by Cole Salao
Family secrets are a delicious source of complexity in fiction. They quickly introduce drama into a story, heightening tension and keeping the audience enthralled. Just look at how much they’re used in classic stories. Plenty of gruesome fates could have been avoided...
by Cole Salao
As kids, it’s pretty common to read books with nonhuman protagonists. But as we grow, stories tend to be more about human protagonists, with maybe an animal sidekick here and there. Plenty of nonhuman characters have captured our imaginations, whether they’re animals,...
by Cole Salao
For years, most mainstream protagonists were portrayed as white. However, there has been a growing awareness and exploration of other cultures, ethnicities, and societies in recent years. With this need for diversity, efforts have been made to publish and disseminate...
by Cole Salao
In writing, a concept and premise are often used interchangeably. However, while they are linked, the two are not the same. Both are different steps in the story-building process. Let’s talk about the reasons why you, as a writer, need to know their differences. What...
by Cole Salao
Gone are the days when heroes simply need to embody Good. It doesn’t matter what genre you’re writing in, your character must not only be memorable but unique enough to avoid being derivative. After all, premises and settings get your readers diving into a book but...