How to Build a Flesh and Blood Character
One of the best things about being a writer is how ideas for new characters can spring from anywhere. I might be mulling over a
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David Farland's Writing Tips
At MyStoryDoctor.com, Master Author and Teacher David Farland and his team will lead you through the crucial steps to writing a compelling book, from creative concept to strong completion. Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? The number one reason most people fail to realize their dream is because they don’t know where to start.
Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 6: Novelty
Have you ever read a novel where the entire book lacked a single element that was original? Sure you have, lots of times. Whenever you
David Farland
The Secret Ingredients for Writing Theme
Many people in the writing community caution against writing with a theme in mind. They argue that if you do, your story will feel contrived,
September C. Fawkes
Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 5: Complexity
Once, I picked up a novel by a new writer and started to read. His scene construction looked fine at first glance: He had a
David Farland
Pinch Points That Reveal the Opposition in Your Fiction
You may have heard of pinch points. Or not. I’d guess that most fiction writers have no clue what they are or why they’re so
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Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 4: Conflict
When writing strong scenes, conflict is key. If there is no conflict, the “scene” probably doesn’t contribute much to the story. Every story needs conflicts
David Farland
How to Make Any Character Complex
In order to write a strong story, you almost always need complex characters. The three best ways to make any character complex are to create,
September C. Fawkes
Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 3: Setting
Though a scene can have a dozen different types of virtues, it must take place in some type of location, and truly unforgettable scenes don’t
David Farland
Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 2: Beginning with Character
Historically, a “scene” was a set on a play. It consisted of the setting in which a dramatic exchange took place. It’s not a coincidence
David Farland
4 Ways to Write a More Cathartic Story
A lot goes into a successful novel, from compelling characters to an engaging plot, solid pacing, and a vibrant world. However, none of these things
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Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 1
A story is made up of both large components, such as try/fail cycles and denouements, and small components, such as scenes and sentences. In order
David Farland
How to Write and Raise the Stakes More Effectively
Writers are repeatedly advised to “raise the stakes.” Stakes are often defined as what the character has to lose. But when you understand—more accurately—the relationship
September C. Fawkes
A Checklist for Writing Your Story
Use this checklist for writing your story, and you will write even stronger stories. David Farland was a best-selling author and contest judge for the
David Farland
March 27, 2023
6 Tips for Writing a Great Romance
Romance is one of the largest selling genres of all time. Yet, it often gets overlooked or seen as substandard or an easy genre to write in. This
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March 20, 2023
Why Editors Reject Your Story
As many of you know, I judge stories for the Writers of the Future contest. Today I want to talk about those stories that get
David Farland
March 13, 2023
5 Keys to a Satisfying Denouement
Often as writers, we put a lot of our focus on the starting, climax, and middle of a story, and the denouement or falling action
September C. Fawkes
March 6, 2023
Building a Better Battering Ram
Last night, a new writer who is preparing his first novel asked, “When do I begin approaching agents?” I get that question at least once
David Farland
February 27, 2023
Choosing a Point of View: Understanding the 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
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February 20, 2023
