To Carrie White, Signed with Pig's Blood
In honor of Stephen King's birthday, here is a letter to one of my favorite characters of his, Carrie White.
Does Writing Fiction Make You More Empathetic?
By Joshua Isard
Science has proven that reading makes you more empathetic. But does writing?
Storyville: What We Can Learn From Reading Bad Fiction
What can a bad story teach us? Turns out, it's a lot.
"Lack of Character Development" is Not Always A Problem
By Peter Derk
Characters don't need to develop all the time. We're fine.
Storyville: How Grateful, Compassionate Protagonists Can Add Depth to Your Fiction
If you have a likable protagonist, does that make for a more appealing, layered, and satisfying experience?
Storyville: Hate From Love—Complex Emotions in Characterization
In order to truly hate, you must love first, so write your characters with this complex relationship in mind.
It’s Thomas Hardy’s Birthday (Do We Care?)
In:
19th century literature, Character, Classics, English literature, Far From the Madding Crowd, Jude the Obscure, Thomas Hardy
Is “Jude the Obscure” really anyone’s favorite book? What does “The Mayor of Casterbridge” say to the 21st century reader?
Does Anyone Really Know What Makes a Story Good?
By Jay Wilburn
While there are some writing conventions that are generally agreed upon, the subtle things that make a story good may be more intangible than we like to think.
The Banality of Evil In Fiction
By Peter Derk
Why is so much evil in fiction so boring? How can you give those evil-doers a little life?
Storyville: Building Up Your Horror Story Before You Tear It Down
Tips on how to build up your horror story before you tear it all down.
The Quick and Dirty Guide to Coming Up With The Perfect Character Name
There’s a lot that goes into naming a character. I’ve narrowed it down to the top five factors you should consider.
Alan Wake: A Look Back At Video Gaming's Best Writer Character
By Peter Derk
Ghosts I ain't afraid of, ghosts I AM afraid of, evaluating the handsomeness of Stephen King, ludonarrative dissonance, and everything else Alan Wake.
The Obsolescence of The Hero's Journey
By Gabriel Hart
Those who prescribe to a set system might be condemned to repeat mediocrity.
Video Games as Literature: A Defense of the Medium
Video games are often looked down on. However, writers and lit enthusiasts can crack open new worlds of stories by appreciating the medium and its unique offerings.
The Importance of the Character Interview
By Cina Pelayo
The more that you know about your characters, the more confidently you can write about them.
Lessons I Learned Ghostwriting Romance (as a Non-Romance Writer)
By Jay Wilburn
After ghostwriting many romance novels, Jay Wilburn learned some lessons that helped with writing stories in other genres.
Science Versus Faith in Fiction
By Peter Derk
Is science an overused tool in writing? What do you stand to gain by adding faith to your fiction?
On Using Personal History As Fiction
The international best-selling author and MasterClass teacher discusses the basis of all fiction.
Showing and Telling, and Trusting the Reader
By Joshua Isard
We all know the cliche, "show don't tell," but it's still a common issue with young writers. That's where trust comes in.
Storyville: Universal Truths Can Help Your Readers Relate
Examples of how to use universal truths in your fiction.
"Cursed": The Road to Redemption Starts with Strong Roots
The Weeping Monk is by far one of the most compelling characters in Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller's 'Cursed', and is a prime example of how to craft a redemption arc.
Why The Punisher Has No Place In The Police Department
By BH Shepherd
A brief explanation of why it is inappropriate for police officers to incorporate the Punisher's symbol into their uniforms.
