Why We Stigmatize Enjoyment
It's hard to meet our goals when we won't admit what they are.
Latest in Commentary
Why the Save the Cat! Novel Beat Sheet Won’t Help You
Brody's plot "formula" is too vague and yet not nearly as universal as she claims.
Why Save the Cat! Can’t Write a Novel
An exercise in fudging story details to fit silly criteria.
How Useful Are Blake Snyder’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 2
He's more obsessed with DNA than you might expect.
Why Realism Is Toxic to Fiction
Never take an aesthetic so far that it becomes an ideology.
How Useful are Blake Snyder’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 1
Are any of these rules from Save the Cat better than the beat sheet?
Why Save The Cat! Can’t Teach Us Storytelling
Save the money you'd spend on this book.
Five Tips for Giving Useless Writing Advice
You too can join the popular trend of giving hot but useless takes.
Six More Ways to Make Your Writing Cinematic
Does your novel properly imitate a movie-going experience?
Q&A: Is “Read a Lot” Actually Bad Advice?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
The Myth of Conflict-Free Story Structures
One weird trick vs. storytelling reality.
The Three-Act Structure Is a Mirage
A structure no stronger than a sand castle.
How Useful Are Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 2
Emma Coats strikes again!
How Useful Are Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 1
Pixar's rules for writing a story... sort of.
No, SJWs Are Not Reducing Diversity in Fiction
The so-called Galbrush Paradox is just an excuse to exclude marginalized characters.
How to Make Your Craft More Pretentious
Why put up with snobs when you can be one instead?
How Useful Are Michael Moorcock’s Ten Rules of Writing?
An author who isn't afraid to share his opinions.
Q&A: How Is a Short Story Series Different Than a Novel?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Originality Is Dead. Long Live Novelty!
Writing is hard enough without asking people to meet outdated standards.
How We Can Beat Defensiveness
To improve our work, we have to admit it can be improved.
Daniel