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Writing Lessons

7 Tips for Finding Perfect Character Names

September 26, 2024

7 Tips for Finding Perfect Character Names

September 26, 2024

How much time do we spend thinking up character names? Too much. That name will represent the character we love, so the pressure’s on to get it right. And no…

Five Pitfalls to Avoid When Developing Your Antagonist

September 24, 2024

Five Pitfalls to Avoid When Developing Your Antagonist

September 24, 2024

By Savannah Cordova It’s been said that every good story needs a villain. While that villain doesn’t have to be another character — it can be something more abstract, like…

Introducing…the Character Secret Thesaurus

September 21, 2024

Introducing…the Character Secret Thesaurus

September 21, 2024

Every character has secrets they don’t want other people to know. Some are benign (something they like that others don’t, what they really think about a co-worker, that box of…

Should Your Novel Have a Prologue?

September 17, 2024

Should Your Novel Have a Prologue?

September 17, 2024

All About Prologues Every word counts in a story and first impressions matter. Traditionally, a prologue is an introductory chapter that sets the scene, tone and genre of your novel.…

How to Strengthen Our Story with Tropes

September 10, 2024

How to Strengthen Our Story with Tropes

September 10, 2024

Every genre and medium of storytelling uses tropes—common themes or story devices. However, the frequency of certain storytelling ideas, such as “the chosen one,” makes them so common that readers get…

The Missing Link in Three-Act Structure

September 3, 2024

The Missing Link in Three-Act Structure

September 3, 2024

In any discussion of story structure, the three-act model inevitably dominates the conversation. Even as plotting methods such as Save the Cat, the Hero’s Journey, and the Snowflake Method gain…

Does Your Character’s Behavior Make Sense?

August 29, 2024

Does Your Character’s Behavior Make Sense?

August 29, 2024

Have you been in a situation where someone acts erratically, and not in a good way? It takes you by surprise, doesn’t it? Imagine this scenario: you’re sitting around the…

How to Fix a Boring Main Character and Save Your Story

August 27, 2024

How to Fix a Boring Main Character and Save Your Story

August 27, 2024

Are you struggling with a boring main character? Are you afraid that he or she is limiting your story’s potential? This happened to me with my most recent release, “The…

What Characterization Detail Gives Your Protagonist More Depth?

August 22, 2024

What Characterization Detail Gives Your Protagonist More Depth?

August 22, 2024

Every writer wants to write a character who stands out, drives the story to interesting places, and captures the reader’s heart. Why? Because characters with depth sell books. And of…

Creating Suspense in any Genre

August 20, 2024

Creating Suspense in any Genre

August 20, 2024

When we think about suspense in writing, we naturally leap to thrillers and mysteries, genres that are known for suspense and rely on it. But that doesn’t mean the rest…