Writing isn't intuitive. Sure, I think that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, but even the best of writers don't know it all. We all need to learn, and one of the most foundational concepts of writing that we will be practising for the rest of our lives is writing with emotion. It sounds … Continue reading Emotional Writing 101: How to Connect with Readers on a Deeper Level
storytelling
Why Writers Should Watch TV
"Stay away from screens - they rot your brain!" everyone cries. And this is certainly true - getting too much screen time day after day brings a slew of terrible side effects for both mental and physical health. But, just like most activities, watching TV isn't inherently bad (unless, well, what you're watching is inherently … Continue reading Why Writers Should Watch TV
Do You Really Know Your Book’s Genre?
After working with authors from all over the world on many kinds of different story projects, I've seen a common theme. Many times, they present me with their masterpiece and I can instantly tell that the writing is good - but something is missing from the story. Something very important. Maybe there's no character development, a … Continue reading Do You Really Know Your Book’s Genre?
The Stories that Shaped Me: Star Wars
How do you like Tuesdays? Specifically, what do you think of my Tuesday blog posts? I think it's beneficial to talk about good (and bad) stories so that we can learn from what others have done. Let me know your opinion in the comments! For now, I'm starting yet another new series about the stories … Continue reading The Stories that Shaped Me: Star Wars
Why Does It Matter to Tell Stories that Matter?
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?
What Makes Your Book Different?: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 6
Welcome to my ten-part series where we’ll be going through the ten basics of storytelling as outlined in my guidebook The 10 Lost Elements of Storytelling – a book you can get for free by subscribing to my newsletter! In these posts, we’ll be going over the basics of these storytelling elements, but my guidebook is more detailed … Continue reading What Makes Your Book Different?: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 6
Why Your Book Will Fail Without Good Characters: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 3
Welcome to my ten-part series where we’ll be going through the ten basics of storytelling as outlined in my guidebook The 10 Lost Elements of Storytelling – a book you can get for free by subscribing to my newsletter! In these posts, we’ll be going over the basics of these storytelling elements, but my guidebook is more detailed … Continue reading Why Your Book Will Fail Without Good Characters: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 3
What I Learned from the Writer’s Games
The clock is ticking. Your fingers are typing away and your mind is working at the speed of light. Word after word appears on the page as if by magic. This is what it's like writing a story for the Writer's Games. For years, this wonderful competition by The Writer's Workout slipped past my radar. … Continue reading What I Learned from the Writer’s Games
The Pipe Predicament Chapter 2 – a Sci-fi Mystery Story
As the moment of discomfort passed, Kr’zani sniffed. Was that the same smell from the fuel pipe coming from Stone? “What's put you in a bad mood today, then? Don't tell me it was…well, me?”Kr’zani’s tail swished back and forth as he identified the scent for certain. “This is my normal mood, as always, Mr. Stone.”“And … Continue reading The Pipe Predicament Chapter 2 – a Sci-fi Mystery Story
Heir to the Empire: A Lesson on How to Weave Together Story Threads
Looking for a quick, thrilling read to sink your teeth into? Check out my books here! I know, I know. It's taken me way too long to read Heir to the Empire. For those of you not immersed in the Star Wars galaxy, Heir to the Empire is like the Star Wars book. As in, … Continue reading Heir to the Empire: A Lesson on How to Weave Together Story Threads
The Story Canvas 