Turning Points & Plot Goals
If you’ve been in the writing community for a while, you may have heard of plot turns, turning points, and plot points. Believe it or
September C. Fawkes
David Farland: Story Doctor Writing Tips
Recent Writing Tips
Apex Writers Jack Nash Wins 2024 Writers of the Future!
I’ve got incredible news about one of our own Apex Writers Group members. Jack Nash took home the grand prize in the Writers and Illustrators
David Farland
Choosing a Point of View: Understanding Nuance
When we first start writing, the question of point of view (POV) usually seems straightforward. Either we choose to use the default third-person POV or
Special Guest
How to Write a Million-Dollar Bestseller: Advice from Stephenie Meyer’s Writing Mentor
Want to discover how Stephenie Meyer created one of the bestselling novels of all time? Learn directly from her mentor, David Farland, who guided her journey from aspiring writer to global literary phenomenon.
David Farland
How Do You Judge a Story?
Author Mike Resnick has won more Hugo Awards for short stories than any other author. So the other day, I asked him “How do you
David Farland
Stories as Transformational Literature
Often we think of stories as mere entertainment, but by telling a story we can actually transform a reader: Identity phase A story does not
David Farland
David Farland’s Kick in the Pants—Writing the Perfect Story, Part 3
I’ve been talking about some of the attributes that I would look for in a perfect story, whether it be a novel, movie, or short
David Farland
Writing a Perfect Story, Part 15
As one looks at perfect stories, there is nothing that is “required” for the ending. The tale doesn’t have to leave the protagonist in a
David Farland
Writing a Perfect Story, Part 12
The perfect story escalates smoothly from scene to scene, creating a sense of rising action. I’ve spoken before about ways that stories can escalate. There
Ben Wolverton
Writing a Perfect Story, Part 11
A perfect story guides the reader’s attention—his senses, thoughts, emotions, and imagination. Last night I was reading a story by a new author. The author
Ben Wolverton
David Farland’s Kick in the Pants—Writing the Perfect Story, Part 8
In writing a novel, one must consider, “What makes a perfect character?” Very often I’ve heard writing instructors mention that we should create “strong” characters.
David Farland
David Farland’s Kick in the Pants—Writing the Perfect Story, Part 5
Over the past four days I’ve been enumerating some of the basic virtues that a perfect story—whether it be a movie, novel, or other piece
David Farland
David Farland’s Kick in the Pants—Writing the Perfect Story, Part 4
For the past couple of days I’ve been discussing some of the positive attributes that you will find in a “perfect” story. There are a
David Farland
Understanding the Heart of Negative Character Arcs
Negative characters arcs are about more than a character being “bad.” Learn what’s at the heart of negative arcs, and answer some questions to help
September C. Fawkes
How Books Are Chosen for Publication
Discover the intricate process of how books are chosen for publication, exploring the roles of agents, editors, and marketing departments. Learn what it takes for a new author to break through in the competitive publishing industry.
David Farland
