Recognizing Your Own Skill
When you write a story, you often have to ask yourself, “Is this tale good enough to send to editors or agents? Is it ready
David Farland
September 12, 2022
David Farland: Story Doctor Writing Tips
Recent Writing Tips
Scene & Summary: Mastering When to Use Which
Writers regularly need both scene and summary to tell a great story, but sometimes it can be difficult to discern when to use which, for
September C. Fawkes
September 7, 2022
“Author Whisperer” Paves Way for Writers to Pen Bestsellers
Many are under the false impression that bestselling writers simply sit down, write a book, and sell millions; others mistakenly think that great writers are
September C. Fawkes
August 31, 2022
Considering Your Setting
Real vs. Fictitious Settings In mainstream literature, we typically deal with settings that either already exist or which have existed historically. Thus, when you write
David Farland
August 29, 2022
Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 7: Say Something!
Strong stories are built through meaningful scenes. Write stories that have meaning by tapping into subtext or theme, or by adding your own insight. Very
David Farland
August 22, 2022
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
August 8, 2022
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
August 3, 2022
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
July 27, 2022
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
July 13, 2022
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
July 6, 2022
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
June 29, 2022
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
June 22, 2022
Writing Powerful Scenes, Part 1
How To Write Powerful Scenes A story is made up of both large components, such as try/fail cycles and denouements, and small components, such as
David Farland
June 8, 2022
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
June 1, 2022
Finding Your Talent
Every writer has his or her own talents and strengths. Don’t give up on your writing. Very often as a writer, I will find myself
David Farland
May 25, 2022
