5 min read
Mastering Character Development: Mannerisms and Quirks
When crafting memorable characters, the devil is in the details. A character's small habits, unconscious gestures, and distinctive traits can...
Let's tell some tall tales.
STORYTELLERS UNITE
Get monthly inspo, story prompts, frameworks, and more.
5 min read
When crafting memorable characters, the devil is in the details. A character's small habits, unconscious gestures, and distinctive traits can...
4 min read
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...
4 min read
Writers often look to nature for inspiration—whether for metaphors, settings, or character development. But what if we could take inspiration from...
4 min read
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...
4 min read
Method actors are renowned for their commitment to fully embodying their characters, often living as them for extended periods. As writers, we can...
2 min read
Narrative nonfiction is a genre of writing that uses the techniques of fiction—such as character development, storytelling, and scene-setting—while...
2 min read
Fear, a primal emotion deeply ingrained in the human psyche, has been a central theme in literature throughout history. This article explores the...
4 min read
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,...
3 min read
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...
3 min read
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...
2 min read
As seasoned writers, we understand that the art of crafting compelling scenes is at the heart of engaging storytelling. Goal-driven scenes, in...
1 min read
Conflict is the engine that drives a story forward, captivating readers and keeping them engaged until the final page. But creating effective...
1 min read
The concept of archetypes, popularized by Carl Jung in 1959, has long influenced character creation in literature. Among these archetypes, the "Queen...
5 min read
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...
5 min read
The Challenge and the RewardIn storytelling, the protagonist's journey often takes center stage. Readers watch, transfixed, as characters navigate...
4 min read
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...
3 min read
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...
4 min read
The protagonist's journey often takes center stage. We watch, transfixed, as they navigate the twists and turns of the plot, their inner landscape...
3 min read
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...
4 min read
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...
3 min read
In the realm of fiction, character reigns supreme. Readers experience the triumphs and tragedies, the loves and losses, the grand adventures and...
3 min read
The craft of creating a protagonist—of birthing a character vivid and fully formed enough to arrest a reader's attention and haunt their...
3 min read
Villains are the dark heartbeats that pulse through stories, captivating readers with their sinister allure. From Emperor Palpatine to Lord...
4 min read
Conflict is the cornerstone of storytelling, but villains aren't always mustache-twirling adversaries. Let's delve into the diverse array of...
3 min read
The significance of a well-crafted sidekick in storytelling cannot be overstated. These characters, whether the best friend, sassy co-worker, or...
3 min read
Far beyond a mere formality, the introduction to a book can shape a reader's experience, setting the stage for the following narrative. A...
3 min read
Have you ever noticed that when you reach the three-quarter mark of a book, putting it down becomes nearly impossible?
2 min read
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,...
1 min read
Within the intricate tapestry of stories, characters encounter a multitude of obstacles. These hurdles come in diverse forms and intensity levels,...
3 min read
An internal problem is the crucible for change, diving deep into a character's essence far beyond the surface motivations that drive external...
6 min read
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...
5 min read
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...
1 min read
Understanding the core of your story is a crucial endeavor that delves deep into the heart of human nature and our shared civilization.
1 min read
Characters are individuals who want something, and these desires can be categorized into two distinct types: the character's intrinsic wish...
3 min read
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...
3 min read
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...
2 min read
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...