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Character

Learn how to craft authentic character behaviors, from facial expressions to magical tells, with examples from popular romantasy fiction.

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...

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Chronesthesia in storytelling allows writers to challenge traditional perceptions of time

4 min read

Chronesthesia in Storytelling

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...

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Biomimetic plot structures offer writers a fresh and innovative approach to storytelling, drawing on the complex, adaptive, and interconnected processes found in nature.

4 min read

Biomimetic Plot Structures

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

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

4 min read

Psycholinguistics in Dialogue: Crafting Authentic Speech Patterns

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...

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By adopting these ethnographic approaches to character development, writers can become

4 min read

Ethnographic Approaches to Character Development

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

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

2 min read

What Is Narrative Nonfiction?

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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