Why do we tell stories? You could probably give me at least a million different reasons. We tell stories to entertain, distract, raise awareness, help others, even just to make money. Everyone has their own reason. But really, every storyteller has something in common. Deep down—so deep down, in some cases, that the person doesn't … Continue reading Why Does It Matter to Tell Stories that Matter?
Writing Tips
Reblog: Why So Many People Write at Starbucks by A Writer’s Path
Why do so many people write at Starbucks? The answer has to do with me going to Nevis. Let me explain. Brain researchers don’t quite understand it all, but they’re learning more and more about something called “neuroplasticity.” This is the brain’s ability to change neural pathways and synapses due to changes in behavior, environment, […] … Continue reading Reblog: Why So Many People Write at Starbucks by A Writer’s Path
Pixar Uses a Secret to Make Their Stories Unique—Now You Can Use It Too
Have you ever noticed that most protagonists are...kinda the same? Whether it’s a children’s picture book or an adult thriller novel, the protag usually falls into one of two categories: a boy (young man, man, etc.) looking for adventure or a girl (young woman, woman, etc.) looking for independence/freedom. The secondary character and/or best friend … Continue reading Pixar Uses a Secret to Make Their Stories Unique—Now You Can Use It Too
Reblog: How To Finish Writing A Book by Sara Flower Kjeldsen Writes
This post is for people who have great story ideas, but can’t seem to finish a book. I’ve definitely been there – my teens and early 20’s were consistently filled with moments of me being inspired, but not yet having the tools to finish a story. I’m going to share what has helped me finish […] … Continue reading Reblog: How To Finish Writing A Book by Sara Flower Kjeldsen Writes
The Magic of Encanto
It's been almost a year and a half, and everyone is still talking about not talking about Bruno. (Read the sentence again, you'll get it.) If you were around back in 2014 when the Frozen craze hit, you'll recognise the signs of an instant Disney classic. But Encanto is truly something special - it has … Continue reading The Magic of Encanto
How Do You Write a Book?
An updated version of a post from Feb. 2022 Apparently, 81% of people in the U.S. want to write a book. That's enough to say that most people want to write a book in this country, and I suspect the numbers would be pretty big in other countries, too. On the one hand, it's a … Continue reading How Do You Write a Book?
Can We Always Write Every Day?
Write every day. We hear it all the time, and it's great advice. It's important to turn writing into a habit so that it comes naturally to us and we have time set aside for it. But there's one danger of this mantra being pushed so hard, and it's one I've lived. What if there's … Continue reading Can We Always Write Every Day?
Reblog: Story Verbing Part 1 by Stephen Geez on Story Empire
Greetings, Story Empire mavens! Today’s post starts a two-parter on the nuances of choosing effective verbs to enhance description. Sure, it sounds simple, but you might be impressed with the possibilities. Per my pattern, this post starts with the basics so Part 2 next month will let us explore, play, experiment, brainstorm, innovate—pick some cool […] … Continue reading Reblog: Story Verbing Part 1 by Stephen Geez on Story Empire
Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey: A Lesson on Writing Satire and Humour
Sometimes, the best writing tips of all come from simply reading books, which is one of the main reasons why I'm launching this under-appreciated classics series. Some of my all-time favourite books are ones that have mostly been lost to obscurity - but I think they have so much for us to learn. (Not to … Continue reading Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey: A Lesson on Writing Satire and Humour
Yes, You Should Practise Reading Aloud. Here’s Why!
Nowadays, you can get almost anything read to you at the touch of a button. Word processors can read. Almost every book also has an audiobook. The old days of reading aloud to kids or reading with family are fading away into history. But even with the ease of AI readers and audiobooks, reading aloud … Continue reading Yes, You Should Practise Reading Aloud. Here’s Why!
The Story Canvas 