So, I’m going to tell you something really important about memoir writing. You see, the basics of a memoir are all about the facts: dates, places, conversations. That’s all well and good, but a memoir truly sings, it really comes alive, when you go beyond just the chronological stuff and dig deep into the emotions, … Read more
Comedy really gets going when you can surprise people, upset the norm a little. And one of the best ways a writer can do that? Exaggeration. It’s not just about making something bigger; it’s about making it ridiculously, impossibly, hilariously bigger. You twist reality just enough, and boom, people are laughing. We’re not talking about … Read more
My memoir breathes through its stories, and the heart of those stories often pulsates in the rhythm and cadence of spoken words. Don’t think of dialogue as merely a transcript of conversations past; it’s a meticulously crafted chisel, sculpting the essence of your characters – including yourself – into indelible forms. Beyond advancing plot, authentic … Read more
The heartbeat of many a compelling short story isn’t found in lengthy descriptions or intricate backstories, but in the crackle and pop of well-crafted dialogue. Far from mere chatter, effective dialogue is a potent plot engine, capable of propelling narratives forward with an efficiency unmatched by other literary devices. In the concise world of short … Read more
Songwriting, for me, is just this incredible act of creation. It’s like this alchemical blend of melody and meaning. While things like narrative, rhyme, and rhythm definitely lay the groundwork, I’ve found it’s often that subtle artistry of contrast that really elevates lyrics from just words to these incredibly resonant experiences. Contrast, at its core, … Read more
I’m going to share a secret with you, something that can transform a good comedy set into a legendary one. Forget just getting a chuckle; we’re talking about building a comedic masterpiece, a laugh architecture where every joke resonates louder than the last. This isn’t about telling a single, brilliant joke and moving on. It’s … Read more
Memoir isn’t just a recounting of events; it’s an exploration of truth, an unraveling of the self, and a shared human experience. And the most potent tool in a memoirist’s kit for achieving this is the anecdote. They aren’t merely decorative flourishes; anecdotes are the very DNA of compelling non-fiction. They breathe life into narrative, … Read more
The human brain just loves patterns! From the steady thump of a heartbeat to the way the tides ebb and flow, repetition is absolutely fundamental to how we understand the world. When it comes to song lyrics, this natural desire for patterns finds one of its most powerful expressions in anaphora – which is repeating … Read more
Okay, here’s that article, rewritten as if I’m sharing it with you, without “okay” or “everyone” at the start. I’ve tried to keep that conversational, insightful tone: The blank page… it’s such an intimidating place, isn’t it? You’ve got this incredible story bubbling inside you, a character practically begging to make their debut, a whole … Read more
I want to talk about something every great storyteller knows: what separates a story that grabs you from one that just fades away. It’s all about pacing. Think of it as the invisible hand guiding your reader through your story’s emotional landscape, controlling their breath, their heartbeat, and their eagerness to turn that next page. … Read more