Archive

  • Stop Being Bad: The Redemption Arc in Storytelling

    Stop Being Bad: The Redemption Arc in Storytelling

    The story of the redeemed villain is a common and provocative trope in storytelling. It’s always fascinating to witness how a thoroughly evil and vile figure can turn around and repent of their ways. We like to see these tales play out and watch what happens next. It appeals to us. Maybe the villain is… Read more

  • Is It Possible to Be Too Ambitious?

    It’s a question worth asking if you’re a writer. We all have big dreams, and big dreams involve big projects, lots of planning, blood, sweat and tears. Writers want to be known, and they want to put out their best possible work into the world. That takes time. And as we are all acutely aware,… Read more

  • Hard Times: Facing Down Discouragement

    Hard Times: Facing Down Discouragement

    Feeling down in the dumps? Feeling like nothing you do is right or ever will be? If not, don’t worry, you will. I’ve detected a pattern to discouragement in my life. It likes to come at certain times. I wonder if that’s true for everyone. I find that nighttime is the worst for me. A… Read more

  • Stories Talk: Why Dialogue is Important

    We engage in dialogue every day. We talk with people face-to-face. We type emails, send letters, conduct Zoom meetings, send messages via social media. We even talk with ourselves. Any conversation we hold is a dialogue, and wherever there are two or more people (or you and the voice in your head) there is conversation.… Read more

  • When You Get Into Your Groove

    When You Get Into Your Groove

    It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. You start writing, and you’re off to a rough start. You struggle, you groan, you’re on the verge of calling it a day. Then the words start to flow, one after the other. Bam. Bam. Bam. The prose is smooth, the dialogue is superb, and your story… Read more

  • Writing About Tricksters

    I’ve talked about tricksters before, and nine months later, I realize I have more to say. Tricksters are fascinating to read about and to write about. They’re the weirdos who exist on the fringes of polite society. They’re the ones who can get away with what other people can’t. They’re stick their tongues out at… Read more