Ooo La La: 5 Steps to Write Uncomfortable Scenes
Ooo La La: 5 Steps to Write Uncomfortable Scenes
For many authors, the most difficult type of scene to write (and write well) are sex scenes. However, any type of uncomfortable scene can feel awkward to write, as we…
Read more…Four Key Moments When You Should Hold the Conflict
Four Key Moments When You Should Hold the Conflict
Conflict in every scene. It’s popular advice because it’s true. Conflict ratchets up the tension for readers because it makes the character’s success less likely, and readers start worrying about…
Read more…How to Use the Four Levels of Conflict to Strengthen Your Story
How to Use the Four Levels of Conflict to Strengthen Your Story
A cardinal sin of storytelling is to skimp on conflict, and no wonder. Those problems, challenges, obstacles, and inner struggles help keep readers engaged, casting doubt on the character’s ability…
Read more…Character Secret Thesaurus: Fleeing a Crime Scene
Character Secret Thesaurus: Fleeing a Crime Scene
What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain…
Read more…How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
How to Write Intense Scenes That Captivate Readers
Writing intense scenes can be one of the most exciting parts of storytelling. Whether it’s a gripping fight, a romantic encounter that leaves hearts racing, or an emotional moment that…
Read more…Writing a Novel, Scene by Scene
Writing a Novel, Scene by Scene
Writers come in a variety pack of processes. The most common types – regardless of genre – are pantsers, plotters, and plantsers. We know these terms well, right? Pantsers sit…
Read more…Why Every Writer Should Try Their Hand at a Horror Story
Why Every Writer Should Try Their Hand at a Horror Story
By Savannah Cordova Affiliate links below It’s that time of year again: the leaves are changing color, the wind is getting chillier, and pumpkins are decorating doorsteps. And given that…
Read more…The Secret to Page-Turning Scene Endings
The Secret to Page-Turning Scene Endings
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…
Read more…How to Generate Powerful Story Conflict
How to Generate Powerful Story Conflict
Conflict is a powerful tool for storytellers, allowing us to place roadblocks, challenges, adversaries and more in a character’s way so the road to their goal is much more difficult.…
Read more…Scene Mastery: Navigating Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls
Scene Mastery: Navigating Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls
Goal-driven scenes are akin to the classic joke setup, “A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar …” A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar. The scene…
Read more…Want to Show Your Character’s Pain? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Want to Show Your Character’s Pain? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
For the better part of two months, Becca and I have been exploring pain, and how to write about it in fiction. It’s been enlightening for us, and we hope…
Read more…Strategies for Smooth Scene Openings
Strategies for Smooth Scene Openings
If the opening line of a scene is the doorway to the party, what follows is the welcoming handshake and introductions that draw readers into the mix. Effective scene openings…
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