When to Listen to Your Inner Editor
When to Listen to Your Inner Editor
We’ve all wrangled with our inner editor at some point in our writing process. This voice in our head critiques our craft in mid-stream, from the big picture (“This plot…
Read more…Mastering Stylistic Tension
Mastering Stylistic Tension
One of the first things writers learn is to start a story with conflict. Some writers have bombs go off. Others start with a death. Or a break-up. But over…
Read more…Understanding Inner Conflict with Story Expert Michael Hauge
Understanding Inner Conflict with Story Expert Michael Hauge
All stories are built on a foundation of three basic components: character, desire, and conflict. A hero or protagonist desperately wants something, and must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve…
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…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…Emotional Wound Entry: Being Bullied
Emotional Wound Entry: Being Bullied
When you’re writing a character, it’s important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of…
Read more…Creating Mood in a Scene Using Light and Shadow
Creating Mood in a Scene Using Light and Shadow
What’s one of the first things a person does to set the mood at home for a romantic evening? She turns down the lights. This simple adjustment is a big…
Read more…Emotional Wounds Entry: Rejection By One’s Peers
Emotional Wounds Entry: Rejection By One’s Peers
When you’re writing a character, it’s important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of…
Read more…Emotional Wound Entry: Being So Beautiful It’s All People See
Emotional Wound Entry: Being So Beautiful It’s All People See
When you’re writing a character, it’s important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of…
Read more…Emotional Wound Thesaurus: Growing up with a Sibling’s Chronic or Complicated Illness
Emotional Wound Thesaurus: Growing up with a Sibling’s Chronic or Complicated Illness
When you’re writing a character, it’s important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of…
Read more…Emotional Wounds Thesaurus: Being Kidnapped (the Aftermath)
Emotional Wounds Thesaurus: Being Kidnapped (the Aftermath)
When you’re writing a character, it’s important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of…
Read more…Emotional Wound Entry: Discovering One’s Parent is a Monster
Emotional Wound Entry: Discovering One’s Parent is a Monster
When you’re writing a character, it’s important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of…
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