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8 Setting Examples From Bestselling Fiction

Explore 8 setting examples from recent fiction – from magical libraries to Martian deserts – and learn how to craft immersive, powerful settings in your own stories.

 

June 13th, 2025

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Dialogue words: Other words for 'said' (and what to avoid)

Writing effective, compelling dialogue has multiple elements. It's not only what characters say but how they say it that matters. Read other words for said as well as tips for keeping your dialogue natural and engrossing: What is a 'dialogue tag' (or speech tag)? Tags (like name tags) iden...

June 11th, 2025

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Point of view: Complete guide to POV in stories

Perspective writing is an aspect of narration many writers struggle with. Yet point of view is an important element of storytelling. Read a complete guide to point of view including first person, second and third, plus objective point of view, with definitions and examples: Contents of this P...

June 11th, 2025

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What is a Cliché? Definition, Examples, and How to Avoid Them

Clichés can set readers on high alert — making them question the author's ability and imagination and pulling them out of the story. But what are some examples, and how can you avoid them in your writing?

June 11th, 2025

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Adjectives for description: 60 precise words

Finding the right adjectives for description is tough. Try these 7 tips, and create your own describing word dictionary: What is an adjective? Adjectives are parts of speech used to modify nouns. They describe and make people and things more specific. How do you identify an adjective? ...

June 11th, 2025

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Main Antagonist: Iconic Opponents in Literature and Movies

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly an antagonist is, why they are important to a story, and what makes a great main antagonist, drawing examples from literature and films.

June 11th, 2025

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Person vs society: 6 types of story conflict

External conflicts in fiction - conflicts between characters and outside sources rather than inner battles - are an important part of storytelling. 'Man vs society' (or, rather, person vs society) is a conflict authors often use to explore society and culture. This conflict in literature ex...

June 11th, 2025

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What is the Everyman Archetype? Definition, Examples, and Tips

An everyman is a completely ordinary, highly relatable character. Find out why and how to use the everyman archetype in your writing.

June 6th, 2025

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The 20 Most Common Themes in Literature (With Examples)

What is a theme in literature? And which are the most common ones? We'll answer everything in this guide, with plenty of examples.

June 3rd, 2025

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Sci Fi vs Fantasy: What’s The Real Difference?

Explore the real differences between science fiction and fantasy — from worldbuilding and settings, to timelines and themes — and even the places where their boundaries overlap.

May 30th, 2025

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How to Start a Story in Third Person

Third person is arguably the most versatile POV — provided you harness its power effectively. Begin as you mean to go on and learn how to start a story in third person.

May 28th, 2025

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What is Sensory Language? Definition + Examples

Learn what sensory language is and how you can use it to immerse readers in the magic of your story.

May 20th, 2025

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