Why is Your Most Important Question
In a post on Writers in the Storm, Sarah Hamer examines the important question of why our characters want what they want and act...
Anticipation and Subversion
In their latest episode, the Writing Excuses hosts discuss the dichotomy between creating anticipation and surprising the reader by subverting their expectations. They examine...
Scenes and Sequels Hold the Keys to Stakes
In a new blog post, Kristen Lamb tackles the important subject of stakes - what they are, how to build them, and how to...
The Beauty of Digression
In a post on Lit Hub, Mark Haber extols the virtues of digression. "All fiction is artifice, however a more conventional novel with its...
Writing Irresistible Character Relationships
In a post on Writers in the Storm, Lynette Burrows offers advice on writing irresistible character relationships. "Relationships are a large part of what...
What Makes a Gothic Novel
In a guest post on Jane Friedman's blog, Hannah Kate Kelley examines the elements of gothic fiction and suggests ways to outline a gothic...
An Interview on Tension with P. Djèlí Clark
In their latest podcast, the Writing Excuses hosts interview Ring Shout author P. Djèlí Clark. They dive into contextual vs. narrative tension, why food...
Why All Great Stories Need Agency
In a new blog post, Kristen Lamb says that character agency is the critical element to every great story. "Agency means a condition of...
5 Ways to Layer Pacing in Your Script
In an article on ScreenCraft, Ken Miyamoto analyzes five layers of story pacing. Yes, the concept, story, and characters have to be great," he says....
How to Use Promise, Progress, and Payoff to Craft Stories and...
In a new post, September Fawkes says that a three-point foundation of promise, progress, and payoff can help you craft strong scenes and stories....
