Setting is a story element that must do double duty in any genre: it’s your backdrop, so it shouldn’t take over and become the story, but it should be chosen deliberately and used to both enrich and amplify your scenes. It should blend in and be influential. But this is especially true in mystery novels […] The post Colonel Mustard in the Ballroom: How Setting Shapes Mystery appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
A cardinal sin of storytelling is to skimp on conflict, and no wonder. Those problems, challenges, obstacles, and inner struggles help keep readers engaged, casting doubt on the character’s ability to achieve their goal. Because readers are focused on what’s happening from one scene to the next, it can appear that conflict is only occurring […] The post How to Use the Four Levels of Conflict to Strengthen Your Story appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
Okay, fair warning—what you’re about to learn in this article might spoil movies, TV shows, and books for you forever. BUT—as a writer, you have to peel back the mechanics of story to understand how to make your book awesome, so even if you hate spoilers you’re going to love having the inside track on […] The post How to Pair Your Book’s Beginning and Ending to Satisfy Readers appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
When it comes to showing our character’s path to healing in the aftermath of a destructive wound, we need to take it slow.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
Taking the time to choose the right setting for each scene is one of the best ways to ensure our writing has impact. Why? Because the setting touches everything. It can characterize the story’s cast, evoke mood, generate conflict, shape the plot, and even use symbols and emotional triggers to show readers what the protagonist […] The post How to Amp up Your Story Setting appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
Tapping into our reader’s psyche to pull on their emotions is essential. The secret to achieving it is emotional common ground.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
Revision doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be one of the most creative and clarifying stages of the process.| WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®