Writing Lessons Learned from 80s Horror Movies
By Jay Wilburn
1980 was over 40 years ago. 80s horror movies are now all classics or didn't stand the test of time. Either way, they can teach us a lot about good and bad writing.
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.
Stop Being Lazy and Write Different Types of Characters
Stereotypes are played out. It's time to get REAL and write people the way they actually are.
Five Situations Horror Characters Get Themselves Into (and What Would Happen in Real Life)
Among the lessons you will learn: Karma's a bitch, don't piss off serial killers, and never under any circumstances enter a basement.
The Butler Did It: Why We Always Blame the Servants
The guilty butler trope appears to damn servants by their employment status alone. After all, they know everything about the victim’s daily routine, and they’re always suspiciously nearby.
The Age of the Unoriginal Idea
In an era where every story is recycled, how do we as writers strive for originality?
Hide Your Mistletoe: The Bizarre Tradition of Holiday Romance
Since it’s the season of generosity, I figured I would give the internet a present: Puritan sex.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: Guns And Bullet Ballistics
Everything you need to know about firearms, the physics of bullets, and SCIENCE!
Dystropia: No More Mr. Vice Guy!
By Troy Farah
In this month's Dystropia, we look at Mr. Vice Guy, a character with obvious flaws, addictions and weaknesses. Mr. Vice guy is more dimensional, sure, but as you'll learn, it's not always that easy.
Dystropia: How The Damsel in Distress Has Evolved
By Troy Farah
From ancient Greek myths to Snow White to today, Dystropia looks at the trope of the Damsel in Distress.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: Multiple Personalities
What you need to know about the dissociative identity disorder, multiple personalities, and SCIENCE.
It's Made Of SCIENCE: The Speed Of Light
What you need to know about the speed of light, faster-than-light travel, and SCIENCE.
Dystropia: All Hail The Magnificent Bastard
By Troy Farah
In this episode of Dystropia, we look at the Magnificent Bastard, who is cunning, charming and crafty. What makes him tick and why are we all of a sudden so attracted to him?
Dystropia: Examining the Trope of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl
By Troy Farah
A column in which we explore the various misgivings and strengths of girls that are Manic, Pixie and Dreamy.
Top 10 Storytelling Cliches Writers Need To Stop Using
By Rob Hart
There are certain storytelling clichés writers go back to again and again. And they shouldn't. Because they are terrible, and they need to be destroyed.
Screenwriting: Insert Woman Here - Sidestepping the Sausage Fest
Where are all the female characters in your screenplay? Why should you care about adding some? Where can you put them?
10 Reasons Your Screenplay Sucks (and how to fix it)
In:
Character, Cliche, Dialogue, Grammar, INT/EXT, List, Plot, screenwriting, Syd Field, Top 10, Voice
What makes a reader hate a screenplay on sight? Here are 10 pet peeves - and fixes.
Cliche, the Literary Default
Stories start from a default position of cliché: readers go into stories with expectations, and if too many are fulfilled the spell is broken. So, how do writers engage when the odds are against them?
Learning from Clichés… then Leaving them Behind
In:
Cliche
To achieve excellence, a writer must learn to identify and eliminate clichés. Chuck demonstrates the use of placeholders where more inventive language is needed, while counter-intuitively recommending style mimicry as a positive stage of learning.
