It’s easy to surmise that propelling readers from one scene to the next relies upon a dramatic closing hook, the evocative or provocative impression at the very end of the scene. Seemed like everyone was finding someone to pair off with. So when was he going to find a girl of his … [Read more...] about The Secret to Page-Turning Scene Endings
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How to Fix Big Story Problems
Is there anything more frustrating than knowing there's a problem with our story, but not being sure how to fix it? We wish for an easy button in these moments, but sadly, none exist. Occasionally though, we get lucky and discover a versatile story element or technique so useful it can help us … [Read more...] about How to Fix Big Story Problems
Flashbacks vs. Dual Timeline: What’s the Difference?
For strong storytelling, we need to focus on what’s important and relevant to current story events. That means we shouldn’t info-dump a bunch of irrelevant backstory just because it’s interesting or it’s something we enjoyed developing about our character, as we instead need to keep this story … [Read more...] about Flashbacks vs. Dual Timeline: What’s the Difference?
Top Tips to Help You Get Great Author Photos
If you’ve never had professional author photos taken—or if it’s been ten years or more since you have—it’s time to do it now! We live in a visual world. Readers want to see and connect with the author. When you invest in professional photos, you are likely to feel confident about sharing your … [Read more...] about Top Tips to Help You Get Great Author Photos
How to Avoid Clichéd Emotional Reactions
The single tear trickling down the cheek. A kiss that leaves one’s knees weak. The grin that stretches from ear to ear. Yawn Oh, excuse me. I almost fell asleep there. Why Readers Hate Clichéd Emotional Responses Clichés in writing are frowned upon because they’re easy; they’re … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Clichéd Emotional Reactions
Structuring an Ensemble Cast with Plotlines
Writing an ensemble cast can feel daunting, especially when most writing advice is for stories that feature one, or maybe two, lead characters. How is an author supposed to structure a novel or series that has four, five, or six? One of the most useful approaches, is to consider plotlines. Years … [Read more...] about Structuring an Ensemble Cast with Plotlines
Using the 5 Elements of Writing to Immerse Readers
Have you ever watched a movie based on a book you read and realized the book is so much better? As a writer, this phenomenon excites me, because we can create an experience for readers with words that studios are desperate to replicate with their huge budgets. But how can that be? Will books become … [Read more...] about Using the 5 Elements of Writing to Immerse Readers
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Underdog
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Underdog
Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Hey, wonderfulwriterly people! It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today's the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be … [Read more...] about Phenomenal First Pages Contest
Behind the Scenes: How to Craft Compelling Backstory
A character’s backstory is where all the gold is buried in terms of their motivations and misbeliefs. Who we are in the present depends to a large extent on what has happened to us in the past. It’s critical for you to know your protagonist’s personal history—but that’s a pretty easy thing to work … [Read more...] about Behind the Scenes: How to Craft Compelling Backstory
Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Storyteller
In 1959, Carl Jung first popularized the idea of archetypes—"universal images that have existed since the remotest times." He posited that every person is a blend of these 12 basic personalities. Ever since then, authors have been applying this idea to fictional characters, combining the different … [Read more...] about Character Type & Trope Thesaurus: Storyteller
Release Day: The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus Is Here (& a Giveaway!)
Another book joins the family today: The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Stress and Volatility! Writing authentic emotional reactions can be difficult when a character is the sort to hide what they feel. Whether it's due to fear, painful past trauma, or personal … [Read more...] about Release Day: The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus Is Here (& a Giveaway!)