a reader's attention and haunt their...

Storytelling Fiction Character

Two men wearing suits, sitting at a table in a crowded pub, in an impressionist oil painting style.

3 min read

A Writer’s Guide to Crafting Bone-Chilling Villains

Writing Team: Mar 29, 2024 2:00:54 PM

Villains are the dark heartbeats that pulse through stories, captivating readers with their sinister allure. From Emperor Palpatine to Lord...

Storytelling Writing Fiction Character

A man in the distance walking down a tree-lined road with his back toward the audience in an impressionist oil painting style.

4 min read

Explore Antagonists in Fiction: Beyond the Classic Villain

Writing Team: Mar 29, 2024 1:58:28 PM

Conflict is the cornerstone of storytelling, but villains aren't always mustache-twirling adversaries. Let's delve into the diverse array of...

Writing Fiction Character

3 min read

Sidekicks: Add a Kick of Flavor to Your Main Character’s Journey

Writing Team: Mar 14, 2024 3:49:36 PM

The significance of a well-crafted sidekick in storytelling cannot be overstated. These characters, whether the best friend, sassy co-worker, or...

Storytelling Fiction Character

Impressionist oil painting of woman in wide-brimmed hat.

3 min read

What It Takes to Craft a Powerful Main Character

Writing Team: Mar 14, 2024 3:42:45 PM

The role of the main characters can make or break a narrative's success. Breathing life into these characters can be fraught with doubts—are they...

Creative Storytelling Writing

3 min read

The Impact of a Book Introduction (And Why You Should Consider One)

Writing Team: Mar 1, 2024 10:41:16 PM

Far beyond a mere formality, the introduction to a book can shape a reader's experience, setting the stage for the following narrative. A...

Storytelling Writing Character

2 min read

Unlock the Essence of a Page Turner: The Significance of Rising Action

Writing Team: Mar 1, 2024 10:09:22 PM

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldHave you found yourself wondering what the secret is to captivating storytelling? I’ll clue you in: the rising...

Storytelling Writing Literature

2 min read

Mastering Exposition in Story

Writing Team: Feb 9, 2024 8:17:13 PM

Have you ever been told that your story felt bogged down with too much information? Or perhaps you've encountered a fantasy novel where the first...

Storytelling Book Writing Fantasy

3 min read

Crafting an Unforgettable Climax in Your Story

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2023 2:41:31 PM

Have you ever noticed that when you reach the three-quarter mark of a book, putting it down becomes nearly impossible?

Storytelling Writing Character

2 min read

Tips to Write Fight Scenes

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2023 2:36:01 PM

Whether you're writing a thrilling action-packed novel or a fantasy epic, the ability to create engaging fights is a valuable asset. In this article,...

Storytelling Writing Character

3 min read

Exploring the Essence of Meaning in Stories

Writing Team: Nov 6, 2023 2:31:47 PM

What exactly does meaning entail in the realm of storytelling? When can a narrative be deemed meaningful?

Creative Storytelling Writing Art

2 min read

Painting Vivid Worlds: Using All 5 Senses to Craft Immersive Settings

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 3:06:41 PM

As a writer, transporting readers to fantastical realms or gritty cityscapes begins with vivid scene-setting. Rather than dull, generic backdrops,...

Creative Storytelling Writing

2 min read

Dialogue in Fiction

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:57:27 PM

Have you ever been engrossed in a captivating story only to be let down by lackluster dialogue? Perhaps the characters all seemed to sound the same,...

Writing Art Fiction

1 min read

Navigating The Crucible of Transformation

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:50:33 PM

Within the intricate tapestry of stories, characters encounter a multitude of obstacles. These hurdles come in diverse forms and intensity levels,...

Storytelling Writing Character

2 min read

Exposition in Storytelling: Balancing Backstory and Engagement

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:44:22 PM

What exactly is exposition in storytelling, and how can you incorporate backstory while keeping your readers captivated?

Storytelling Writing

3 min read

Internal Conflict: The Catalyst for Transformation

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:38:25 PM

An internal problem is the crucible for change, diving deep into a character's essence far beyond the surface motivations that drive external...

Storytelling Writing Character

6 min read

How to Craft an Effective Scene Structure

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:33:06 PM

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the daunting task of writing a book? Fear not, for we have a valuable guide to help you break it down into...

Storytelling Writing Character

5 min read

How to Build Tension in a Story: Crafting the Moral Dilemma

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:25:13 PM

How can you ensure that readers genuinely care about your plot and characters? How do you create the tension that keeps pages turning, leaving your...

Storytelling Writing Character

2 min read

Embracing Your Antagonist: The Heart of a Documentary

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:14:19 PM

Crafting a compelling story in documentary filmmaking or fiction is akin to constructing a delicate and intricate mechanism.

Storytelling Writing Fantasy Fiction

1 min read

Discovering the Essence of Your Story: Theme vs. Agenda

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:09:03 PM

Understanding the core of your story is a crucial endeavor that delves deep into the heart of human nature and our shared civilization.

Storytelling Fiction Character

2 min read

Crafting the Pace of Your Novel: Practical Strategies

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 1:16:59 PM

Whether you're penning a novel, a short story, or even diving into a screenplay or musical, mastering the tempo of your narrative is paramount....

Creative Storytelling Book Writing

1 min read

Crafting Dialogue in Stories: A Deeper Understanding

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 1:10:16 PM

Dialogue breathes life into stories, yet it significantly diverges from real spoken language. While it imparts vital information essential for...

Storytelling Writing Fiction

5 min read

Choosing the Right Narrative Perspective

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 1:06:34 PM

Few elements can swiftly transform a story as much as altering the narrative perspective from which it unfolds.

Storytelling Writing Fiction

1 min read

Character Motivation: Wants and Needs

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 12:55:27 PM

Characters are individuals who want something, and these desires can be categorized into two distinct types: the character's intrinsic wish...

Storytelling Writing Fiction Character

3 min read

Character Agency: Why It's Vital in Fiction

Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 12:46:30 PM

The concept of "character agency" in fiction revolves around a character's ability to take action and influence the events within a story. It plays a...

Storytelling Fiction Character

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