-
Many people think small talk gets in the way. But it can help writers build the relationships they want their readers to notice. Let’s explore whether small talk belongs in a story, or if it’s a waste of time. What is small talk? Small talk is an informal conversation. It’s considered polite to engage in…
-
On June 14, 1899, Yasunari Kawabata was born in Osaka, Japan. He was orphaned at two and sent to live with his grandparents. After graduating from high school before his 18th birthday, he gained entrance to Tokyo Imperial University as an English major. He mainly wrote fiction stories, though he often found work as a…
·
-
A powerful approach to crafting stories is to incorporate theater techniques, particularly the structure of play writing, into the creation of a novel. Theatrical structure, with its explicit acts, scenes, and dramatic arcs, can add fresh energy to a novel. It can provide a helpful framework that can improve a novel’s pacing, tension, and emotional…
-
As writers, the adage “show, don’t tell” is often easier said than done. This phrase encapsulates a fundamental principle that goes beyond writing and into the nuances of human interaction. Body language, often seen as a silent yet powerful form of expression, plays a critical role in conveying emotions, intentions, and attitudes. Understanding these subtleties…
-
1. Hearing Audio provided by MusicSesame. 2. Sight 3. Smell Desiccated leaves from a dead tree. 4. Taste Sugar cookies fresh from the oven. 5. Touch A mountain of warm blankets.
-
The idea of backstory often sparks discussion among writers, critics, and readers. Backstory is the history and context that come before the current story. It’s essential for developing characters by helping move the plot forward and adding depth to themes. Understanding the role of backstory in shaping characters is important. Supporters of backstory believe that…
-
1. Hearing Audio provided by MusicSesame. 2. Sight 3. Smell A seedy nightclub in 1920s New York. 4. Taste A sip of cold water on a hot summer’s day. 5. Touch via GIPHY
-
The hero’s journey is a common story structure that takes a main character from their everyday life and thrusts them into a challenging world. This journey leads to personal growth and often ends with the hero returning home, sometimes feeling bittersweet. Joseph Campbell explains this concept in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”…
-
1. Hearing Audio provided by MusicSesame. 2. Sight 3. Smell The smell of soil after a rainstorm. 4. Taste 5. Touch A green and black rubber ball.