Character tropes (common stock characters) have their place in stories. Satires and spoofs, for example, use types such as the 'cool mom' or 'orphan who must save… Read more
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Writer’s block is frustrating when you have a story you want to tell but can't find the words to tell it. However, feeling stuck needn't be the… Read more
You can easily find a novel outline template such as a spreadsheet full of empty fields to fill. Yet columns and rows of blank space are also… Read more
'Motivation' is a word that comes up time and again when we survey readers and members on writing challenges. There may not be a single, exclusive solution… Read more
The word 'motif' is often used interchangeably with the word 'theme' in writing about stories. What exactly are motifs in stories, and how can you use them… Read more
In classic stories, characters often step off the page from their first introduction, fully realized. How do you write good character description that reveals enough to hook… Read more
Character development gives fictional characters depth. Like us, characters grow, change, make mistakes and learn (or don’t). Read 9 ways to make your characters grow and take… Read more
Dystopian stories about characters or societies grappling with 'bad places' like post-apocalyptic wastelands remain popular for several reasons. For one, their situations naturally supply intense conflict, drama… Read more
Developing stories from the foundations of an idea to full novels is challenging. Yet the simple question 'What if?' is a powerful tool. Read 5 examples of… Read more