Articles related to "How To Write A Story"
Add Some Torque to Your Fiction
Use "torque" to twist your stories at the last minute and keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
torque • fiction • plots • pacing • story
Use "torque" to twist your stories at the last minute and keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
torque • fiction • plots • pacing • story
Adjectives and Adverbs are NOT Good Description
Using specific nouns and verbs to show the story instead of relying on cliched, hackneyed adverbs and adjectives that often do little more than weigh down the writing.
writing • short stories
Using specific nouns and verbs to show the story instead of relying on cliched, hackneyed adverbs and adjectives that often do little more than weigh down the writing.
writing • short stories
Description, Dialogue, Narrative
An easy way to determine if your novel or short story is balanced between dialogue, description and narrative, plus some tips on corrections if you need them.
narrative • narration • description • dialogue • writing fiction
An easy way to determine if your novel or short story is balanced between dialogue, description and narrative, plus some tips on corrections if you need them.
narrative • narration • description • dialogue • writing fiction
Essential Books for Writers
Want to be a writer? Think like one, talk like one...and stock up the bookshelf like one. Use the right tools for the writer job, and learn what's on a writer's bookshelf
writer's bookshelf • writer • bookshelf • tools • write
Want to be a writer? Think like one, talk like one...and stock up the bookshelf like one. Use the right tools for the writer job, and learn what's on a writer's bookshelf
writer's bookshelf • writer • bookshelf • tools • write
Fiction Story Ideas - News Events
Here are some tips to use news stories as starting ideas for your fiction.
fiction ideas • story ideas • fiction from news events • writing fiction • story questions
Here are some tips to use news stories as starting ideas for your fiction.
fiction ideas • story ideas • fiction from news events • writing fiction • story questions
Fiction Writing Tips: Story Grid
Don't know where to start? Here are some exercises and tips to getting the good stuff down on paper.
fiction • plotting • romance writing • how-to • novel writing
Don't know where to start? Here are some exercises and tips to getting the good stuff down on paper.
fiction • plotting • romance writing • how-to • novel writing
Formatting Your Short Story for Submission
A few tips on proper manuscript formatting in an attempt to annoy as few editors as possible.
manuscript • writing • submitting stories • fiction
A few tips on proper manuscript formatting in an attempt to annoy as few editors as possible.
manuscript • writing • submitting stories • fiction
Free-writing your Stories
Have you heard? Over the fence in the backyard? What them characters are doing? My, Lands!
imagination • common • thought • catharsis • game
Have you heard? Over the fence in the backyard? What them characters are doing? My, Lands!
imagination • common • thought • catharsis • game
Good Dialogue Isn’t Real
Looking for ways to create realistic dialogue? Listen to real people for tips, but keep the dialogue focused and tight
writing dialogue • writing fiction • creative writing • short story • novel
Looking for ways to create realistic dialogue? Listen to real people for tips, but keep the dialogue focused and tight
writing dialogue • writing fiction • creative writing • short story • novel
The Art of The Interview
interviewing techniques • nonfiction • non fiction • non-fiction • interviews
interviewing techniques • nonfiction • non fiction • non-fiction • interviews
Welcome to Writing
Introduction to Acticles on Writing and my intentions
writing • articles • story • storytelling • plot
Introduction to Acticles on Writing and my intentions
writing • articles • story • storytelling • plot
When Does Fiction Go too Far?
When do we go too far in our fiction with using names of real people and corporations? Even more, when are we going too far with references to pop culture?
copyright • fiction • novel • editing • publishing
When do we go too far in our fiction with using names of real people and corporations? Even more, when are we going too far with references to pop culture?
copyright • fiction • novel • editing • publishing
Write Clearer Story Themes
Accurately explaining what your fiction is about can be difficult for a writer, but it is an important tool if you want people to remember your work.
write clearer story themes • plot or theme • what fiction is about • holiday classic • universal theme
Accurately explaining what your fiction is about can be difficult for a writer, but it is an important tool if you want people to remember your work.
write clearer story themes • plot or theme • what fiction is about • holiday classic • universal theme
Write Your Story
If we believe anything strongly enough, we can make it so. If you are a songwriter, you need to believe that you will ultimately be a successful one. Here are some steps you can take to persuade yourself to make that story come true.
"cindy lee haddock" • songwriting • "music writing" • "music composition" • "song composition"
If we believe anything strongly enough, we can make it so. If you are a songwriter, you need to believe that you will ultimately be a successful one. Here are some steps you can take to persuade yourself to make that story come true.
"cindy lee haddock" • songwriting • "music writing" • "music composition" • "song composition"
Writing Children’s Stories Part 1
There are a number of different ways that children’s authors get their stories out of their heads and on to paper. Here is the first method.
write • children's • book • ideas • writer
There are a number of different ways that children’s authors get their stories out of their heads and on to paper. Here is the first method.
write • children's • book • ideas • writer
Writing Children’s Stories Part 2
There are a number of different ways that children’s authors get their stories out of their heads and on to paper. Here is the second method.
write • children • novel • book • author
There are a number of different ways that children’s authors get their stories out of their heads and on to paper. Here is the second method.
write • children • novel • book • author
Writing Non-Fiction for Children
Non-fiction for children is a tough market. But it's even tougher if you don't know who your market is.
kids • non-fiction • nonfiction • writing • books
Non-fiction for children is a tough market. But it's even tougher if you don't know who your market is.
kids • non-fiction • nonfiction • writing • books
Writing Short Stories - Busted Blossoms by Stuart M. Kaminsky
This is an article about writing short stories and how Stuart M. Kaminsky wrote his story Busted Blossoms.
busted blossoms • stuart m. kaminsky • murderous schemes • donald e. westlake
This is an article about writing short stories and how Stuart M. Kaminsky wrote his story Busted Blossoms.
busted blossoms • stuart m. kaminsky • murderous schemes • donald e. westlake
Writing Short Stories for Children
writing for children • short stories • children's stories • authorship
writing for children • short stories • children's stories • authorship
Writing Stronger Story Characters
Although the characters in your short stories are not real, you have to make those characters seem real, if you want readers to care for or despise them.
writing stronger story characters • fictional people • make characters seem real • creating character sheet • flesh out a character
Although the characters in your short stories are not real, you have to make those characters seem real, if you want readers to care for or despise them.
writing stronger story characters • fictional people • make characters seem real • creating character sheet • flesh out a character
Why Your Story Was Rejected
A decision by The Willesden Herald not to award the prize in this year's competition leads to greater understanding of just what makes a short story succeed.
why was my short story rejected • common reasons for rejection • mistakes in writing short stories • faults in writing short stories • winner of willesden herald short story competition
A decision by The Willesden Herald not to award the prize in this year's competition leads to greater understanding of just what makes a short story succeed.
why was my short story rejected • common reasons for rejection • mistakes in writing short stories • faults in writing short stories • winner of willesden herald short story competition
Developing a Writing Voice
Editors and agents are looking for manuscripts with "authentic voice." But what is voice, and how does a writer develop it?
voice • style • novel writing • short story writing • viewpoint
Editors and agents are looking for manuscripts with "authentic voice." But what is voice, and how does a writer develop it?
voice • style • novel writing • short story writing • viewpoint
Character Voice Writing Exercises
How do you develop an authentic voice for your point of view character? Here are some creative writing exercises to help.
point of view • character writing exercise • viewpoint character voice • creative writing exercise • narrative voice
How do you develop an authentic voice for your point of view character? Here are some creative writing exercises to help.
point of view • character writing exercise • viewpoint character voice • creative writing exercise • narrative voice
Create a Writer’s Retreat
Can't afford a writer's retreat? It's easy to create your own.
writer’s retreat • time to write • writing fiction • writing partner • writing travel
Can't afford a writer's retreat? It's easy to create your own.
writer’s retreat • time to write • writing fiction • writing partner • writing travel
Help with Plot Development
Whether you've experienced writer's block or just had a story in mind but don't know how to proceed, these easy methods can help you to finally finish your novel.
how to improve your story • easy plot development • character development • help finishing a novel • help writing a story
Whether you've experienced writer's block or just had a story in mind but don't know how to proceed, these easy methods can help you to finally finish your novel.
how to improve your story • easy plot development • character development • help finishing a novel • help writing a story
Naming Your Story
A good story title grabs the reader--or editor--at first glance. Here are six attributes of an ideal title.
story • character • characters • plot • edit
A good story title grabs the reader--or editor--at first glance. Here are six attributes of an ideal title.
story • character • characters • plot • edit
Science Fiction Themes: Robots, Androids, and AI (Part 1)
Robots have always been a popular theme in science fiction. This article looks at the reasons we are fascinated by robots and how their depiction in science fiction has changed.
robot • robots • android • androids • ai
Robots have always been a popular theme in science fiction. This article looks at the reasons we are fascinated by robots and how their depiction in science fiction has changed.
robot • robots • android • androids • ai
Science Fiction Themes: Robots, Androids, and AI (Part 2)
In part 2 we take a look at questions one should ask when writing a robot story as well as great background material for you to read.
robot • robots • android • androids • ai
In part 2 we take a look at questions one should ask when writing a robot story as well as great background material for you to read.
robot • robots • android • androids • ai
Start a Local Critique Group
Guidelines on starting a critique group: organization, finding members, submission policies, etc.
critique groups • writers groups • fiction writing • beginning writers • genre writing
Guidelines on starting a critique group: organization, finding members, submission policies, etc.
critique groups • writers groups • fiction writing • beginning writers • genre writing
Turning Ideas into Stories
It's not enough to just have a good idea. If it were, everyone would be a writer. The hard part is turning that idea into a well-developed story.
writing • writing fiction • creative writing • short stories • novels
It's not enough to just have a good idea. If it were, everyone would be a writer. The hard part is turning that idea into a well-developed story.
writing • writing fiction • creative writing • short stories • novels
Voices In the Coalbin by Mary Higgins Clark - How authors write a story?
This is a review of Voices in the Coalbin by Mary Higgins Clark and how she wrote it.
voices in the coalbin • mary higgins clark • the best of sisters in crime • marilyn wallace • flashback
This is a review of Voices in the Coalbin by Mary Higgins Clark and how she wrote it.
voices in the coalbin • mary higgins clark • the best of sisters in crime • marilyn wallace • flashback
Writer's Conference Sessions
Choices abound at most writer's conferences, but selecting the right sessions helps use time wisely.
writer conference • attending writing workshops • writing seminars • poetry writing • short story writing
Choices abound at most writer's conferences, but selecting the right sessions helps use time wisely.
writer conference • attending writing workshops • writing seminars • poetry writing • short story writing
Writing a Social Studies Story
Creating a good short story with social studies facts on a specific concept.
how to write a good story • how to write a great story • how to write a short story • how to write a story • creative writing for kids
Creating a good short story with social studies facts on a specific concept.
how to write a good story • how to write a great story • how to write a short story • how to write a story • creative writing for kids
Writing a Values Based Children's Story
Writing a values based short story for children is harder than it seems. This article, the first of two, outlines some pitfalls to avoid.
living values • teaching children values • teaching values • writing for children • creative writing
Writing a values based short story for children is harder than it seems. This article, the first of two, outlines some pitfalls to avoid.
living values • teaching children values • teaching values • writing for children • creative writing
Writing About Personal Experiences
Everyone has a story to tell and an audience that would like to read about it. It is easier than you may think.
writing a personal history • writing what you already know • writing about true life events • writing true stories • writing true adventures
Everyone has a story to tell and an audience that would like to read about it. It is easier than you may think.
writing a personal history • writing what you already know • writing about true life events • writing true stories • writing true adventures
Writing Comics with Barbara Kesel and Marv Wolfman Part 1
MegaCon 2005 discussion with Marv Wolfman and Barbara Kesel on writing comics, and writing in general. This article contains great tips and practical application for beginning writers. Free comic book day is just around the corner? Do you know when? Get your information on this event now!
marv wolfman • barbara kesel • teen titans • meridian raven • starfire
MegaCon 2005 discussion with Marv Wolfman and Barbara Kesel on writing comics, and writing in general. This article contains great tips and practical application for beginning writers. Free comic book day is just around the corner? Do you know when? Get your information on this event now!
marv wolfman • barbara kesel • teen titans • meridian raven • starfire
Writing Comics with Barbara Kesel and Marv Wolfman Part 2
MegaCon 2005 discussion with Marv Wolfman and Barbara Kesel on writing comics, and writing in general. This article contains great tips and practical application for beginning writers. Free comic book day is just around the corner? Do you know when? Get your information on this event now!
marv wolfman • barbara kesel • teen titans • meridian raven • starfire
MegaCon 2005 discussion with Marv Wolfman and Barbara Kesel on writing comics, and writing in general. This article contains great tips and practical application for beginning writers. Free comic book day is just around the corner? Do you know when? Get your information on this event now!
marv wolfman • barbara kesel • teen titans • meridian raven • starfire
Writing Novels or Short Stories?
Review of Suite 101 topics, Novel Writing and Short Stories, as part of a continuing series featuring our editors in Books and Writing.
review • novel writing • short stories • short story writing • writing
Review of Suite 101 topics, Novel Writing and Short Stories, as part of a continuing series featuring our editors in Books and Writing.
review • novel writing • short stories • short story writing • writing
Writing Prompts to Begin a Story
We've all been there, with a plot or charecter in mind, but unable to actually start writing a story. What you need is some story starting writing prompts!
writing prompts • writing fiction • begining a story • starting a story • fiction writing
We've all been there, with a plot or charecter in mind, but unable to actually start writing a story. What you need is some story starting writing prompts!
writing prompts • writing fiction • begining a story • starting a story • fiction writing
A Love Story
Write your own personal love story, with your spouse!
write • love • story • personal • spouse
Write your own personal love story, with your spouse!
write • love • story • personal • spouse
Art Project: Cartooning
Cartooning can teach visual understanding, story-telling, writing skills, brainstorming and perhaps even a sense of humor. ;-)
cartoon • comic • comic book • archie • richie rich
Cartooning can teach visual understanding, story-telling, writing skills, brainstorming and perhaps even a sense of humor. ;-)
cartoon • comic • comic book • archie • richie rich
Become a Children's Writer
Learn the ins and outs of writing fiction for children. What you should know before you start. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the genre. Tips to make it easy.
writing for children • hints and tips • understanding children's books • creative writing • writing fiction
Learn the ins and outs of writing fiction for children. What you should know before you start. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the genre. Tips to make it easy.
writing for children • hints and tips • understanding children's books • creative writing • writing fiction
Become a Disciplined Writer
Many new writers wait for inspiration to strike before putting words to paper. Being disciplined means you keep inspiration burning every day.
writing books • successful writers • successful writing of novels for kids • creative writing • creative energy
Many new writers wait for inspiration to strike before putting words to paper. Being disciplined means you keep inspiration burning every day.
writing books • successful writers • successful writing of novels for kids • creative writing • creative energy
Do you Need a Plot Outline?
The most difficult part of writing a book is planning ahead of time where it will lead. That is why a good plot outline is so essential.
plotting • writing • craft of writing • novel writing • outlining
The most difficult part of writing a book is planning ahead of time where it will lead. That is why a good plot outline is so essential.
plotting • writing • craft of writing • novel writing • outlining
Editing for Themes and Structure
A good edit can make a huge difference to your story for kids. This article, the first of three, looks at editing for themes and structure.
creative writing tips • writing tips • online creative writing • creative writing advice • tips for writing
A good edit can make a huge difference to your story for kids. This article, the first of three, looks at editing for themes and structure.
creative writing tips • writing tips • online creative writing • creative writing advice • tips for writing
Elementary Halloween Lantern Craft
Students will enjoy decorating the classroom with creative Halloween themed construction paper lanterns. Bats and black cats and witches, oh my!
elementary halloween lantern craft • creative paper craft activity • fine motor skills • narrative writing • creepy stories
Students will enjoy decorating the classroom with creative Halloween themed construction paper lanterns. Bats and black cats and witches, oh my!
elementary halloween lantern craft • creative paper craft activity • fine motor skills • narrative writing • creepy stories
Emotional Roots of Writers Block
Writer's block can be terrifying, and it strikes out of the blue. Five ways to deal with the root cause and get the words flowing again.
writers block • writersblock • overcoming writers block • writer’s block • writer block
Writer's block can be terrifying, and it strikes out of the blue. Five ways to deal with the root cause and get the words flowing again.
writers block • writersblock • overcoming writers block • writer’s block • writer block
Even Fiction Needs Fact
All good fiction makes readers feel as if the story is really happening. Here's how to research the facts that make for realistic fiction.
research • fiction • writer • write • writers
All good fiction makes readers feel as if the story is really happening. Here's how to research the facts that make for realistic fiction.
research • fiction • writer • write • writers
Finding Fresh Ideas for Kids Books
Finding fresh ideas can be a challenge for writers of children's books. Five simple ways to find inspiration.
writing for kids • fresh ideas • getting ideas • children • teenagers
Finding fresh ideas can be a challenge for writers of children's books. Five simple ways to find inspiration.
writing for kids • fresh ideas • getting ideas • children • teenagers