The Story Spine: Pixar’s Storytelling Structure

The Story Spine: Pixar’s Storytelling Structure

Pixar has, over and over again, proven themselves one of the greatest storytellers in the world of filmmaking. It’s evident not only with their accolades but also the sheer amount of nostalgia people have for their iconic films. So what’s the secret to their long-term...
What is a Novella?

What is a Novella?

In storytelling, there is power in brevity. The more layers of meaning you fit in a small amount of words can multiply their impact on your readers.  It’s why short-form literature—whether fiction or nonfiction—can be so moving. One particular form, the novella,...
What is the 4th Person Point of View?

What is the 4th Person Point of View?

The point of view you choose to tell a story from can dramatically shape its contents and meaning. Most writers are familiar with the first, second, and third points of view. They’ve been the go-to choices for storytellers for generations.  But what about another...
Should You Write Slower?

Should You Write Slower?

There’s constant pressure to write and finish writing. So you set quantifiable goals that you need to meet—no matter what. You do them at a speed that often ignores the sustainability of your craft. That can lead to burnout. Writing slowly seems counterintuitive, but...
The Colors of Prose and When to Use Them

The Colors of Prose and When to Use Them

You’ve heard of purple prose but did you realize there are other colors of prose you need to avoid? A primer on all three could prevent you from excessive rewrites. Purple Prose Purple prose is flowery or overly ornate language. You’ll find a lot of this in some...
Tuckerization: Inserting Real People Into Your Story

Tuckerization: Inserting Real People Into Your Story

Have you read or watched something and spotted a character with a familiar name? Maybe it’s the name of someone famous or someone you know. This could be a “tuckerization,” a trick writers use to personalize their stories.  What is Tuckerization? Tuckerization is...