You know, writing a short story is this amazing creative act, this whole journey from just an idea to that first draft. But the real magic, that transformation from raw words into something truly special, that happens in the editing room. And let me tell you, this isn’t just about spotting a typo here and … Read more
So, you’ve poured your heart out onto the page, right? You’ve dug deep, relived some tough moments, maybe even made peace with a few old ghosts. That first draft of your memoir? It’s a huge accomplishment. But let’s be real, it’s just the raw material. The real magic, where your personal story transforms into something … Read more
Alright, let’s talk about editing comedy. This isn’t just about spotting typos; it’s about tweaking your humor to make it truly shine. It’s about taking something that gets a little chuckle and turning it into a full-blown belly laugh. This is how you make your comedy unforgettable. I’m going to walk you through how I … Read more
The blank page, it’s always lurking, isn’t it? Especially when you’re trying to figure out how to make people laugh. Comedy isn’t just about being funny, it’s about being efficient, precise, and creating a lot of stuff. The truly successful comedic voices out there? They aren’t just naturally gifted; they’ve figured out a serious, step-by-step … Read more
The curtain rises, the lights illuminate the stage, and then… nothing? A play, no matter how intricate its plot or how profound its themes, is ultimately a collection of stories told through its characters. They are the heart, the voice, the very breath of your theatrical vision. Without them, your meticulously crafted narrative remains a … Read more
The magic of literary fiction, for me, often shines brightest not in what’s explicitly stated, but in what’s beautifully, subtly, unsaid. I’m talking about subtext. It’s that quiet hum beneath the dialogue, the unspoken motivation driving a character’s actions, and the emotional current flowing just below the surface of a scene. To me, it’s the … Read more
You know, when I think about spinning a really good yarn, I often land on this idea of making it bigger than just one straight road. For anyone who’s trying to dig deeper into themes, or just build out a world that feels incredibly real, having more than one story going at the same time … Read more
The beating heart of any compelling short story isn’t its exquisite prose, its intricate world-building, or even its memorable characters. It is, undeniably, its conflict. Without meaningful friction, a narrative drifts aimlessly, leaving readers disengaged and ultimately, unsatisfied. Conflict isn’t merely an obstacle; it’s the engine that propels your plot, reveals character, elevates stakes, and … Read more
Let’s talk about developing complex characters, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about writing compelling narratives, it’s this: at their heart, they’re always human stories. And the ones that truly stick with you, the ones that resonate long after you’ve closed the book, those are stories propelled by human beings. We’re talking complex, flawed, … Read more
Here it is, rewritten as if I’m sharing my thoughts with you: Short fiction really hinges on making an immediate impression, and there’s no place that’s more crucial than with the characters. Unlike writing a novel, where you have hundreds of pages to lay out backstories and all those nuanced details, short stories demand that … Read more