How to Structure a Short Story: The 3-Act System for Success

Every captivating short story, from the poignant flash fiction to the sprawling novelette, shares a secret: a robust underlying structure. Without it, even the most brilliant prose can falter, leaving readers adrift and unsatisfied. I’m going to pull back the curtain on the definitive framework for powerful storytelling – the 3-Act System – and give … Read more

How to Structure a Pilot Episode: The Hook for Your Series.

Let me tell you, when you set out to create a TV series, that pilot episode? It’s everything. It’s not just some little intro; it’s your big moment, your chance to prove yourself. I mean, you’re auditioning for the network, the studio, the audience – for the very soul of your creative vision! You hear … Read more

How to Structure a Memoir with Non-Linear Storytelling.

Memoirs, to me, feel like a journey, not just a timeline. You know how people often tell you to write things chronologically? I think the most powerful life stories are actually a lot more like how we truly experience life – messy, surprising, connected in weird ways. For me, choosing non-linear storytelling in a memoir … Read more

How to Structure a Joke for Maximum Impact: The Science of Funny.

I’m going to tell you how to structure a joke for maximum impact. You see, our brains, in their infinite complexity, just love the unexpected. That primal enjoyment, which we often show through laughter, isn’t just random. It’s actually a super sophisticated process in our minds—a quick re-evaluation of information that ends with a great … Read more

How to Structure a Climactic Chase Scene: Thriller Novelists’ Masterclass.

Let me tell you about crafting an unforgettable chase scene. You know, the kind that makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, clinging to every word. It’s not just about speed and explosions, though those certainly help! It’s a carefully orchestrated, bone-jarring dance of escalating tension, split-second decisions, and raw, visceral action. … Read more

How to Strengthen Your Memoir’s Voice Through Practice.

My memoir isn’t just a story; it’s a way for me to share my unique perspective, a place for me to put my singular way of seeing the world. And the power behind that, the very heart of what makes it move, is my voice. Without a strong, clear voice, even the most amazing life … Read more

How to See the World Poetically: Enhancing Your Imagery

The world hums with an unspoken poetry, a symphony of light, shadow, and sensation that often eludes our conscious grasp. As writers, the ability to tap into this inherent lyricism isn’t merely an aesthetic preference; it’s the very bedrock of compelling imagery. Generic descriptions leave readers cold, but words imbued with poetic vision stir the … Read more

How to Rewrite Your Short Story for Maximum Impact

I just finished a short story, and man, that’s such a rush. You know that feeling, right? Like you just birthed something amazing. But if I’m being honest, that first draft? It’s almost never the real deal. It’s more like a rough idea, a big chunk of marble. It’s got potential, sure, but it’s a … Read more

How to Revitalize a Stale Short Story Idea

You ever start writing something, and you’re so excited about it? The idea just pops into your head, vibrant and full of possibility. But then, you’re looking at it a few days later, and it’s just… there. It’s not bad, but the spark is gone. It’s flat. Lifeless. It happens to all of us, me … Read more