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Creative

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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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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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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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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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 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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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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man writing a letter impressionism style

2 min read

Epistolary Narratives: Stories Through Letters, Emails, and Diaries

Epistolary narratives, a storytelling technique that unfolds through the exchange of letters, emails, diaries, or other written forms, offer a unique...

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spiders web impressionism style

4 min read

Intertextuality as a Tool: References, Allusions, and More

In the intricate tapestry of literature, intertextuality emerges as a powerful tool that allows writers to create connections, enrich narratives, and...

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two women impressionism style

3 min read

Narrative Nonlinearities: Chronological Disruption in Storytelling

Storytelling has always been a way to transport readers into different worlds, allowing them to experience the lives of characters and explore...

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a horse racing

3 min read

Pacing and Tension: Keeping Readers Hooked from Start to Finish

As a professional writer, one of the most crucial skills you can develop is the ability to keep your readers engaged and enthralled throughout your...

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two people in a boat impressionism style

2 min read

The Impact of Setting: How to Create Memorable and Atmospheric Locations

Setting plays a pivotal role in storytelling, influencing a narrative's mood, tone, and overall impact.

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group of people staring at an impressionist painting

3 min read

Building Relatable Characters: The Art of Writing People, Not Stereotypes

As storytellers, our characters are the heart and soul of our narratives.

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What Children's Literature Can Teach Copywriters

4 min read

What Children's Literature Can Teach Copywriters

When was the last time you picked up a children’s book? If you don’t have kids, it’s probably been a while. Even if you do have kids, when was the...

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A Farewell to Hemingway’s Rules for Writing

4 min read

A Farewell to Hemingway’s Rules for Writing

It was printed on the wall in brilliant block letters. “What is popular is not always right. What is right is not always popular.” This phrase is...

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How to Use Narrative Voice in Marketing

3 min read

How to Use Narrative Voice in Marketing

When approaching a new story, one of the very first — and most important — decisions an author must make is that of narrative voice. This determines...

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The Heroine’s Journey: Expanding the Narrative

4 min read

The Heroine’s Journey: Expanding the Narrative

In my previous post, I discussed one of the most popular story templates of all time: The Hero’s Journey. As noted in that discussion, the classic...

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How to Use Plot Archetypes in Marketing

4 min read

How to Use Plot Archetypes in Marketing

While story structure provides a general framework for novels and films, getting familiar with the most common plot archetypes in storytelling can...

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Story Structure: How to Write a Compelling Narrative

4 min read

Story Structure: How to Write a Compelling Narrative

Whether you're working on a comedy, drama, cozy mystery or fast-paced thriller, one of the most important components of your story is the structural...

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