Representation Matters: A Literary Call To Arms
Representation is key to good writing. This is true whether you're a novelist or a playwright; whether you work in television or in game development. All narrative has the power to impact culture.
What 'Westworld' Can Teach Us About Writers
By BH Shepherd
What the characters of "Westworld," some of them writers, can teach us about writers.
The Mini-Guide To Writing Sex For Your Genre
By Holly Kothe
There are approximately a zillion questions to consider when it comes to the craft of sex in fiction. One of the most important being: Does your intended audience expect, crave, or even allow sex?
10 Things We Can Learn About Writing from 'You’re the Worst'
We dig deep into Stephen Falk's complicated FXX series.
What Works & What Doesn't: 'Forrest Gump'
Films are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. And you never know why the hell some flavors are so beloved either...
Buy Your Villain a Birthday Present: 5 More Development Exercises
Here are a few more prompts to get the mind juices going as you sit down and get to know your characters:
What 'Stranger Things' Can Teach Us About Characterization
Not only is "Stranger Things" great television, it's also a required lesson in quality characterization.
I Am So Evil - The Problem With Devilish Bad Guys
By Leah Rhyne
Does your bad guy know he's bad? Does she want to hurt people? Or is your bad guy one who thinks, "Hmm...I'm the good guy here."? Which is more compelling? An exploration of antagonists.
Making A Murderer: How Good Storytelling Made It So Damn Compelling
By Peter Derk
In:
Character, documentary, Legal, Making A Murderer, Netflix, Plot, Steve Avery, Structure, Television, True Crime
'Making A Murderer' was a fascinating story, but good storytelling made it truly excellent.
Advice From A Literary Character: Bridget Jones
One of your favorite literary characters takes on life's big questions.
Jessica Jones vs. Sansa Stark: Rape Culture in Entertainment, and Why We Should Talk About It
By Leah Rhyne
In:
A Song of Ice and Fire, Character, Comics, game of thrones, Jessica Jones, Literary Devices, Marvel, Rape, Theme
Trigger warning: We are going to talk about rape, and our reactions to the loss of innocence vs. the thirst for revenge.
How Backstory Almost Totally Fucked Up the Star Wars Franchise: A Lesson for Writers
By Cath Murphy
The Star Wars prequels almost killed the Star Wars franchise and it wasn't just because of Hayden Christensen's acting. The toxic element was an overdose of backstory.
American Horror Backstory: The Use of Flashbacks in "AHS: Hotel"
This FX TV series may not always concern itself with plot, but it always loves its characters. But how much is too much?
Everybody Hates You: Using Empathy to Write Realistic Characters
If you want any chance of writing believable characters and stories worth reading, then being able to empathize with all of your characters must be your top priority.
Five Situations Horror Characters Get Themselves Into (and What Would Happen in Real Life)
Among the lessons you will learn: Karma's a bitch, don't piss off serial killers, and never under any circumstances enter a basement.
4 Things the Wild Success of 'Mr. Robot' Can Teach Us About Writing
By Cath Murphy
'Mr. Robot' has transformed its parent network USA from sad loser to crowing superstar. How? With superb writing. Here's what we can learn from its success.
6 Books That Would Make Great Reality TV Shows
These books could easily jump off the page and onto your screens.
The Problem with Rape's Portrayal in Fiction
By Robbie Blair
Rape is a sensitive topic that deserve a complex portrayal, but major trends in media and fiction fail to reach that complexity—and often cause a lot of damage.
6 Ways to Save a Mary Sue
By Robbie Blair
If you've realized that you accidentally wrote a Mary Sue, this article will help you change that overpowered lead into a relatable character.
5 Strategies for Enriching Your Character Arcs
By Robbie Blair
In:
Character
Are your character arcs falling flat? This article teaches you five strategies for improving them.
