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Writing Lessons

More Tension-Building Tips: Learning From a Pro

August 8, 2011

More Tension-Building Tips: Learning From a Pro

August 8, 2011

I saw the final Harry Potter movie last week. I think I’m in mourning. I’m also still pondering the tension piece of writing, and how important it is. Put those two pieces…

Introducing…the Character Traits Thesaurus

May 17, 2011

Introducing…the Character Traits Thesaurus

May 17, 2011

Quick, name your favorite character. Now list a trait or two that defines him/her. Chances are, you were able to come up with a defining trait fairly quickly. That’s because likable characters are…

Description 911: Over Expressed Emotions

February 28, 2011

Description 911: Over Expressed Emotions

February 28, 2011

Because this blog is all about flexing our descriptive skills, I wanted to touch on something I see from time to time when I critique: too much emotional showing. Emotions…

How to Write Unforgettable Settings: World Building

January 15, 2011

How to Write Unforgettable Settings: World Building

January 15, 2011

When it comes to unforgettable settings, we’ve touched on choosing the right setting, describing the setting, and maximizing the setting through various figures of speech and techniques. But what if…

How to Write Unforgettable Settings: Adding Powerful Layers

January 11, 2011

How to Write Unforgettable Settings: Adding Powerful Layers

January 11, 2011

You’ve picked the perfect setting, you can describe it so compellingly your readers will want to move there…but have you added powerful layers to make it really stand out? Don’t…

How to Create Unforgettable Settings: Description

January 8, 2011

How to Create Unforgettable Settings: Description

January 8, 2011

Some of this has been covered in previous posts (see the end of this article for links to other parts of this series on setting) , but I just couldn’t…

How to Write Unforgettable Settings: the Right Location

January 4, 2011

How to Write Unforgettable Settings: the Right Location

January 4, 2011

As writers, we often underestimate the power of setting. Who didn’t want to visit the Hundred-Acre Wood? How much of our Bilbo-love is wrapped up in Hobbiton, my precious? And…

Want High Stakes? Amp up the Stress!

December 13, 2010

Want High Stakes? Amp up the Stress!

December 13, 2010

In the real world, we avoid stress whenever possible but in writing, the opposite is true. Why? Because in the land of the Three Act Structure (TAS), STRESS = CONFLICT.…

Theme and Symbolism Thesaurus

October 11, 2010

Theme and Symbolism Thesaurus

October 11, 2010

Below are samples of our popular Theme and Symbolism (formerly, Symbolism and Motif) Thesaurus. For the completely developed and enhanced thesaurus, please visit One Stop For Writers, where it has…

How to Craft a Strong Metaphor

October 4, 2010

How to Craft a Strong Metaphor

October 4, 2010

Metaphors. Most of us know we should use them, that they’re a good way to describe, but not everyone has a solid understanding of what they are. Seeing as metaphors…