Story Structure
Twist Villains: Hate them, love them, write them right.
Okay, so controversy in the writing world apparently means twists! Today, I want to address a character trope that's often said with a pointed eye roll: twist villains. I'm sure you know the type (anything by M. Night Shymalan). But here's the thing! This director...
Worldbuilding for SFF – Your Story Takes Place Where??
So, you’ve got an idea for a book? Fabulous! It’s a work of SciFi/fantasy, you say? Awesome! Ah, and I see you’ve got a list of characters and a general plot of your story. You’re doing great! Now what about a worldbuilding outline?
Show, Don’t Tell is Bad Advice
Ready for some bad advice? Show, don't tell. I'm going to give you a second to rage at your computer, laptop, or phone.... done? Okay, let's talk about why it's the worst advice you can offer a writer. What info does show don't tell really give? Anton Chekhov once...
Fantasy Worldbuilding and the Three Bears
Fantasy Worldbuilding. Now there's a topic that I could talk about (or write about in this case) for hours on end. There's a lot to consider when it comes to creating a world for your story, after all! And you don't want to mess it up. Too much is obnoxious, too...
Outlining Novels, Campfire Style
Let’s jump right into today’s topic: outlining novels. This is arguably one of the first steps taken when you’re preparing to finally write that best seller. Campfire writing is an outlining process that helps storytellers learn how to both structure and free-write.
Writing Cliches and How to Avoid Them
An opinion most of us storytellers can agree on is that writing cliches is the ultimate no-go. Don’t do it, nope. And if you do? Better subvert expectations and turn that trope on its head.
Action Scenes? Cool Story, Bro.
Let’s talk about action scenes. These are pivotal moments in your story that you’ve been building up to with carefully curated pacing… time to make it or break it. Entrance your reader, or lose them forever. You’re about to define your story right now.