[ad_1] Nailing proper use of POV (point of view) is a challenge for many fiction writers. It seems easy, right? Whoever has the point of view in a scene is telling and showing the events unfolding. You can only be in one head per scene, the current “rule” goes. Back in the day (some decades […]

[ad_1] Every segment of a story offers its own challenges, but perhaps none leaves more writers bewildered than the Second Act. At least beginnings and endings provide a checklist of things to accomplish. The middle of the story, on the other hand, is a yawning blank. You may feel like you’re entirely without a guide […]

[ad_1] Editing’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. The best person, though, to edit a manuscript or article or blog post is the author herself. Sure, writers can—and should, when necessary—hire a professional copyeditor to go through and correct a manuscript before it is sent off to an agent or book designer […]

[ad_1] Today, I want to talk about writing strong themes, because there’s a lot of misunderstanding around the concept of theme (which is why I wrote the book Writing Your Story’s Theme). When we think of theme, we often think of a one-word or short phrase aphorism. For example, maybe the theme of the story […]

[ad_1] Post by DiAnn Mills. A reader experiences a suspenseful story when the writing leaves them excited, anxious, and turning pages. Time stands still. The world around the reader fades into obscurity. Devouring each word while sitting on the edge of their seats. Their beloved character faces danger and a high risk of failure. The […]

[ad_1] The First Plot Point is a linchpin in narrative architecture. This pivotal moment thrusts the protagonist into a new and irrevocable direction. Positioned around the 25% mark, it serves as a seismic shift, propelling the tale from the initial groundwork of the First Act into the uncharted territory of escalating tension and conflict. This […]

[ad_1] The Inciting Event is one of the most crucial turning points in story structure. It can either make or break your narrative. Many writers, however, struggle with its intricacies and timing. Is the Inciting Event the initial brush with the main conflict? Is it a Call to Adventure met with refusal? Where does it […]

[ad_1] The First Act is the first major section within story structure. It comprises the first quarter of the story and focuses primarily on setting up and introducing the plot. As the foundation for everything, a solid First Act ensures your plot can achieve solidity and depth in subsequent acts. Within the First Act, we […]

[ad_1] By Luke Palder. Most memoirs are written not by the authors themselves but by ghostwriters. Although these authors have fascinating stories to tell, they often don’t have the time or desire to painstakingly write a manuscript on their own. A ghostwriter is a professional writer who takes the material and anecdotes an author provides […]

[ad_1] Readers are like fish. Smart fish. Fish who know authors are out to get them, reel them in, and capture them for the rest of their sea-going lives. Like all self-respecting fish, readers aren’t caught easily. They aren’t about to surrender to the lure of your story unless you present them with an irresistible […]