How to Create a Mysterious Atmosphere
Unless you use restraint with fantastical elements, you'll lose the aura of mystery.
Latest in Storytelling
How to Keep Mysteries From Looking Like Mistakes
If you treat unexplained events like they're normal, readers will get confused.
Q&A: How Do I Create a Satisfying Mystery Payoff?
Submitted by Jake,
answered
Episode 346: Making the Climax Exciting
Unfortunately, readers don’t generally accept “and then something exciting happened.”
Q&A: How Do I Give My Protagonist Agency?
Submitted by Allen,
answered
Episode 344: Jerkass Characters
Oh boy do writers love to get this wrong.
Q&A: How Do I Portray an Ambitious Character?
Submitted by Thomas,
answered
Q&A: Can Audiences Sympathize With My Honorable Character?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Episode 340: Subplots
Subplots and exciting Tea Discourse!
Q&A: Are Epilogues Good or Bad?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Do Characters Need to Be Likable?
It's complicated, but yes.
Episode 337: Tone, Mood, and Atmosphere
Some character deaths are gruesome while others are slapstick comedy.
How to Make Large Conflicts Exciting
If you're not careful, your climatic conflict could become a boring mess.
Q&A: Where Do I Start My Story?
Answered
Episode 335: Training in Fiction
Sometimes you just need to up your power level.
Six Signs of a Weak Throughline
If the throughline isn’t working, chances are good that little else is.
Planning Character Arcs
How to develop the emotional side of your plot.
What Redemption Arcs Tell Us About Forgiveness
A storyteller's take on #metoo and cancel culture.
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