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Writers often know where their stories start and end but draw a blank when it comes to all the stuff in between. And unfortunately, common plot structures like the hero’s journey aren’t as helpful as they seem. While they provide a rhythm of success and … read more »
For all the time we spend arguing about plot holes and magic systems, we spend even more time arguing about what a story means. Fiction can send a powerful message, but first we have to understand what that message is. That’s where authorial endorsement comes … read more »
While it may look different for each of us, living life to the fullest is what we’re all striving to do. This universal desire for happiness is what causes us to follow our passions, develop rewarding relationships, and seek out experiences that help us feel … read more »
Most writers first learn the craft of storytelling from reading their favorite books or watching their favorite TV shows and films.* This approach is fun because it means we get to consume a lot of great media, but new authors often assume they can do … read more »
Science fiction storytellers love futuristic computer technology, but that doesn’t always make it easy for us to tell stories. Let’s look at some challenges storytellers face when depicting computers, the blunders that result, and what we can do to avoid them. Read more »
How can I have a male character and a female character work together and NOT imply they’re romantically destined for each other? -Dave L Hi Dave, I wish the answer to this was just “Don’t give them any chemistry or make them seem interested in … read more »
If you liked a story, surely you’d love to see what happened before that story, right? No? Well, that’s the logic that drives so much of what we’re talking about today: prequels. Why do prequels happen? Why are they usually bad? Is there anything we … read more »
Three people with opinions recording a podcast, what a ridiculous notion! See what we did there? That’s called lampshading, or when a story deliberately draws your attention to some aspect of its production, usually a flaw. It’s often a great source of laughs, but is … read more »
Hi there! My story is divided into three parts. The first part takes place during my main character’s younger years. The second part jumps ahead several years. I’m worried that making such a large jump will make the reader feel as though they’ve missed out … read more »
Relationship dynamics are like archetypes for romance – they provide a template for storytellers to start from. While there are many types of dynamics, these do something specific: show how each person in the romance benefits from the relationship. Mutual benefit gives the audience a … read more »