If there’s a magic ingredient in writing, it’s story subtext. It’s actually not magic, of course, any more than any of the other demystified techniques of structure, theme, or character arc. But story subtext often seems like magic simply because, by its very nature, it is the execution of the unexplained. What is Subtext in Fiction? Subtext is […]
October 12, 2026 by 7 Comments Plotting Your NovelThe 5 Ingredients You Need to Write Subtext in Fiction
February 16, 2026 by 13 Comments PodcastThe Four-Act Structure and the Circular Shape of Story
When writers start talking about story structure, usually the first things people think of are beats, turning points, and acts. But underneath all of that is a more fundamental question: What is the shape of story itself? Is story fundamentally linear, moving from beginning to middle to end—or does a different pattern emerge? This question […]
January 12, 2026 by 6 Comments Plotting Your NovelStory Stakes: When to Reveal Them—and Why Timing Is Everything
Here’s what’s most important for writers to understand about story stakes. Story stakes are what characters stand to lose if they fail—not what they gain if they succeed. Stakes are the emotional cost of the story’s outcome and the primary reason readers care what happens next. Character motivations drive your story. The protagonist’s motivation informs […]
November 3, 2025 by 10 Comments Podcast5 Ways to Keep the Story Moving Between the Big Moments
Many writers discover that connecting the plot points of a story is far harder than identifying them. It’s easy enough to name the big turning points on a beat sheet, but when you sit down to write the pages that bridge those landmarks, the story can feel as if it’s stalling in the middle. The […]
July 21, 2025 by 20 Comments CharactersWhat Makes a Story “Bad”? A Guide to Why Your Narrative Isn’t Working
We’ve all experienced it: a story that looks good on paper, features big-name characters, or starts with an intriguing premise—but somehow falls flat. Maybe the characters feel hollow, the plot drifts without purpose, or the ending lands with a thud. But what actually makes a story “bad”? Are there pitfalls you can look out for […]
May 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment NewsNow on Audio! Next Level Plot Structure
Today, I’m thrilled to announce Next Level Plot Structure is now available on audio! I’ve heard from so many of you who were hoping for an audiobook from the very beginning—as soon as the print and digital versions launched last summer. Big thanks for hanging in there and cheering it on! I truly appreciate your […]
April 14, 2025 by 17 Comments CharactersDisillusionment Arc in Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Character Growth
The Disillusionment Arc is one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant transformations a character can undergo. At its core, this arc is about awakening—shedding comforting illusions to face a stark and often uncomfortable Truth. While it shares similarities with the Positive Change Arc, the Disillusionment Arc doesn’t always lead to a hopeful resolution. Instead, […]
March 31, 2025 by 16 Comments CharactersHow Writers Can Use the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs
Great character arcs are built on transformation, and one of the most powerful frameworks for understanding this journey is the four stages of knowing in character arcs. These stages map a character’s growth through initiation to enlightenment to integration in a way that feels deeply satisfying to readers. Why? Because it is yet another way […]
March 17, 2025 by 39 Comments CharactersIs This the Alternative to the Monomyth We’ve All Been Searching For?
From KMW: If you’ve been following my work, you know how much I emphasize the power of Flat Arc archetypes in storytelling—characters like the Child, Lover, Ruler, Elder, and Mentor, who don’t undergo drastic change but instead remain true to their core nature, influencing the world around them. That’s why I’m excited to share today’s […]
March 3, 2025 by 17 Comments CharactersYour Character’s Three Choices: Character Goal Examples for Writers
Most writers understand that strong character goals are essential to a compelling story. But did you know that within every plot, three distinct types of goals shape every character’s journey? These are fundamental, primary, and secondary goals. In exploring these character goal examples for writers, you can gain a clearer understanding of how character, plot, […]
