Episode 382: Opening Scenes
Convincing readers to buy the book.
Storytelling: Page 4
The Difference Between Relatable and Mediocre Heroes
Only one of them is a good choice for your story.
How to Create Moral Dilemmas That Are Actually Moral
Moral dilemmas should be meaningful, not just provocative.
Q&A: Do I Have to Fix a Plot Hole?
Submitted by Terk,
answered
Four Supporting Characters Your Hero Can Learn From
They teach a lesson your hero won't soon forget.
The Four Ways to Create a Bittersweet Ending
Character karma doesn't stop us from creating complex and nuanced stories.
Q&A: Do You Have Any Advice for Villains Forced to Be Heroes?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Episode 379: Killing a Major Character
To kill or not to kill?
Using Your Story’s Premise to Create Novelty
A big-picture strategy for setting your story apart.
Q&A: How Do I Keep Clever Quips From Hurting the Story?
Submitted by Nobody,
answered
Q&A: Should My Mystery Start With the Murder?
Submitted by Adam,
answered
Episode 376: Character Strengths
What if a character was just nice and dependable?
Seven External Plots for Relationship-Centered Stories
Add excitement without sacrificing what's important.
Episode 375: The Story’s Middle
How much of a story is middle, anyway?
The Best Characters Eat Their Spinach — and Their Candy
This silly-sounding spectrum has a huge impact on how we respond to characters.
Q&A: Does My Protagonist Have to Solve the Problem?
Submitted by Evan,
answered
Episode 374: Travel Stories
Is it the journey or the destination that matters?
Q&A: Can I Have Multiple Antagonists Without Fragmenting the Story?
Submitted by Cathryn,
answered
Episode 372: Foreshadowing
Could you have predicted this podcast topic?
Episode 371: Character Arcs
Have you heard the Klingon proverb that revenge is a dish best served cold?
Oren Ashkenazi