569: Ep. 569: The Two Halves of the Inciting Event
A series examining the two important "halves" in each of story structure's major beats, beginning with the Inciting Event in the First Act.
522: Ep. 522: The Link Between Your Story’s First Plot Point and Third Plot Point
Deepen your understanding of story structure by examining the parallel functions of the First Plot Point and the Third Plot Point.
Ep. 472: How to Make Your Plot a Powerful Thematic Metaphor
To discover what thematic metaphor your plot is offering from amid its entertaining adventures, all you have to do is ask the right questions.
Ep. 459: Plot, Character, and Theme: The Greatest Love Triangle in Fiction
No matter what type of story you write, its success will arise from the balance of its three most important pieces: plot, character, and theme.
Cohesion and Resonance! Cohesion and Resonance! Cohesion and Resonance!
If you can create a story with cohesion and resonance, you will have written something truly magical. Let's examine what each is, why they matter individually, and how they work to
3 Ways to Test Your Story’s Emotional Stakes
Make sure your story passes these 3 important tests for acing its emotional stakes, and you'll never have any problem getting readers to suspend disbelief.
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 54: Story Events That Don’t Move the Plot
Once you understand what to look for, you can find and fix even the most extraneous of story events before they derail your book's narrative.
3 Steps to Find the Heart of Your Story (How to Outline for NaNoWriMo, Pt. 3)
Can you outline the theme of your story? If you start by asking yourself these three questions, you will be able to find the heart of your story every time.
Most Common Writing Mistakes, Pt. 52: Stagnant Story Conflict
Too many authors write story conflict that isn't so much conflict as a delaying tactic to fill their books. Learn how to fix this problem before it starts!
Do You Have a Writing Superpower? (And Why You Shouldn’t)
Sometimes having a writing superpower means having a writing super-weakness too. But that doesn't have to be you. Learn how to be good at ALL of writing.
How to Know When to Write The End
Unsure whether you've reached your story's end? Answer these five questions to find exactly when to write the end to your story.
Want a Powerful Theme for Your Novel? Play Devil’s Advocate!
Favoritism has no place in a powerful theme. Why? Because your readers will sniff it out in a second and instinctively discount your truth a little bit.
