Like an onion, subplots give layers to your story! Subplots are those sneaky little narrative devices that often go unnoticed but pack a punch when done right. Think of them like the side dish that steals the show at dinner. In storytelling, they’re the sidekicks that give depth to your main act. Subplots exist to … Read more
Conflict is like the heartbeat of storytelling, keeping the narrative alive and pumping. Without it, stories can fall flat, lacking the tension that pulls readers or viewers in. At its core, conflict is what drives the plot forward. It’s the challenge the characters must face, the obstacles they must overcome, and the decisions they have … Read more
Writing fiction that’s sticky, the kind where readers just can’t put down the book, often boils down to one core element: vivid, sensory-rich descriptions. Engaging the senses transforms mere sentences into immersive experiences. Let’s break down how to effectively use each sense to your advantage. Exploring the Five Senses adds layers to your story beyond … Read more
Writing rituals and habits are like the secret sauce behind every successful writer. They don’t just help in getting words down on paper but also fuel creativity and keep the process smooth and enjoyable. Rituals and habits might seem similar, but they have their differences. Rituals are those special, repeatable actions that set the stage … Read more
Character development, it’s the backbone of any great story. Imagine your favorite book or movie without those vivid personalities. Boring, right? Characters breathe life into fiction and connect the audience to the storyline like nothing else. When you flesh them out well, you offer readers not just a story, but an experience. Developing characters is … Read more
You may not feel like the “spoken” word is important in writing but it is of the utmost importance. It gives us another way to relate to characters and to understand what they are thinking or feeling. Dialogue in storytelling isn’t just a way for characters to communicate. It’s a tool that pushes the story … Read more
Suspense is your secret weapon as a writer. It keeps readers hooked, eager to turn the page, and deeply invested in your story. But what exactly makes up suspense? Here’s a breakdown. The Role of Uncertainty: Uncertainty fuels suspense. If readers know everything that’s going to happen, there’s no tension. Keep them guessing by gradually … Read more
I’m guessing that most of us have heard of “writer’s block,” you know that nasty time when we can’t seem to write to save our lives. But writer’s doubt was new to me. Maybe it is a new phrase for you, too! Writer’s doubt has a funny way of creeping up on you, often when … Read more
Let’s talk about why authentic character traits really matter to readers. Think about it: when you meet someone with a magnetic personality in real life, you’re drawn to them, right? It’s the same with the characters in the stories we love. Characters who feel real don’t just fill space in a story—they linger with us, … Read more
I have written about writer’s block many times. But some people are still having questions about it and how to break through a serious writer’s block. I hope this post will help you break through. Please feel free to contact me at: karin@karinnauber.com if you would like more tips and tricks that I use to … Read more
