There are two different ways you can blow your story stakes–and both of them have the ability to ruin your book. Before we dig into the pitfalls, let’s take a moment to consider just what story stakes are. What Are Story Stakes? Your character’s stake in your story is his personal investment in the conflict. It’s whatever he […]
May 6, 2015 by 45 Comments CharactersWant an Unforgettable Protagonist? Your Minor Characters Are the Secret
This week’s video explains that one of the reasons Deputy Barney Fife was such a great character was because of the other minor characters on the show—and how you can use your minor characters to make your protagonist even more amazing. Video Transcript: Your characters are the basic puzzle pieces in any story. You’re going […]
November 26, 2014 by 37 Comments Novel EndingsDon’t Let This Sloppy Technique Kill the Tension in Your Story’s Climax
This week’s video points out one of the most egregious mistakes you can make in your story’s climax and how to make sure readers never look away from your exciting finale. Video Transcript: Imagine this: you’ve created an amazing story, full of amazing characters, who are clashing in an epic conflict. Your story’s climax has […]
August 18, 2014 by 2 Comments CharactersWriting Epic Love Stories
Of all the story types, the love story is perhaps the most evergreen. After all, human beings are wired for love. Almost all of us will have romantic relationships (and those who don’t, want to), so all of us relate to love stories on the page or screen. Even better, the strange and fascinating bond […]
July 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment DialogueThe Four Different Types of Conflict in Dialogue
Today, I’m guest posting over on Jane Friedman’s blog, with the post “The Four Different Types of Conflict in Dialogue.” Here’s an excerpt: Conflict in dialogue provides authors with one of their best opportunities for jazzing up their stories and powering their plots. Slow scene? No problemo. Just throw in a nice, heated little argument. What […]
July 9, 2014 by 50 Comments Structuring Your NovelDo You Know the Answer to Your Story’s Most Important Question?
The dramatic question. It’s your story’s most important question. It defines your story. On a simplified level, it is your story. But do you know what it is? The dramatic question is the central element of uncertainty that drives your story. The moment it is asked, your story begins. The moment it is answered, your […]
July 6, 2014 by 41 Comments Most Common Writing MistakesMost Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 31: One-Dimensional Conflict
Conflict is one of the most essential ingredients of fiction. When a character with a goal meets an obstacle to that goal, conflict ensues. Story ensues. But one-dimensional conflict isn’t enough to plumb the depths of a story’s potential. So just what is one-dimensional conflict? When conflict is coming at the protagonist from just one direction, the […]
July 2, 2014 by 67 Comments CharactersHow to Tell if Your Protagonist Needs a Better Goal
Did you know your protagonist isn’t as special as you think? Special means unusual or set apart. And amidst all the many awesome characters in your story, your protagonist may well be just one cool dude among many. So why is he the protagonist? Why not your gorgeous love interest? Why not your brainy sidekick? […]
May 30, 2014 by 43 Comments Writing InspirationCome Up With a Killer Story Concept–Before You Start Writing
Readers only ever see the words of the novel. They have no insight into the planning process, how the story concept came about, or the number of ideas and subplots that may have been taken out of the novel or replaced. But when you sit down to write a novel, don’t make the mistake of thinking the only work […]
May 14, 2014 by 46 Comments Novel EndingsThe Only Sure Way to Write an Emotionally Resonant Climax
What makes for an emotionally resonant climax? In other words, what makes for a good climax? Is it danger? Explosions? A face-off between the protagonist and the antagonist? Near-death experiences? Eh, all good guesses. But these things are like the seasoning on top a good climax, rather than the meat itself. And seasonings, by themselves, […]
