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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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...
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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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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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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...
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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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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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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, or the daisy structure or radial narrative, is a sophisticated storytelling technique that offers writers a unique way to weave...
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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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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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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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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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The Challenge and the RewardIn storytelling, the protagonist's journey often takes center stage. Readers watch, transfixed, as characters navigate...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Villains are the dark heartbeats that pulse through stories, captivating readers with their sinister allure. From Emperor Palpatine to Lord...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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What exactly does meaning entail in the realm of storytelling? When can a narrative be deemed meaningful?
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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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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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What exactly is exposition in storytelling, and how can you incorporate backstory while keeping your readers captivated?
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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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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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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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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.
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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 breathes life into stories, yet it significantly diverges from real spoken language. While it imparts vital information essential for...
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Few elements can swiftly transform a story as much as altering the narrative perspective from which it unfolds.
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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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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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Stories are captivating because characters frequently find themselves confronted with a myriad of challenges.
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Unlocking the Magic of Character Dynamics
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Unraveling the Dynamics of Human Interaction and Their Impact on Narratives
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Storytelling is a complex journey where characters grapple with three fundamental oppositions: character vs. character, character vs. nature, and...
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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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The Symphony of Plots and Subplots
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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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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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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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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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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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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...
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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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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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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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Out of all the narrative segments, the beginning demands the utmost attention of the audience or reader.
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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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The essence of storytelling often revolves around problem-solving, with problems serving as the heartbeat of narratives.
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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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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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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...
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The fusion of traditional narratives with interactive mediums has given rise to a new era of engagement.
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Storytelling is a universal art that has captivated audiences across cultures and generations for centuries.
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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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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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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...
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Stories have the power to transcend boundaries, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the lives of characters from different worlds. One captivating...
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Themes are the backbone of storytelling, providing depth and meaning that resonate with readers on a profound level. In literature, themes explore...
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In the world of storytelling, the heroes may shine, but it's the villains who leave a lasting impression on readers and viewers alike.
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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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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...
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History is replete with extraordinary individuals whose contributions and stories have been overshadowed by time. Though often overlooked, these...
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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...
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The best and most relatable stories fit the audience. This creates intimacy, a byproduct of familiarity.
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For as long as there has been human life on earth, we’ve been telling stories.
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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....
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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...
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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...
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The term storytelling is bandied about under a thinly veiled attempt to make brands seem human. It’s often inaccurately associated with the task of...
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We’ve all heard about the power of storytelling in marketing and branding. Time and time again, the brands that come out on top are the ones with...
4 min read
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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Most books contain stories - whether they are based on fiction or reality - but not all stories are books. In fact, MOST stories aren’t books that...
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Learn the key aspects of great storytelling to impart inspiration
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Once upon a time you bought a pack of gum so someone would kiss you. True? Maybe not that exactly. Maybe you bought a brand of lettuce because you...
3 min read
Storytelling revolves around conflict, perspective and resolving complicated problems. Incidentally, understanding these concepts is essential for...
3 min read
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can convey information, trigger emotions and inspire action. Successful brands have long used the benefits of...
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Storytelling is a priceless tool.
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Stories are powerful, magical things. A good story sticks in the mind, and a great one etches itself into your heart. If that sounds cheesy, it...
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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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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...