Alex Alright, so I want to talk about something really essential for anyone who writes stories that really stick with people: the human condition. It’s a phrase we hear a lot, right? But for a literary novelist, it’s not just a fancy term; it’s the absolute core of everything. It’s that huge, complicated symphony of being … Read more
I’m going to share some thoughts on writing about family in your memoir, and how to do it in a way that feels respectful and true, not just to your experience, but to the full complexity of human relationships. Writing a memoir is a really deep dive into your own life. It’s about pulling out … Read more
If you’re a writer, I’m sure you think the word “synopsis” brings up feelings of dread, a mandatory hurdle, or just a dry, academic exercise. But let me tell you, it’s actually one of the most powerful tools you have in your writing arsenal. It’s like a silent salesperson working tirelessly behind the scenes for … Read more
The blank page, a quiet challenge, it’s something many of us writers know well. And let me tell you, the draw of the one-act play is huge. It’s this compact, powerful story, a focused burst of dramatic energy. But don’t let its short length fool you into thinking it’s simple. Crafting a good one-act play … Read more
Let’s talk about writing short stories that truly hit you. This isn’t about some airy-fairy theory; it’s about getting down to the nitty-gritty of making a story that grabs you and stays with you. Where Do Ideas Even Begin? The best short stories usually don’t start with a whole blueprint. They usually begin with a … Read more
Every compelling story leaves an imprint, a whisper that lingers long after the final word. For short stories, that whisper often coalesces into a powerful moral or message, elevating mere narrative to something profound and resonant. This isn’t about preachy tales or heavy-handed instruction; it’s about crafting experiences that subtly illuminate truths, provoke thought, and … Read more
I want to tell you about how to write a short story that really makes people feel something. It’s not just about getting a plot from point A to point B; it’s about giving your reader an emotional experience. I’m talking about that feeling that sticks with you, that echo in your mind long after … Read more
The blank page. It stares back at me, relentless. And that muse? She’s a fickle friend, always playing hide-and-seek. But you know what? Deep down, in every single one of us who dreams of telling stories, there’s this burning need to finish something. To hold a completed narrative in our hands, something we brought to … Read more
I’m going to tell you how to write a short film, and I’m going to do it by sharing my own approach. See, screenwriting, at its core, is storytelling. But when you only have a small canvas, your strokes have to be really precise, impactful, and resonate deeply. Short films, a lot of people just … Read more
The blank page just sits there, like it’s laughing at all my big ideas. I’ve got this awesome story concept buzzing in my head, but actually writing a whole screenplay feels like trying to climb Mount Everest. Thirty days for a finished draft? That sounds completely bonkers, maybe even impossible. But here’s the thing: it’s … Read more