Episode 355: Developing Character Relationships
What if I just take most of my characters and replace them with animal companions?
Storytelling: Page 7
Foreshadowing Reveals Is Easier Than You Think
Does your reveal have to be guessable or just plausible?
Episode 354: Making Mysteries Complex
Surprise, it was a red herring.
What’s the Best Way to Create an Opening Hook?
Spoiler: it doesn't include a prologue.
Episode 352: Making Your Story Dark
We're serious podcasters, and you should take us very seriously.
How to Avoid Writing a Bait-and-Switch Story
If you don't know what expectations you're setting, readers may feel cheated by your end.
Five Important Ways Episodic Stories Are Different
Your novel can include fun side adventures, but it needs to be structured correctly.
Q&A: Should My Side Characters Stick Around?
Submitted by Jack,
answered
Episode 350: Character Karma
It’s the invisible force that makes us feel like characters deserve good things or bad things.
The Problem With Multiple Viewpoints
Why we're so cranky about a writing practice that's considered normal.
How to Create a Mysterious Atmosphere
Unless you use restraint with fantastical elements, you'll lose the aura of mystery.
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
Xyder