Choosing the right book size might not be the first thing on your mind when you start writing, but trust us—it’s more important than you think. Think of it like picking the right pair of shoes for an event. Sure, you could wear flip-flops to a wedding, but it probably...
Before any book is published—before it gets a cover, a title on a bookstore shelf, or a reader’s praise—it begins in one essential form: the manuscript. A manuscript is the foundation of every published work. It’s where ideas take shape, stories unfold, and messages are refined. Whether you’re working on...
Before Harry ever got his wand or Katniss ever drew her bow, their worlds did something crucial: they set the stage. Whether it’s the enchanted halls of Hogwarts or the eerie, ever-watching woods of Panem, the setting of a story does more than describe a place — it creates a...
Let’s be honest—your bookshelf is more decorative than functional at this point. Half the books are sun-faded, the other half are propping up a struggling houseplant, and you haven’t opened Moby-Dick since the Great Quarantine Clean-Up of 2020. Enter the ebook: the sleek, silent hero of the digital reading age....
If you’ve ever been swept up in a gripping story, you know the heart-pounding intensity of the climax—the moment when everything reaches its peak. But once the dust settles, what happens next? Enter the falling action, that often-overlooked yet crucial part of a story. So, what is falling action? It...
Every character has their flaws, but what makes those imperfections so compelling? Whether it’s a hero with a deep insecurity or a villain whose pride leads to their downfall, flaws are what drive both conflict and growth in storytelling. But what are character flaws, exactly? They are the imperfections, weaknesses,...
In literature, first impressions matter—whether it’s a handshake, a glance, or that crucial opening line of a book. The best opening lines in books have the power to do something magical: they hook you instantly, setting the tone for the entire story. It’s like meeting someone for the first time—if...
Much like the anti-hero in storytelling, the self-publishing journey isn’t always neat and tidy. Authors who venture into this realm often walk a fine line between traditional expectations and the unconventional path of independence. Forget the polished, perfect narratives—today’s self-published authors are embracing the flawed, imperfect, and uniquely personal journey...
Ever notice how every great story seems to have a dramatic turning point? It’s that moment when everything shifts, when characters grow, or when the plot takes an unexpected turn. That, my friend, is the magic of an “arc.” Let’s see how the arc meaning can influence your writing and...
We’ve all heard the golden rule of writing: “Show, don’t tell.” But let’s face it—sometimes, it feels like the writing world is asking us to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Not only do we need to weave vivid scenes and develop complex characters, but we also have to...
Every story needs a protagonist, the character we root for, but what about the characters who exist to highlight everything the hero is not? These are the foil characters—those who contrast with the protagonist to emphasize key traits, motivations, and decisions. But what is a foil character, and why are...
Every great story has a secret recipe — a mix of key ingredients that come together to create something unforgettable. These ingredients are the story elements, the essential components that shape every narrative, from blockbuster movies to classic novels. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or crafting your own tale, understanding...
