books
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Showing & Sometimes Telling: Bringing Character Emotions to Life
Our connection to a story hinges on how deeply we empathize with characters. As writers, we always hear the advice, “Show, don’t tell.” But what does that mean? And is telling always bad? This blog post will deepen your understanding of the concept and explore techniques to craft compelling narratives. Deconstructing “Showing” Showing involves using Continue reading
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How Far Are You Willing to Go for Something You Want?
I just finished watching “Fear Street: Prom Queen.” It is a 2025 Netflix movie. Like most Netflix horror movies, it was somewhat lacking in delivery. I was in the mood for a slasher flick, and I guess it did a good enough job at scratching the itch. The movie is about a girl with a Continue reading
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Decoding Characters: A Writer’s Guide to Motivation and Flaws
Have you ever picked up a book, started reading about a character, and suddenly remembered you are human and need to blink, especially after reading 100 pages? You couldn’t help but feel a profound connection. Those characters were relatable, and their motivations were shockingly human. But of course, we can’t forget the juicy tidbit that Continue reading
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What Would Remain of Me If My Memory Were Erased?
There are definitely people out there who have suffered total amnesia, but I’m not one of them. However, I can surmise an answer. The core question hidden in the one above is “Who am I?” which I don’t think anyone knows. It’s a funny thought that the person we know best is actually a stranger. Continue reading
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Crafting Characters with Compelling Backstories
Stories are part of human nature. We started on cave walls using simple paints, moved on to clay tablets, then parchment, and finally, in modern times, an LED screen. Technology changed how we write stories, but one thing that has remained consistent is our love for characters. Whether they are heroes or villains, shallow or Continue reading
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Which TV Or Movie Character Do You Identify With & Why?
It took over an hour to answer this question. I initially thought of David from Schitt’s Creek. Many of my friends used to tell me “Ew, David” or “Oh my god, David!” all the time. He and I share many mannerisms. But then I started thinking of Stevie with her wry humor, Moira with her Continue reading
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Overcoming First Draft Challenges: The Ultimate Self-Revision Checklist for Writers
The first draft is a wild beast that every writer must tame. It moves like scared cattle and circles like sharks in red water. Even after every scene and chapter sits in its correct place, you might wonder if you have forgotten something. Below is a list of actionable steps to tighten your draft. I. Continue reading
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Setting Achievable Writing Goals for Your First Draft
Starting a new writing project is exciting until you sit down and face the blank screen. Creating something out of nothing can be overwhelming. But you are here, which means you have taken the first necessary steps to start that draft. Setting goals can transform that daunting page into a story you love. Why Set Continue reading
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