STORYTELLING BLOG

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STORYTELLERS UNITE

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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

Tone in writing is the attitude or emotional character that the author conveys through their words. It's a crucial element that can dramatically influence how readers perceive and engage with a text. In this article, we'll explore various types of...

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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...

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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

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...

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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

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...

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

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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

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

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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

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

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 As Albert Einstein once said,

2 min read

Imagine Learning

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

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

2 min read

Definition of Fear: Insights from Historical Literature

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

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

2 min read

Sample Texts to Proofread

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

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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

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,...

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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

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...

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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

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...

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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

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...

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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

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...

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

3 min read

Description vs. Exposition

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...

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

2 min read

Make Sense of Verb Tense

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

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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

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...

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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

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

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

4 min read

Taylor Swift's Book References

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

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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

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"...

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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

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...

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

2 min read

What is Bangsian Fantasy?

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

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

2 min read

Scene Mastery: Crafting Effective Goal-Driven Scenes

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

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

1 min read

Writing Conflict as a Story Engine

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

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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

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

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

4 min read

What is Your Character Hiding?

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

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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

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

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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

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...

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

2 min read

Writing a Character's Embarrassment

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

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The Emotion of Disappointment

1 min read

The Emotion of Disappointment

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

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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

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...

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

1 min read

EMOTION AMPLIFIERS DESTABILIZE A CHARACTER

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

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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

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

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subplots

2 min read

Mastering Subplots in Your Novel: Tips and Techniques

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...

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

2 min read

Commentary on Collaborative Writing with AI Featuring Rachelle Ayala

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

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

7 min read

5 Elements of Storytelling

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

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The Petal Structure

5 min read

The Petal Structure: A Guide for Storytelling Writers

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

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2 min read

Storytelling in Academic Writing: Structure, Tools, and Techniques

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

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storytelling

2 min read

Top 10 Writing Strategies for Fiction Writers

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

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

5 min read

The Architecture of Narrative: Story Planning

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...

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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

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...

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

5 min read

The Descent into Darkness: Crafting Negative Character Arcs

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

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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

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...

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Two people arguing in an impressionist oil painting style.

3 min read

Character Flaws That Fuel Conflict

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...

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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?

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

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

3 min read

The Labyrinth of the Soul: Characters And Internal Conflict

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...

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

4 min read

The Ghost: Crafting Character Through Emotional Wounds

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...

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

3 min read

How to Give Your Characters a Unique Voice

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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3 min read

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

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

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Impressionist oil painting of woman in wide-brimmed hat.

3 min read

What It Takes to Craft a Powerful Main Character

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...

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Oil painting of path through the woods.

3 min read

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

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

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Oil painting image of woman dancing.

2 min read

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

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...

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writer mastering exposition in story

2 min read

Mastering Exposition in Story

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...

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climax in a story

3 min read

Crafting an Unforgettable Climax in Your Story

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

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fight scenes

2 min read

Tips to Write Fight Scenes

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,...

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meaning in stories

3 min read

Exploring the Essence of Meaning in Stories

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

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painting worlds

2 min read

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

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

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dialogue

2 min read

Dialogue in Fiction

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,...

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crucible

1 min read

Navigating The Crucible of Transformation

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

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exposition

2 min read

Exposition in Storytelling: Balancing Backstory and Engagement

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

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internal conflict

3 min read

Internal Conflict: The Catalyst for Transformation

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

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scene structure

6 min read

How to Craft an Effective Scene Structure

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...

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moral dilemma

5 min read

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

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...

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antagonist

2 min read

Embracing Your Antagonist: The Heart of a Documentary

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

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theme versus agenda

1 min read

Discovering the Essence of Your Story: Theme vs. Agenda

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

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pacing novel

2 min read

Crafting the Pace of Your Novel: Practical Strategies

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....

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dialogue

1 min read

Crafting Dialogue in Stories: A Deeper Understanding

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

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narrative perspective

5 min read

Choosing the Right Narrative Perspective

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

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character motivation

1 min read

Character Motivation: Wants and Needs

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

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character agency

3 min read

Character Agency: Why It's Vital in Fiction

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...

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A child standing on a road, landscape painting style.

2 min read

Navigating Internal Obstacles: The Heart of Character Development

Stories are captivating because characters frequently find themselves confronted with a myriad of challenges.

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A person telling a story, landscape painting style.

2 min read

Building the Ensemble: Crafting Compelling Characters in Stories

Unlocking the Magic of Character Dynamics

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A landscape painting of a wooded path.

2 min read

Exploring the Essence of Relationships in Storytelling

Unraveling the Dynamics of Human Interaction and Their Impact on Narratives

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A man standing in front of a maze. Portrait style.

3 min read

Facing the World: External Obstacles in Storytelling

Storytelling is a complex journey where characters grapple with three fundamental oppositions: character vs. character, character vs. nature, and...

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Woman walking along a train track in a dystopic world.

3 min read

6 Essential Steps to Take an Idea to a Tale

There's this sense of excitement when you start to brainstorm an idea. You’re getting ready to tell a story no one’s ever told! You sit down, have...

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a book unraveling in a landscape style.

3 min read

Unraveling Storylines: Crafting Multifaceted Narratives

The Symphony of Plots and Subplots

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Two faces in a black and white sketch style.

3 min read

Navigating the Dynamics of Opposition

In the world of storytelling, opponents and their various forms give rise to profound conflicts and complications, much like the complexities of SEO....

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A person near a fire, landscape painting style.

2 min read

Improve Your SEO with Classic Storytelling Techniques

At first glance, storytelling techniques may seem like they don’t belong together. SEO is often associated with using researched keywords and...

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A man standing alone, digital art style.

2 min read

Unlocking the Power of Allies: Why Heroes Never Stand Alone

In storytelling, alliances and cooperation play a pivotal role in shaping the hero's journey. Just as in the art of search engine optimization (SEO),...

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Young woman being followed by two people in a Victorian-era impressionistic art style.

2 min read

Explore the Enigmatic: Craft an Antihero Readers Will Embrace

Have you ever found yourself rooting for a character who seems to revel in their own flaws and questionable choices? Welcome to the world of...

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classic chinese literature

3 min read

Classic Chinese Literature: A Must-Read List

Chinese literature is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted stories and tomes. Especially if you are a western-born writer, it's imperative to read...

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chinese stories

4 min read

Exploring Storytelling Across Cultures

Are the principles of storytelling really universal across cultures? When you examine your bookshelf, you're likely to find a mix of European and...

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fish out of water

2 min read

The Three Most Important People in Your Story

In today's blog post, we're diving deep into the insights shared in a captivating video titled "Story Development: The Three Most Important People in...

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books on writing

2 min read

Bibliography: Books on Writing

The best writers are readers - that is undeniable.

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writing slow

2 min read

Writing Slow

In our current era, speed is often celebrated above all else. The internet's emergence has accelerated our lives, turning processes that once took...

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characters versus an individual

3 min read

Characters vs. Individuals: The Essence of Fictional Roles

In the world of storytelling, characters take center stage. Whether they're robots, rabbits, or humans, stories are fundamentally about people—or...

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character secrets

2 min read

Unveiling Character Secrets: What Lies Beyond the Surface

Characters in stories often harbor secrets, hidden facets of their lives or knowledge that can shape the narrative in profound ways.

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supporting character

1 min read

Crafting Beloved Supporting Characters

Are you in the midst of writing a novel and finding that while your main character is fully fleshed out, your supporting characters still need some...

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novel word count

3 min read

Word Counts for Different Novel Genres

Determining the ideal word count for your novel is a crucial aspect of writing. While your plot, characters, and premise are vital, the question of...

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story

2 min read

Commencement and Catalyst: Initiating a Captivating Story

Out of all the narrative segments, the beginning demands the utmost attention of the audience or reader.

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fire middle phase narrative

3 min read

Navigating the Core of the Narrative: Mastering the Middle Phase

A well-crafted story possesses distinct components—beginning, middle, and end. However, the 'middle bit' often poses a challenge, potentially leading...

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cause and effect victorian woman

2 min read

Cause and Effect and the Cooperative Principle in Storytelling

The essence of storytelling often revolves around problem-solving, with problems serving as the heartbeat of narratives.

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looking glass point of view

2 min read

Navigating Perspectives: The Art of Point of View in Storytelling

Decisions about Point of View (PoV) stand among the most crucial choices authors must make in storytelling. However, the term "Point of View"...

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author impressionism style

2 min read

The Significance of Character Perceptions in Storytelling

The level of awareness a character possesses about their surroundings can hold significant dramatic importance. For instance, a character adept at...

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