Writing Lesson 13 – Digging for Goals

Creating Unforgettable Characters, Part 3 Dig up a goal to motivate your characters into action. They will have depth and your story will come alive. Delve into each character’s personality and ask about the hidden fears, secrets, and the values. … [Continue reading]

Writing Lesson 12 – Creating Inner Conflict

Creating Emotion in Writing Almost every writing class or craft book will tell you the same thing: fiction must create a compelling emotional experience. The problem is these teachers also let you know that if your character cries, the reader … [Continue reading]

Writing Lesson 11 – Taste the Rainbow!

Sensory Writing is Sensational! Reading and writing are by nature very visual activities, but most people have five senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. The more sensory perceptions you are able to engage in your writing, the more your … [Continue reading]

Writing Lesson 10 – Know Your Enemy

Create Villains as Real as Your Heroes When you’re planning a story, it is natural to pour your efforts into developing your protagonist’s character. You may spend a lot of time imagining his or her history, strengths, weaknesses, physical … [Continue reading]

Writing Lesson 9 – Liven It Up!

Show, Don't Tell If there's one thing you will be told as a writer over and over again, it's Show, Don't Tell. So, if you haven't heard that said before, allow me to be the first. What does it mean to show and not tell? It means to let the reader … [Continue reading]