2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 10, 2024 11:23:07 AM
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
Writing Team: Sep 6, 2024 2:13:05 PM
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,...
4 min read
Writing Team: Sep 6, 2024 2:09:34 PM
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...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 26, 2024 5:45:00 AM
Each book has a central idea or theme that carries the story. This idea may be something abstract like love, faith, freedom, truth, or adventure. As...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 19, 2024 5:30:00 AM
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...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 12, 2024 5:30:00 AM
Verb tense affects the narrative distance. This article is on verb tense and how that affects the viewpoint choices we make.
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 12, 2024 4:45:00 AM
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
Writing Team: Aug 6, 2024 6:54:17 PM
Imagine watching a thrilling movie that ends abruptly at the climax, leaving you hanging without any closure. Frustrating, right? This scenario made...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 5, 2024 5:33:51 PM
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
Writing Team: Aug 5, 2024 5:30:17 PM
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
Writing Team: Jul 29, 2024 5:50:56 PM
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
Writing Team: Jul 26, 2024 10:03:53 AM
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
Writing Team: Jul 26, 2024 10:00:19 AM
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
Writing Team: Jul 22, 2024 5:33:01 PM
Storytelling is a powerful sales tool. Stories engage readers without feeling like a sales pitch. When done well, they lead prospects to convince...
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 15, 2024 5:32:48 PM
Portraying a character's embarrassment authentically can add depth and relatability to your storytelling. Here's a guide to help you effectively...
1 min read
Writing Team: Jul 10, 2024 11:54:42 AM
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
Joy Youell: Jul 6, 2024 10:31:47 AM
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
Writing Team: Jul 3, 2024 12:13:04 PM
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
Writing Team: Jul 3, 2024 12:08:27 PM
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
Joy Youell: Jun 28, 2024 10:49:03 AM
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
Joy Youell: Jun 28, 2024 10:39:52 AM
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
Joy Youell: Jun 19, 2024 9:53:20 AM
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 Team: Jun 19, 2024 9:46:26 AM
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
Writing Team: Jun 7, 2024 4:35:16 PM
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
Writing Team: May 24, 2024 2:48:36 PM
The Challenge and the RewardIn storytelling, the protagonist's journey often takes center stage. Readers watch, transfixed, as characters navigate...
3 min read
Writing Team: Mar 29, 2024 2:00:54 PM
Villains are the dark heartbeats that pulse through stories, captivating readers with their sinister allure. From Emperor Palpatine to Lord...
4 min read
Writing Team: Mar 29, 2024 1:58:28 PM
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
Writing Team: Mar 14, 2024 3:42:45 PM
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
Writing Team: Mar 1, 2024 10:41:16 PM
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
Writing Team: Mar 1, 2024 10:09:22 PM
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
Writing Team: Feb 9, 2024 8:17:13 PM
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
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2023 2:41:31 PM
Have you ever noticed that when you reach the three-quarter mark of a book, putting it down becomes nearly impossible?
2 min read
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2023 2:36:01 PM
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
Writing Team: Nov 6, 2023 2:31:47 PM
What exactly does meaning entail in the realm of storytelling? When can a narrative be deemed meaningful?
2 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 3:06:41 PM
As a writer, transporting readers to fantastical realms or gritty cityscapes begins with vivid scene-setting. Rather than dull, generic backdrops,...
2 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:57:27 PM
Have you ever been engrossed in a captivating story only to be let down by lackluster dialogue? Perhaps the characters all seemed to sound the same,...
1 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:50:33 PM
Within the intricate tapestry of stories, characters encounter a multitude of obstacles. These hurdles come in diverse forms and intensity levels,...
2 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:44:22 PM
What exactly is exposition in storytelling, and how can you incorporate backstory while keeping your readers captivated?
3 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:38:25 PM
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
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:33:06 PM
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
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:25:13 PM
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
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 2:14:19 PM
Crafting a compelling story in documentary filmmaking or fiction is akin to constructing a delicate and intricate mechanism.
2 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 1:16:59 PM
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
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 1:10:16 PM
Dialogue breathes life into stories, yet it significantly diverges from real spoken language. While it imparts vital information essential for...
5 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 1:06:34 PM
Few elements can swiftly transform a story as much as altering the narrative perspective from which it unfolds.
1 min read
Writing Team: Oct 26, 2023 12:55:27 PM
Characters are individuals who want something, and these desires can be categorized into two distinct types: the character's intrinsic wish...
2 min read
Kaitlin Last: Oct 26, 2023 9:44:31 AM
Stories are captivating because characters frequently find themselves confronted with a myriad of challenges.
2 min read
%20(1).png?width=30&name=Angela%20Wyatt.%20(1)%20(1).png){kind=small}
Angela Wyatt: Oct 26, 2023 9:36:47 AM
Unlocking the Magic of Character Dynamics
2 min read
Angela Wyatt: Oct 26, 2023 9:19:10 AM
Unraveling the Dynamics of Human Interaction and Their Impact on Narratives
3 min read
Kaitlin Last: Oct 25, 2023 4:58:28 PM
Storytelling is a complex journey where characters grapple with three fundamental oppositions: character vs. character, character vs. nature, and...
3 min read
Writing Team: Oct 14, 2023 10:52:33 PM
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
Kaitlin Last: Oct 9, 2023 3:42:53 PM
The Symphony of Plots and Subplots
3 min read
Angela Wyatt: Oct 2, 2023 3:55:02 PM
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
Angela Wyatt: Oct 2, 2023 2:33:51 PM
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
Angela Wyatt: Sep 27, 2023 12:24:43 PM
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),...
3 min read
Writing Team: Sep 4, 2023 11:07:19 AM
Chinese literature is a treasure trove of beautifully crafted stories and tomes. Especially if you are a western-born writer, it's imperative to read...
4 min read
Writing Team: Sep 4, 2023 10:59:33 AM
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
Writing Team: Sep 4, 2023 10:50:57 AM
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
Writing Team: Sep 4, 2023 10:41:47 AM
The best writers are readers - that is undeniable.
2 min read
Writing Team: Sep 4, 2023 10:10:18 AM
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
Writing Team: Sep 1, 2023 3:41:11 PM
Characters in stories often harbor secrets, hidden facets of their lives or knowledge that can shape the narrative in profound ways.
1 min read
Writing Team: Aug 29, 2023 6:03:09 PM
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
Writing Team: Aug 29, 2023 5:57:48 PM
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
Writing Team: Aug 29, 2023 5:15:31 PM
Out of all the narrative segments, the beginning demands the utmost attention of the audience or reader.
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 29, 2023 11:57:14 AM
A well-crafted story possesses distinct components—beginning, middle, and end. However, the 'middle bit' often poses a challenge, potentially leading...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 25, 2023 10:30:29 AM
The essence of storytelling often revolves around problem-solving, with problems serving as the heartbeat of narratives.
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 25, 2023 10:24:56 AM
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
Writing Team: Aug 25, 2023 10:20:01 AM
The level of awareness a character possesses about their surroundings can hold significant dramatic importance. For instance, a character adept at...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 23, 2023 11:03:44 AM
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
Writing Team: Aug 17, 2023 1:02:25 PM
The fusion of traditional narratives with interactive mediums has given rise to a new era of engagement.
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 17, 2023 12:56:52 PM
Storytelling is a universal art that has captivated audiences across cultures and generations for centuries.
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 11, 2023 5:00:59 PM
Epistolary narratives, a storytelling technique that unfolds through the exchange of letters, emails, diaries, or other written forms, offer a unique...
3 min read
Writing Team: Aug 9, 2023 4:09:09 PM
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
Writing Team: Aug 9, 2023 3:44:53 PM
Metafiction, a literary device that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offers readers a unique and thought-provoking experience....
5 min read
Writing Team: Aug 9, 2023 3:39:09 PM
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
Writing Team: Aug 7, 2023 4:51:37 PM
Stories have the power to transcend boundaries, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the lives of characters from different worlds. One captivating...
2 min read
Writing Team: Aug 2, 2023 4:01:08 PM
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
Writing Team: Aug 2, 2023 3:53:11 PM
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
Writing Team: Jul 31, 2023 3:44:45 PM
Setting plays a pivotal role in storytelling, influencing a narrative's mood, tone, and overall impact.
3 min read
Writing Team: Jul 31, 2023 3:37:14 PM
As storytellers, our characters are the heart and soul of our narratives.
2 min read
Writing Team: Jul 31, 2023 2:09:52 PM
History is replete with extraordinary individuals whose contributions and stories have been overshadowed by time. Though often overlooked, these...
6 min read
Kaitlin Last: Apr 11, 2023 6:17:30 PM
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
Joy Youell: Apr 11, 2023 5:44:11 PM
The best and most relatable stories fit the audience. This creates intimacy, a byproduct of familiarity.
2 min read
Joy Youell: Apr 11, 2023 7:21:05 AM
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...
3 min read
Meagan Voulo: Apr 10, 2023 10:35:26 AM
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...
4 min read
Writing Team: Apr 10, 2023 9:57:18 AM
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...
.png?width=500&height=500&name=Untitled%20design%20(90).png "Untitled design (90)")