Do you know, off the top of your head, how much time your story should cover? If not, you’re definitely not alone. This is a tough question for most authors to answer. I keep track of the date and time of each scene in my story, and I still couldn’t tell you off the top of my head […]
February 13, 2015 by 28 Comments Plotting Your Novel4 Reasons You Might Be Missing Out on Your Best Plot Ideas
Are you missing some of your best plot ideas? Some writers tell me they find it easy to create characters and story worlds, but struggle to create enough plot. What they often don’t realize is they already have significant and rather good plot material–if only they knew where to look. Here are four places where […]
December 12, 2014 by 27 Comments Writer's HelpThe Secret to Writing a Protagonist Who’s Both Unique and Universal
All creative writers must strike that terrible balance between the needs of the characters and the needs of the plot. It’s a wretched ping-pong game sometimes, and we can feel as if one will win over the other. But deep down we know it shouldn’t be that way. The elements of character and plot are not in […]
November 23, 2014 by 32 Comments ThemeWhat Is the Role of Theme in a Story’s Climax?
Today, I’m going to be a bad blog writer. I’m not going to make you think at all to find the answer to the title question: “What is the role of theme in a story’s climax?” I’m just going to tell you straight up: The role of theme in your story’s climax is all-important. The […]
November 16, 2014 by 52 Comments ThemeDon’t Know Your Story’s Theme? Take a Look at Your Character’s Arc
What separates a good story from a great one? We might throw out a lot of opinions, but mine is this: Your story’s theme is what will raise it above the pack, out of mere entertainment into something that sticks with readers, impacts their lives, and maybe even challenges them to grow. Awesomesauce!, you say. […]
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 […]
April 23, 2014 by 34 Comments CharactersWhy Protagonists Must Suffer to Be Interesting
“Stories are about things happening to protagonists.” Would you agree with that statement? I’d agree. But we’d have to add a further statement: “Interesting stories are about things that matter happening to protagonists.” Not just things that matter generically—but things that matter very specifically to this specific character. Sometimes these things will be wonderful things: […]
January 15, 2014 by 17 Comments Plotting Your NovelToo Much Complexity in Fiction? How to Avoid “Double Mumbo Jumbo” in Your Story
Complexity in fiction is a beautiful thing. But so is simplicity—particularly since not all complexity is good complexity. There’s a principle in storytelling, which Blake Snyder referred to in his popular book Save the Cat!, as “double mumbo jumbo.” The idea is that one unusual or unexpected story element may be awesome on its own, […]
December 15, 2013 by 18 Comments CharactersHow the Antagonist Affects Character Arc
When crafting a powerful story, it’s easy to focus solely on external conflict—what the protagonist wants and who stands in the way. Howver, to create truly resonant fiction, writers must also consider how the antagonist affects character arc. The best antagonists don’t just block the protagonist’s outer goals; they also challenge the protagonist’s inner beliefs, […]
October 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment CharactersHow to Create Conflict and Plot Out of Character
Today, I’m guest posting on The Write Now Coach, with a post about “How to Create Conflict and Plot Out of Character.” Here’s an excerpt: “No conflict, no story.” We’ve all heard that one enough times that we can now sagely nod our heads whenever it’s repeated. But, today, let’s stop and think about it. If […]
