Six Stories With Cheap Cop-Outs
What happens when we don't keep our promises.
Latest in Plot
Episode 397: The Sandman
For want of a raven, the dream was lost.
Who Has the ANTS: Hawkeye, Moon Knight, or Ms. Marvel?
Arrows, moons, and marvels oh my!
Q&A: How Should I Fill In Backstory?
Submitted by Kai,
answered
Episode 396: Always Be Solving Problems
If the hero isn't doing anything, the reader will be bored.
Five Tropes That Sound Cool but Rarely Work
Some techniques are tempting, but dangerous.
Can Framing Devices Be Better Than Terrible?
Disconnected scenes are rarely worth keeping.
Ten Reasons Characters Might Stop Communicating
What to do when one conversation could ruin your plot.
Your Story Needs Tension, Not Violence
Create excitement on your own terms.
Episode 391: Murderbot
Hacking governor modules across the corporate rim!
The Five Reasons Prequel Stories Are So Difficult
Prequels are usually bad, even when authors try their best.
A Character Goal Isn’t a Story – But It’s Close
This common model for stories can be helpful, but it can also hold writers back.
Episode 388: Clashing Choices
When the heart wants two different things.
Five Stories With Clashing Choices
Like a tug of war in the plot.
Six Sloppy Character Arcs in Popular Stories
What lessons are we supposed to learn here?
The Myth of Conflict-Free Story Structures
One weird trick vs. storytelling reality.
The Three-Act Structure Is a Mirage
A structure no stronger than a sand castle.
Who Wins: The Martian, Artemis, or Project Hail Mary?
One author enters, one author leaves.
Q&A: Does My Hero Need a Specific Job?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Episode 382: Opening Scenes
Convincing readers to buy the book.
Chris Winkle