Six Types of Downward Turning Points
Downward turning points make failure feel satisfying.
Storytelling: Page 5
Q&A: How Do I Write a Character That’s Smart but Lacks Common Sense?
Submitted by Atlas,
answered
Q&A: How Can My Angry Character Be Likable?
Submitted by Murphie,
answered
How to Create an Unhappy Ending
In a truly tragic story, the hero fails because they made the wrong choice.
Q&A: Why Are Disingenuous Reveals So Common?
Submitted by Kel,
answered
How to Write Three Types of Friendship Arcs
A great friendship can add meaning and emotional depth to your story.
Episode 367: Raising the Stakes
The story is tense, but could it be... *more* tense?
How to Write Jokes
The secret to humor is surprisingly simple.
Q&A: How Should My Hero Recruit a Crew?
Submitted by Frank,
answered
Episode 366: Large Casts
How many is too many?
Episode 365: Time Travel Revisited
We have to go back!
Why Tossing In Calamity Won’t Make Your Story Exciting
A lesson in what tension isn't.
Outline a Short Story in Seven Steps
The second edition of this story formula has more tips, more options, and further reading.
Episode 362: Meta Mysteries
Our main advice on meta mysteries is: don’t.
How to Keep Your Favorite Character From Ruining Your Story
The first step to fixing a candied character is recognizing them.
Q&A: How Do I Establish Backstory?
Submitted by Svend,
answered
How Writing Instructors Forgo the Most Vital Fiction Lesson
A gut feeling for stories isn't enough.
Q&A: How Do I Start My Plot?
Submitted by Murphie,
answered
Episode 360: Backstory
How much backstory should your story have?
Q&A: How Do I Give a Damsel Agency?
Submitted by Anonymous,
answered
Oren Ashkenazi