Plotting for Pantsters
Plotting for Pantsters
The subject of plotting vs. pantsing is one which, for reasons I don’t fully understand, generates a lot of heat in writing circles. I’ve seen discussions on the topic explode…
Read more…Suspense in Stories: the Big Tease
Suspense in Stories: the Big Tease
Suspense is one of the storyteller’s biggest teases. It’s a state of waiting, of growing unease in the reader. Most stories consist of raising questions and delaying the answers. Suspense…
Read more…How to Add Meaningful Subplots to Your Novel
How to Add Meaningful Subplots to Your Novel
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…
Read more…Your 3-Step Plan for Outlining A Novel
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…
Read more…Keep It Fresh: 10 Ways To Show Your Character’s Emotions
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…
Read more…What American Horror Story Taught Me About Anti-Heroes
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…
Read more…What Does It Mean To “Raise the Stakes”?
What Does It Mean To “Raise the Stakes”?
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…
Read more…The Revision Circle: Does My Story Have Too Many Problems?
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…
Read more…How to Choose Settings that Have Emotional Impact
How to Choose Settings that Have Emotional Impact
Generic settings won’t cut it if you want readers to feel the story–instead, your locations need emotional impact as this immerses them better in the point-of-view character’s experience. Shared experiences…
Read more…How Your Character’s Misbelief Drives Plot
How Your Character’s Misbelief Drives Plot
Welcome to story coach Lisa Cron, who’s sharing thoughts on the protagonist’s inner struggle and how defining the why behind it is the key to unlocking a powerful story that…
Read more…The Swiss Army Knife of Storytellers Is the Setting
The Swiss Army Knife of Storytellers Is the Setting
Writing the Urban and Rural Setting Thesaurus books taught Becca and me something big: the Setting is the Swiss Army Knife of Storytelling. Yes, it’s the truth. Because your setting…
Read more…The Setting Thesaurus Is Here: Writers, Get Ready To Rock The Vault
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,…
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