The 6 Most Important Words in Fiction Writing
Allow me to confuse you for a moment. But only for a moment. This one is complicated, primarily because it looks so stinking simple. If you’ve been here even a little while, you’ve heard me refer to The Six Core Competencies of Storytelling, and perhaps you even know what they are (if not, hit the […]
Story Structure vs. Story Architecture: “Dude… what’s the diff?”
I’ve been hearing that question a lot lately. Story structure is old news, and frankly it rubs some writers the wrong way. It shouldn’t – that’s like saying gravity and taxes rub you the wrong way. Deny them all you want… they’re always there, inescapable, sucking you in. Story architecture, on the other hand, isn’t […]
Why We Should be Thankful We Are Writers
This morning I wasn’t so sure. But tonight I thank God I am a writer. And not just because I pretty much suck at most everything else I’ve tried, either. Earlier in the week I posted a guest blog on a very Big Deal writing site you’ve probably heard of. It was on my thing, […]
Tip #63 – You Won’t Break In To the Business By Imitating Published Authors
Yeah, we’re giving away the farm here on Storyfix. The following is one of the 101 Tips in my new ebook, 101 Slightly Unpredictable Tips for Novelists and Screenwriters. This is the fourth time I’ve served up one of these tasty little tips, ala carte and for free. At this rate you’ll get the whole […]
Selling Your Story: The Thing About Theme
Writing/critique group members: when you’re done reading today’s post — you won’t want to miss it, either — slide down to yesterday’s entry for a special group offer. Now for today’s post… buckle up, it’s a monster… The Thing About Theme As one of what I call “The Six Core Competencies of Successful Storytelling,” you’d […]
How to Double the Effectiveness of your Writing/Critique Group… Overnight
I figure I have to earn the right to sell you something. The following post is a blatant effort to do just that. One with a TON of value. When it’s done, there’s a SPECIAL OFFER for writing/critique groups. It’s a group-discount on my ebook, “101 Slightly Unpredictable Tips for Novelists and Screenwriters.” Safe to […]
Story Structure: A Kinder, Gentler First Plot Point
Pop quiz: what’s the most important moment in your story? When we first meet our dashing hero? Nope. That sky-is-falling plot twist in the middle when all hope is lost? Nope. When everything comes together, that visceral oh-my-god resolution just before the credits roll, with tears flowing, hormones raging and adrenalin pumping like beer at […]
How to Improve Your Story: Thou Shalt Foreshadow
This just in – a cool review of “101 Slightly Unpredictable Tips for Novelists and Screenwriters”… … by a UCLA writing instructor and well-known online guru. You can read it HERE. On to today’s post: Foreshadowing is one of those essential little storytelling kinks – I like to think of it as an opportunity – that […]
Random Musings From Under the Publishing Bus
Things have been pretty heavy here on Storyfix lately. A 10-part series on Story Structure that lasted 13 parts. Three ways to do this, five ways to do that. A new ebook. Me learning what HTML means. If you’re new here, don’t be confused or discouraged. This is a serious writing site, big time. It’s […]
Tip #71 — Make your sub-plot about character arc.
Many of you know I’ve recently launched an ebook called “101 Slightly Unpredictable Tips for Novelists and Screenwriters.” In fact, many of you have already bought one. One of the upsides is that I have a repository of 101 killer writing tips I can use here on Storyfix in a pinch. Or, when the day gets away from […]