Outline a Short Story in Seven Steps
The second edition of this story formula has more tips, more options, and further reading.
Latest in Story Plotting 101
How Writing Instructors Forgo the Most Vital Fiction Lesson
A gut feeling for stories isn't enough.
Planning Character Arcs
How to develop the emotional side of your plot.
Your Plot Is a Fractal
Your story recreates the same three-point structure at every scale.
Understanding Conflict & Tension
Tension drives the story, and conflict brings tension to life.
Five Common Reasons Tension Is Missing
Against unclear stakes, dislikable heroes, and slow timelines, will tension triumph?
Character Agency: It’s What That Sexy Lamp Is Missing
If a character's choices don't affect anything, they might as well be furniture.
Filling In Your Story’s Middle
Writers often know where their stories start and end but draw a blank when it comes to all the stuff in between.
Understanding Character Karma
A satisfying story is one that gives characters the ending they've earned.
Six Types of Turning Points for Climaxes
Without a good turning point, endings don't feel satisfying.
How to Outline Your Story
Try these ideas to get your story's general ideas down.
How to Turn Your Concept Into a Story
Follow these tips to pare down your idea into something you can work with.
A Perspiring Writer