Many people comment on the ways that filmmakers change things when they adapt books. What few people talk about is the fact that sometimes, that’s a good thing.
Category: The Craft
Posts concern the hard and fast consistencies of writing: the grammar of it. A great story may survive even if written in pink crayon with poor spelling—but that certainly does it no favors. We search not for rules but for expectations: how do people expect you to communicate to them? Once you know the so-called rules, whether you follow them is up to you.
Real-Life Setting, Made-Up World
Over the years, I’ve realized that I never write about a place I’ve never seen. This may make those who know me scratch their heads. I write a lot of fantasy, after all. How have I seen fantastical worlds? But here’s why even the most outlandish fiction can benefit from real-world settings.
Tips for Writing Non-Fiction
I love the quote by Ernest Hemingway that says, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” I think this is especially true when it comes to non-fiction. Non-fiction is inherently vulnerable because it’s honest and true.
The Darker Side of Character
Not all protagonists are heroes. Though we love the innate goodness that beloved heroes have, sometimes our stories call for the morally gray or even evil characters to take the lead.
Writing an Ensemble Cast
Get the gang together! Today we’re going to look at how you tell your story from multiple character viewpoints—in other words, an ensemble cast.
Creating Memorable Characters
I’m sure you’ve read many books, blog posts, and articles about how to make your characters come to life. I’d like to take a different spin on that. What if an object told your character’s story?
