Writer In A Hat
Short Stories, Writing Tips & Essays
Tag: Structure & Plot
Why ‘Love Is Gone’ Is Vital To The Muppets Christmas Carol
There’s something special about The Muppet’s Christmas Carol. Even people who aren’t fans of the Muppets like it. It’s full of heart, wit, and great songs, including one that’s gained some infamy.
Writing A Non-Linear Story? Don’t Do This!
Non-linear narratives can be super engaging and fun, but are prone to problems that kill their good qualities. So when should a story be told in a non-linear way?
Top 10 Reasons Readers Abandon Books
I embody my worst fear as a writer. If I’m abandoning books, other people are too. But why?
Please Stop Putting Spoilers In Book Blurbs
Whenever I buy a book, I look at the blurb first. Point is – they matter. So, please, can you stop with the spoilers?
When Do Writers Go Too Far?
Every writer knows a story needs conflict. Audiences and readers tend to agree, but sometimes conflict can go too far.
An Important Difference Between Chapters & Scenes In Books
Anyone who has read a book knows what a chapter is – a break in the flow of text that makes up a novel. A handy place for a reader to decide whether to stick in a bookmark, fold the corner of the page,… Continue Reading “An Important Difference Between Chapters & Scenes In Books”
What ‘Person Of Interest’ Taught Me About Writing Believable Friendships
Writing a believable friendship is a must in a lot of fiction. From the classic ‘Strangers to Friends’ to the always fun ‘Enemies to Friends,’ characters who are initially suspicious of each other have the most interesting dynamics. But how can we get this transition to feel organic?
Why The Plot Twist In ROBOT & FRANK Doesn’t Work
I recently watched Robot and Frank, a bittersweet science fiction drama about an older man struggling with memory loss and his reluctant acceptance of his helper-bot. I liked it overall, except for one tiny detail – the plot twist.
