Movement: The Story Principle That’s 2,300 Years Old
Tension isn't the only thing a plot needs.
Latest in Story Plotting 101
Outline a Short Story in Seven Steps
The second edition of this story formula has more tips, more options, and further reading.
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.
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.
James