The Power of a Writing Journal I have kept various writing journals in various forms for many years now. While I started out with handwritten journals, I now have some typed and some as audio recordings. But there is something about putting the pen to the page that “feels” like writing! A writing journal is … Read more
I thought we would take a little break from character building for a bit and look at another vital aspect of our story-building—the place where our characters will live. One of the more fun ways to do this is through fantasy world prompts. The reason this one is so fun is because anything is possible. … Read more
Understanding the Concept of a Writer’s Voice Your voice is probably one of the most distinct parts of your writing. Your voice will define the personality, style, and tone that make your writing uniquely yours. It reflects your individual perspective, emotions, and experiences, distinguishing your work from others. Understanding your writer’s voice involves recognizing your … Read more
Today we are going to look at the blueprint of a character’s journey—specifically a hero’s journey, but this blueprint can work with any character. It’s a narrative framework that maps out a protagonist’s adventure from the mundane to the remarkable, a concept made famous by Joseph Campbell in his work ‘The Hero with a Thousand … Read more
Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ isn’t just a tale of global catastrophe; it’s a deep exploration of character strength in the wake of the unthinkable. In a world decimated by a man-made plague, the survivors embody diverse kinds of fortitude that surpass the mere physical or mental. These characters, whose resilience, wisdom, and loyalty offer guidance … Read more
The Allure of Imperfect Characters in Storytelling Please note that the images in this post are created using DALL-E 3 a form of AI. It’s getting better at spelling, but still has some flaws just like us and our characters we create! In this brief series on developing strong characters we have looked at The … Read more
In the world of storytelling, authentic and relatable characters are the heart and soul of any narrative. They are the bridges that connect readers to the story, allowing them to see parts of themselves in the characters they read about. When I think about relatable characters, Stu Redman from Stephen King’s The Stand always comes … Read more
The Importance of In-Depth Character Development As an author with years of experience under my belt, I’ve come to realize that crafting compelling characters is essential to writing a story that resonates with readers. It is interesting that in my work as a journalist, it is the intriguing and quirky characters that I have met … Read more
The last time you read a great book what was one of the most compelling parts? For me, it is the characters. While I may not remember every single thing Stu Redman did in the Stephen King book The Stand, I will likely never forget Stu and Frannie and Nick. Mother Abigail is impossible to … Read more
Understanding and mastering literary devices can significantly enhance your writing, transforming simple prose into a rich tapestry of meaning and emotion. These tools are the backbone of storytelling, offering depth to your work. By understanding the impact of literary devices and how to use them effectively, you can engage readers on a deeper level, making … Read more
