Tag: storytelling

Watching a Character Change

woman sitting on wooden planks

Watching people’s character change can be either delightful or utterly devastating. At its best, change can lead a person to a completely positive transformation, where their best qualities are ever more radiant and their inner demons are defeated. At its worst, change can turn… Continue Reading “Watching a Character Change”

The Power of the Pitch

Have you ever had to pitch an idea to someone? Of course you have. We pitch ideas to other people all the time, whether we realize it or not. Whether you get what you want out of it is a whole separate question. Authors… Continue Reading “The Power of the Pitch”

Attractive Actors and Asinine Plots

Actors can get away with a lot in life. Attractive actors can get away with even more. We’ve all heard of celebrities who get let off the hook for traffic violations and other petty offenses, but they can get away with more than crime… Continue Reading “Attractive Actors and Asinine Plots”

The Healing Power of Stories

“Stories are wild creatures. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they may wreak?” Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls If you are at all familiar with Ness’s beautiful tale, however, you will know that the primary aspect of stories it explores is… Continue Reading “The Healing Power of Stories”

Sales and Storytelling: the Hook

close up of human hand

We’re all familiar with the cut-to-the-chase sales tactics that seem necessary in order for businesses to survive. But what can we learn from the business world if our mission isn’t to close a deal? Lots. It seems that two vastly different types of writers… Continue Reading “Sales and Storytelling: the Hook”

Verbal Flab: when can a novel afford to lose weight?

I tend to think of a novel as a cut of meat. A lean novel is one whose words center on the story— the muscle, if you will, composed of characters and their actions. The details that do not directly impact the muscle (if… Continue Reading “Verbal Flab: when can a novel afford to lose weight?”