Latest in The Writing Process
Why the Save the Cat! Novel Beat Sheet Won’t Help You
Brody's plot "formula" is too vague and yet not nearly as universal as she claims.
Why Save the Cat! Can’t Write a Novel
An exercise in fudging story details to fit silly criteria.
How Useful Are Blake Snyder’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 2
He's more obsessed with DNA than you might expect.
Why Realism Is Toxic to Fiction
Never take an aesthetic so far that it becomes an ideology.
How Useful are Blake Snyder’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 1
Are any of these rules from Save the Cat better than the beat sheet?
Why Save The Cat! Can’t Teach Us Storytelling
Save the money you'd spend on this book.
Q&A: How Should I Respond to Beta Reader Feedback?
Submitted by Chris,
answered
The Five Reasons Prequel Stories Are So Difficult
Prequels are usually bad, even when authors try their best.
Q&A: How Do I Find a Sensitivity Consultant for Disability?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Q&A: Is “Read a Lot” Actually Bad Advice?
Submitted by Dave L,
answered
Episode 387: Story Structures
What even are story structures?
The Myth of Conflict-Free Story Structures
One weird trick vs. storytelling reality.
How to Write a First-Person Retelling
Both practical and fun, this narrative premise is a great choice for many stories.
The Three-Act Structure Is a Mirage
A structure no stronger than a sand castle.
How Useful Are Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 2
Emma Coats strikes again!
How Useful Are Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling? Part 1
Pixar's rules for writing a story... sort of.
How Useful Are Michael Moorcock’s Ten Rules of Writing?
An author who isn't afraid to share his opinions.
Episode 375: The Story’s Middle
How much of a story is middle, anyway?
Originality Is Dead. Long Live Novelty!
Writing is hard enough without asking people to meet outdated standards.
Daniel