Prewriting: What It Is and How to Do It

Prewriting: What It Is and How to Do It

When we read other people’s books, it’s easy to marvel at how everything seems to tie in together. We imagine that the author is just a skillful writer who can expertly present ideas in a well-organized fashion, and we wish we could do the same.  The good news is...
Subplots: How to Add Complexity to Your Story

Subplots: How to Add Complexity to Your Story

Just as a tree needs secondary roots to help it stay upright, a good story is strengthened by the smaller events happening alongside it. Without any support, the perfect plot just collapses in on itself. That’s why all good stories need a subplot. In fact, they...
5 Tips for Writing Your Setting as a Character

5 Tips for Writing Your Setting as a Character

When it comes to writing, the setting is mostly a fixed element; a backdrop against which you paint a world full of memorable characters and compelling plots. You’ve heard of plot-driven and character-driven stories, but rarely do we talk about setting-driven...
Scene and Sequel: How to Plot an Epic Novel

Scene and Sequel: How to Plot an Epic Novel

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a plotter or a pantser; any story you write must have a purposeful progression of events that readers follow towards a conclusion. After all, how can you tell a story if there’s no meaningful movement? Some passages...