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. Read more »
How to Describe Women Without Degrading Them
Keeping misogyny from our descriptions takes vigilance. Read more »
Five Common Problems With Redemption Arcs
Because redeeming a villain is difficult, many of the same mistakes get repeated again and again. Read more »
D&D 5E Classes Ranked From Worst to Best
Some classes are numerically stronger than others. Read more »
Twelve Signs a Storyteller Is Building Romantic & Sexual Chemistry
Is that queerbaiting intentional? Here’s how to tell. Read more »
Six Things Writers Should Know About Autistic People
When writing about autism, account for the interior motives and experiences of autistic people. Read more »
Five Signs Your Story Is Classist
No one is inherently impoverished, and no one wants to be. Read more »
Seven Common Reasons Protagonists Are Unlikable
Audiences won’t get far in your story if they can’t stand your main character. Read more »
Six Signs Your Story Is About the Wrong Character
Authors have trouble deciding which character is most central and compelling. Read more »
Nine Truths for Roleplayers Who Start Writing
Transferring roleplay to prose doesn’t have to be a roll of the dice. Read more »
Top Podcast, Q&A, and Comic
If you haven’t checked out our other content, here’s your chance to sample audience favorites.
268 – Anti-Lying Magic
I could tell you what this podcast is about, but how would you know if I was telling the truth? Normally, you’d just have to trust me, but in fantasy stories, we can have magic that stops people from lying. That’s what we’re talking about … read more »
How Do I Describe Fat Characters Respectfully?
I am having trouble with descriptive language for people, particularly big or fat or heavyweight people. What is some general advice you would have (or maybe a word bank? (if that wouldn’t be too much trouble)) on descriptive words for heavier weight people. I hope … read more »
Cosmic Balance
The battle between good and evil has been canceled. Read more »
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. Read more »
Building Mars: How Red Rising Flubs Class Conflict
Misogyny, toxic masculinity, and confusion over class struggle make this book an insulting letdown. Read more »
Making the Most of Your Narrative Premise
How is your story being told to the reader, and how can you take advantage of that? Read more »
How to Use Failure in Your Story
No failure a dull story makes; too much results in damage. Read more »
The Four Essentials of an Effective Character Arc
How to create a problem, cause, turning point, and improvement. Read more »
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
This is a great best of post! I really like the combination of the 10 most popular posts and editor picks. Also surprised and flattered that one of my articles is the top Q & A.
Happy New Year! I truly appreciate Mythcreant’s contribution to pleasantly distracting me the past twelve months. Keep up the great work!
Happy New Year, Mythcreants! Your work over the past many years has been invaluable to me and many others. Excited to see what’s coming in 2021.
Happy New Year’s, what a great selection! I’ve discovered Mythcreants at the start of 2020 and thanks to you guys I’ve finally started writing again and always had something to look forward to, no matter how tough times were. Cheers and keep up the great work
Cheers! Looking forward to seeing what’s to come in 2021. Thanks for offering such a fun and helpful corner of the internet for us budding storytellers. It’s like a cozy refuge from the hostile, untamed wilderness of the internet. I know I can always come to Mythcreants to soothe my psyche!