Yes, there are secrets to successful story-writing but don’t worry, the recipes aren’t hard. The ingredients are classic and simple. The directions aren’t difficult. The execution…well, that part’s up to you. Let’s start with the basic M-R unit. Story equals change…equals cause and effect…equals motivation and reaction. —Dwight V. Swain The Motivation-Reaction Unit Remember the…… Continue reading Do You Know The Secrets of Successful Story-writing?
Tag: guidelines
Because There Are Lies, Secrets, and Scars
The plot is what happens to your character. The story is about how your character reacts to the things that happen. It’s simple cause and effect, right? Hold on there. It’s not quite that simple. For the most effective story your forces of antagonism (see this post) and your character’s lies, secrets, and scars (see…… Continue reading Because There Are Lies, Secrets, and Scars
The ABCs of How to Write a Good Story
A story is more than a beginning a middle and an end. Seasoned writers know that each part has a bunch of specific functions to perform. If any of them fail the story will be less than satisfying for the reader. This series is about more than the ABCs of how to write a good…… Continue reading The ABCs of How to Write a Good Story
Stories Need Structure
Reading is fundamentally part of being a writer. Many writers start off as a reader. And over time they decide to try to write their own stories. At least that’s how I started. Unfortunately, reading stories does not teach you how to write stories. Stories need structure even if it’s applied at a subconscious level.…… Continue reading Stories Need Structure
If She Loves a Rag Doll, Is She Still Evil?
How do you create an evil story villain who has some redeeming qualities? Here’s a hint: If she loves a rag doll, is she still evil?