Our Best Posts of 2020

We can all let out a sigh of relief that 2020 is over. It was a nightmarish year, but at least some of us got extra time to write! Celebrate the bright spots by reading our top content of the year.

Our Top Ten Articles

Oren started critiquing worlds in depth this year, resulting in our biggest hit. Unsurprisingly, that was rounded out by social justice commentary and many helpful lists.

Building Arrakis: How Herbert Sabotaged His Own Ideas

Cool space worms can't save Dune from sexism, racism, and absurdity.

July 11, 2020June 29, 2021 by Oren Ashkenazi in Analysis, Social Justice, Worldbuilding

How to Describe Women Without Degrading Them

Keeping misogyny out of our description takes vigilance.

March 6, 2020September 21, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Commentary, Social Justice, Writing

Five Common Problems With Redemption Arcs

Because redeeming a villain is difficult, many of the same mistakes get repeated again and again.

November 7, 2020June 14, 2021 by Oren Ashkenazi in Storytelling

D&D 5E Classes Ranked From Worst to Best

Some classes are numerically stronger than others.

December 12, 2020June 14, 2021 by Ari Ashkenazi in Roleplaying

Twelve Signs a Storyteller Is Building Romantic & Sexual Chemistry

Is that queerbaiting intentional? Here's how to tell.

August 7, 2020June 13, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Storytelling

Six Things Writers Should Know About Autistic People

When writing about autism, account for the interior motives and experiences of autistic people.

January 31, 2020July 7, 2021 by Juliette Dunn in Commentary, Social Justice

Five Signs Your Story Is Classist

No one is inherently impoverished, and no one wants to be.

October 9, 2020June 16, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Commentary, Social Justice

Seven Common Reasons Protagonists Are Unlikable

Audiences won't get far in your story if they can't stand your main character.

July 10, 2020June 29, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Storytelling

Six Signs Your Story Is About the Wrong Character

Authors have trouble deciding which character is most central and compelling.

October 17, 2020June 16, 2021 by Oren Ashkenazi in Storytelling

Nine Truths for Roleplayers Who Start Writing

Transferring roleplay to prose doesn't have to be a roll of the dice.

May 9, 2020July 2, 2021 by Oren Ashkenazi in Roleplaying, Writing

Top Podcast, Q&A, and Comic

If you haven’t checked out our other content, here’s your chance to sample audience favorites.

Once Upon a Trope

Comic: Cosmic Balance

The battle between good and evil has been canceled.

By Bunny and Chris Winkle

Editors’ Picks

Every year, we publish posts that change our thinking or start discussions but aren’t sexy enough to make the top ten. So we’ve chosen some important pieces you might have missed.

Turning Points: The Secret to Satisfying Conflicts

The crucial, yet often overlooked ingredient to emotionally rewarding conflicts.

October 2, 2020June 16, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Storytelling

Building Mars: How Red Rising Flubs Class Conflict

Misogyny, toxic masculinity, and confusion over class struggle make this book an insulting letdown.

October 24, 2020June 17, 2021 by Oren Ashkenazi in Analysis, Social Justice, Worldbuilding

Making the Most of Your Narrative Premise

How is your story being told to the reader, and how can you take advantage of that?

March 27, 2020July 6, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Writing

How to Use Failure in Your Story

No failure a dull story makes; too much results in damage.

February 29, 2020July 6, 2021 by Oren Ashkenazi in Storytelling

The Four Essentials of an Effective Character Arc

How to create a problem, cause, turning point, and improvement.

February 28, 2020July 6, 2021 by Chris Winkle in Storytelling

Thanks for Spending a Tough Year With Us

If you enjoyed our content this year and you’d like to help us continue our work, the best way to support us is to become a patron. We’re also happy to receive one-time gifts.

Here’s hoping 2021 will be better!

Chris