by Cole Salao
Think of your favorite book. On the surface, it’s a story—a series of events with a plot, a setting, and characters driving the action. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find the underlying ideas or messages that give the story its emotional and intellectual weight....
by Cole Salao
Grammar can be tricky, especially when it comes to pairs like neither/nor and either/or. They look simple, but people often mix them up, leading to confusing or incorrect sentences. Let’s talk about their differences and how you can use them correctly. What Do...
by Cole Salao
You’ve seen this plenty of times in fiction: A woman dies horribly, thus fueling the male protagonist’s journey. This is a controversial storytelling technique called “fridging”. Is it a legitimate way to create progress, or will you alienate...
by Cole Salao
Ever written a character you thought was perfect, only to find out your readers couldn’t stand them? You’re not alone. Many writers struggle with creating characters that are well-rounded and enjoyable. Sometimes, a character’s traits—intentional or...
by Cole Salao
Nonfiction doesn’t have to be all facts and no fun. A dash of humor can turn a boring piece into something your readers can’t put down. But how can you add humor that complements your message? Why Humor Belongs in Nonfiction Readers love a writer who feels...
by Cole Salao
Children are tricky to write well. You want them to exist on their own but not feel like a burden to the story. Too often, children in stories either come across as annoyingly precocious or melodramatic. So why even bother? Why put yourself through the struggle of...