Jul 8, 20212 minThe Ultimate Plotting ToolDan Wells 7-point plot system, combined with Save the Cat, added the Scene-Sequel strategy, and wrapped in the 3-Act structure.
May 18, 20204 minNot Going for the Easy DramaJim and Jan are in the parking lot. They’re both lonely. They’re both sad. They’re both frustrated and fed up with their circumstances.
Dec 18, 20153 minOn Star Wars and Killing Your DarlingsSo kill your darlings. Kill them dead and don’t look back. Don’t be George Lucas.
Oct 23, 20144 minQuidditch is a MetaphorWhy include the sport if you hate writing it? Must be some other reason for it to exist…
Apr 2, 20143 minOn Disappointing Endings and Who Owns the CreationUntil that book is published, until the tv show airs, until the movie premiers, that story belongs to the creator.
Nov 18, 20133 minStorytelling Tips from "Melissa and Joey"We all know books that have been a huge success but have been riddled with problems, things that make most authors tear their hair out.
Oct 10, 20134 minNicholas Sparks, Sexism in Publishing, and Love TragediesHere are the problems with this situation and how Sparks is a contributing factor:
Apr 18, 20126 minWhy You’re Wrong About YAFirst of all, YA isn’t a genre. It’s a category. Within the YA category, every genre conceivable exists, just as it does in Adult fiction.