Many people are familiar with subplots. They are those side stories that give a novel’s plot depth. A subplot may involve the main character or minor characters, but they enrich the story if done well. Subplots are everywhere. We see them in the movies we watch, and they are usually in every … [Read more...] about How to Add Meaningful Subplots to Your Novel
Search Results for: conflict in every scene
Your 3-Step Plan for Outlining A Novel
There’s only one reason writers ever talk about outlining. It’s a tool that’s supposed to make our jobs easier. But it isn’t always clear how to accomplish that. Do you just start writing a list of events that might happen in this story? Do you create an actual Roman-numeral outline like you were … [Read more...] about Your 3-Step Plan for Outlining A Novel
Keep It Fresh: 10 Ways To Show Your Character’s Emotions
Years ago, Becca and I grumbled about how our characters always expressed emotion the same way. My big thing? Frowning. Did my characters EVER know how to frown. They were savage at it. Becca’s characters? Smilers, all of them. SO HAPPY. Unfortunately, our inability to express emotion in a … [Read more...] about Keep It Fresh: 10 Ways To Show Your Character’s Emotions
What American Horror Story Taught Me About Anti-Heroes
Every time I search Netflix, Hulu, or primetime TV for a new show to watch, I'm convinced that anti-heroes are taking over the world. Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, the Sopranos, Nurse Jackie, Dexter—all popular shows with a less-than-traditional protagonist. The anti-hero seems to be here to stay, … [Read more...] about What American Horror Story Taught Me About Anti-Heroes
What Does It Mean To “Raise the Stakes”?
Yay! I’m happy to be back at WHW as a Resident Writing Coach. *waves* Last time I visited, we discussed how understanding the interconnectedness of our story elements can help us with revisions, and today we’re going to dig deeper into one of those elements: our story’s stakes. Stakes are simply … [Read more...] about What Does It Mean To “Raise the Stakes”?
The Revision Circle: Does My Story Have Too Many Problems?
I’m so excited to join WHW as a Resident Writing Coach (because Angela and Becca are awesome—am I right?). *smile* If you’re not familiar with me, I’m Jami Gold, and in addition to my fiction, writing blog, worksheets, and workshops, I also occasionally squeeze in freelance developmental editing. … [Read more...] about The Revision Circle: Does My Story Have Too Many Problems?
Generic Settings Won’t Do: Choose Locations That Have Emotional Value
As writers, we try to draw readers fully into each scene. Not only do we want them to picture what's happening, we want them to feel as if they are sharing the POV (point of view) character's experience. Shared experiences are all about emotion, and Deep POV is one of the best ways to encourage … [Read more...] about Generic Settings Won’t Do: Choose Locations That Have Emotional Value
Become a Story Genius: How Your Character’s Misbelief Drives Plot
We're welcoming story coach Lisa Cron to the blog today. Lisa has some great thoughts on the inner struggle happening inside a protagonist, and how defining the why behind this struggle is the key to unlocking a powerful story that will capture your readers. Story is not about what happens on … [Read more...] about Become a Story Genius: How Your Character’s Misbelief Drives Plot
The Setting Thesaurus Is Here: Writers, Get Ready To Rock The Vault
Cue the marching bands! At long last, The Setting Thesaurus is here. Split into two volumes, Urban and Rural, these books are the result of several years' worth of traveling, documenting, and researching. What is a Setting Thesaurus, you ask? Well, imagine having access to the sights, smells, … [Read more...] about The Setting Thesaurus Is Here: Writers, Get Ready To Rock The Vault
How To Turn Your Setting Into An Obstacle Course
Becca and I are big believers in making the setting work hard in EVERY scene. A terrific way to do this is to turn a setting into a magnet for conflict. After all, the hero or heroine's path to their goal should never be a leisurely stroll. Instead, we want bumps and upsets, a route paved with … [Read more...] about How To Turn Your Setting Into An Obstacle Course
The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Personal and Natural Places
Within the pages of a book exists a world drawn from a writer’s deepest imaginings, one that has the ability to pull readers in on a visceral level. But the audience’s fascination will only last if the writer can describe this vibrant realm and its inhabitants well. The setting achieves this by … [Read more...] about The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Personal and Natural Places
Secret Setting Thesaurus Entry: Ancient Ruins
Congratulations, intrepid explorer! You've discovered one of our SECRET Setting Thesaurus entries. This one is from The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Personal and Natural Places. We hope the sensory information below will add a deeper richness to your story. The setting is a … [Read more...] about Secret Setting Thesaurus Entry: Ancient Ruins