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...
Let's tell some tall tales.
STORYTELLERS UNITE
Get monthly inspo, story prompts, frameworks, and more.
4 min read
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...
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...
3 min read
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...
3 min read
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...
2 min read
Imagine watching a thrilling movie that ends abruptly at the climax, leaving you hanging without any closure. Frustrating, right? This scenario made...
4 min read
As a lyricist, Taylor Swift has enthralled audiences worldwide. But did you know she’s also woven a subtle tapestry of literary references throughout...
3 min read
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"...
5 min read
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...
2 min read
Bangsian fantasy is a unique sub-genre of fantasy literature named after John Kendrick Bangs, an American author who popularized this style in the...
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...
4 min read
Being able to write realistic, consistent, multi-dimensional characters is vital to gaining reader interest. Doing so first requires we know a lot...
2 min read
Storytelling is a powerful sales tool. Stories engage readers without feeling like a sales pitch. When done well, they lead prospects to convince...
1 min read
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...
1 min read
Capturing the emotion of disappointment in a character requires understanding its complex nature and varied expressions. Here’s how you can...
3 min read
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...
1 min read
When internal strain becomes too much, rational thought and behavioral control can go out the window. While giving in to big feelings may provide...
7 min read
Among the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal are metaphors and similes. While these two literary devices share similarities, understanding...
2 min read
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...
2 min read
In the fascinating world of AI and its integration into creative fields, Joanna Penn recently hosted an insightful interview with Rachelle Ayala, a...
7 min read
Have you ever found yourself questioning your storytelling skills? We've all experienced that nagging doubt, that sinking feeling in our stomach when...
5 min read
The petal structure, or the daisy structure or radial narrative, is a sophisticated storytelling technique that offers writers a unique way to weave...
2 min read
Writing academically can often feel like a dry and arduous task, especially when striving to engage readers with complex ideas and research findings....
2 min read
Writing fiction can be particularly challenging, as it involves not just putting words on paper but crafting a story that captivates readers from...
5 min read
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
2 min read
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...
2 min read
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...
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,...
3 min read
What exactly does meaning entail in the realm of storytelling? When can a narrative be deemed meaningful?
2 min read
As a writer, transporting readers to fantastical realms or gritty cityscapes begins with vivid scene-setting. Rather than dull, generic backdrops,...
1 min read
Within the intricate tapestry of stories, characters encounter a multitude of obstacles. These hurdles come in diverse forms and intensity levels,...
2 min read
What exactly is exposition in storytelling, and how can you incorporate backstory while keeping your readers captivated?
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...
2 min read
Crafting a compelling story in documentary filmmaking or fiction is akin to constructing a delicate and intricate mechanism.
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.
2 min read
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....
1 min read
Dialogue breathes life into stories, yet it significantly diverges from real spoken language. While it imparts vital information essential for...
5 min read
Few elements can swiftly transform a story as much as altering the narrative perspective from which it unfolds.
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...
2 min read
Stories are captivating because characters frequently find themselves confronted with a myriad of challenges.
2 min read
Unlocking the Magic of Character Dynamics
2 min read
Unraveling the Dynamics of Human Interaction and Their Impact on Narratives
3 min read
Storytelling is a complex journey where characters grapple with three fundamental oppositions: character vs. character, character vs. nature, and...
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...
3 min read
The Symphony of Plots and Subplots
3 min read
In the world of storytelling, opponents and their various forms give rise to profound conflicts and complications, much like the complexities of SEO....
2 min read
At first glance, storytelling techniques may seem like they don’t belong together. SEO is often associated with using researched keywords and...
2 min read
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),...
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...
4 min read
Are the principles of storytelling really universal across cultures? When you examine your bookshelf, you're likely to find a mix of European and...
2 min read
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...
2 min read
In our current era, speed is often celebrated above all else. The internet's emergence has accelerated our lives, turning processes that once took...
2 min read
Characters in stories often harbor secrets, hidden facets of their lives or knowledge that can shape the narrative in profound ways.
1 min read
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...
3 min read
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...
2 min read
Out of all the narrative segments, the beginning demands the utmost attention of the audience or reader.
3 min read
A well-crafted story possesses distinct components—beginning, middle, and end. However, the 'middle bit' often poses a challenge, potentially leading...
2 min read
The essence of storytelling often revolves around problem-solving, with problems serving as the heartbeat of narratives.
2 min read
Decisions about Point of View (PoV) stand among the most crucial choices authors must make in storytelling. However, the term "Point of View"...
2 min read
The level of awareness a character possesses about their surroundings can hold significant dramatic importance. For instance, a character adept at...
2 min read
The importance of diagnosis as a narrative tool is evident in how it helps us make sense of dysfunction and deviance, whether in the realm of complex...
3 min read
The fusion of traditional narratives with interactive mediums has given rise to a new era of engagement.
2 min read
Storytelling is a universal art that has captivated audiences across cultures and generations for centuries.
2 min read
Epistolary narratives, a storytelling technique that unfolds through the exchange of letters, emails, diaries, or other written forms, offer a unique...
4 min read
In the intricate tapestry of literature, intertextuality emerges as a powerful tool that allows writers to create connections, enrich narratives, and...
3 min read
Storytelling has always been a way to transport readers into different worlds, allowing them to experience the lives of characters and explore...
3 min read
Metafiction, a literary device that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offers readers a unique and thought-provoking experience....
5 min read
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is a powerful human trait that transcends cultural boundaries. In the realm of...
2 min read
Stories have the power to transcend boundaries, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the lives of characters from different worlds. One captivating...
4 min read
Themes are the backbone of storytelling, providing depth and meaning that resonate with readers on a profound level. In literature, themes explore...
2 min read
In the world of storytelling, the heroes may shine, but it's the villains who leave a lasting impression on readers and viewers alike.
3 min read
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...
2 min read
In storytelling, the first line holds unparalleled power. It is the gateway that entices readers to step into the world you have crafted and sets the...
2 min read
History is replete with extraordinary individuals whose contributions and stories have been overshadowed by time. Though often overlooked, these...
2 min read
Our life is influenced by the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we consume, whether or not we realize it. The way we perceive the world...
6 min read
As long as there have been people on earth, there have been stories to tell. Humans have used storytelling as a way to educate, entertain, and inform...
5 min read
The best and most relatable stories fit the audience. This creates intimacy, a byproduct of familiarity.
4 min read
For as long as there has been human life on earth, we’ve been telling stories.
3 min read
Previously, we covered the connection between storytelling and marketing, focusing on how how to tell a story in marketing and why it’s so effective....
3 min read
Memories are strange things. They can be fleeting. They’re often spotty. They are what we remember, not necessarily the exact series of events that...
4 min read
When it comes to modern marketing, content is king. Consumers are more sensitive than ever to advertising, so brands have to get creative to stand...