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How to develop story themes: 5 theme examples
The recurring ideas or broad themes of books give us insights into ideas such as 'love', 'honor', 'good vs evil' and much more. Read 5 common theme examples from books that show how to take your story's 'big ideas' and use them to create additional characters and subplots: What is a them...
August 23rd, 2018
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Writing riveting inciting action: 7 ideas
The inciting event or incident - the situation that ignites circumstances fueling your story - is an opportunity to intrigue and win your reader's commitment. Remember these 7 tips to write riveting inciting action: 1: Make readers care 2: Stoke expectations 3: Promise development 4:...
June 11th, 2018
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How to start a scene: 5 ways to reel readers in
Knowing how to start a scene so your reader is involved from the beginning is a skill anyone can develop. Read the following tips to ensure each set of unfolding events in your story captivates from the first few lines: What is a scene? A quick definition A scene is 'A sequence of continuo...
June 19th, 2018
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6 conflict types in fiction: Man vs self
One of the oldest and most compelling types of conflict we encounter in stories is man vs self. Man vs self - or person vs self - is a staple of tragedy in particular. In tragedy, a character's ignorance, arrogance or other trait often leads to downfall. Read a definition of this type of st...
June 28th, 2018
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6 intriguing conflict types in fiction: Man vs nature
Conflict in fiction is a crucial ingredient of tension and suspense. Whether it involves character vs character or character vs environment, conflict makes plots tick onward. Read tips for creating man vs nature (or person vs nature) conflict that shows characters struggling with their environme...
July 2nd, 2018
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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...
July 9th, 2018
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How to write chapters: Create a compelling Chapter 3
We've written about how to structure a chapter generally, writing good opening paragraphs and pages, and developing Chapter One's intrigue in your second chapter. Writing a good third chapter is equally important. Your early chapters hook readers and build interest you can sustain. Read ideas an...
July 30th, 2018
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Finding sentences to start a story: 7 methods
The beginning sentence of a story is often what we'll tweak last. Finding sentences to start a story is easier, after all, when you know later developments you could echo. Read 7 examples of effective opening sentences and the options they suggest for ways to begin: 1. Introduce a key charact...
August 27th, 2018
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How to end a novel: Writing strong story endings
Knowing how to end a novel is an essential skill for fiction writers. Story endings often stay with us as readers - especially when they're satisfying, haunting, clever or profound. Here are 7 ways to end a novel. May they inspire you to find the best closing for your story: 7 ways to en...
September 25th, 2018
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How to write a book series: 6 secrets of success
Learning how to write a book series means mastering the challenges specific to series-writing. Sustaining characters' development over a longer time. Sustaining conflict, tension, and irresolution too. Here are six secrets to creating a successful series: 1. Choose a central idea that creates...
October 4th, 2018
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Realistic dialogue: Creating characters' speech patterns
Realistic dialogue moves stories along. When you give each character an interesting voice and persona, it's a joy to read their conversations. Varied, entertaining speech takes readers into the heart of your characters. Remember, too, that dialogue is crafted speech, and doesn't have to be e...
September 27th, 2018
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How to create tension in a story: 8 simple steps
Understanding how to create tension in a story is key to writing a gripping, 'I'll just read one more page before bed' read. Here are eight steps to ensure your story has effective narrative tension. Watch the brief video below, then read the article: 1: Create a conflict crucial to your char...
November 8th, 2018
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