Bringing True Stories to Life with the Power of Storytelling Narrative non-fiction is where journalism meets storytelling. It takes true events, real people, and actual facts—but presents them using the techniques of fiction: vivid scenes, rich characters, suspense, dialogue, and emotional arcs. At its best, narrative non-fiction reads like a novel—but every word is rootedContinue reading “How to Write a Narrative Non-Fiction Book”
Tag Archives: Storytelling Techniques
How to Use Backstory Without Info-Dumping
Backstory adds emotional depth, context, and richness to your characters and plot—but drop it all at once, and you risk grinding your story to a halt. Info-dumping is one of the most common pitfalls in fiction writing, especially for newer writers who are eager to explain everything up front. So how do you incorporate backstoryContinue reading “How to Use Backstory Without Info-Dumping”
Writing Epics: Crafting Long-Form Fiction
Epic fiction has captivated audiences for centuries, from The Iliad and The Odyssey to modern sagas like The Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire. Writing an epic requires not just an expansive story but a deep, immersive world, intricate characters, and themes that resonate across time. Unlike a standard novel,Continue reading “Writing Epics: Crafting Long-Form Fiction”
The Role of Archetypes in Character Development
Archetypes have been a cornerstone of storytelling for centuries, acting as the universal templates that resonate with readers across cultures and time. These foundational character types, often derived from mythology, psychology, and folklore, provide writers with a framework for creating compelling and relatable characters. In this blog, we’ll delve into what archetypes are, how theyContinue reading “The Role of Archetypes in Character Development”
Writing Across Genres: Blending Styles and Themes
In the realm of storytelling, genres provide a framework for both writers and readers. They guide expectations and set the tone for the narrative. But what happens when you decide to step outside the confines of a single genre and blend multiple styles or themes? Writing across genres can be both challenging and rewarding, offeringContinue reading “Writing Across Genres: Blending Styles and Themes”
How to Write a Series: Planning and Execution
Writing a series requires more than just a compelling first story. It takes thoughtful planning, character development, and a strong sense of direction to keep readers invested book after book. Whether you’re dreaming up an epic fantasy, a mystery saga, or a sci-fi adventure, crafting a series allows you to create a larger, more immersiveContinue reading “How to Write a Series: Planning and Execution”
Writing Biographies: Telling Someone Else’s Story
Writing a biography is more than just chronicling someone’s life; it’s about weaving facts, emotions, and context into a compelling narrative that both informs and resonates with readers. A well-written biography doesn’t just tell readers what a person did—it explores who they were, why they made certain choices, and how their life impacted others. WhetherContinue reading “Writing Biographies: Telling Someone Else’s Story”
The Importance of Pacing in Your Story
Pacing is one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of storytelling. It refers to the speed at which a story unfolds and how events, dialogue, and narrative descriptions are distributed throughout the work. Get it right, and you’ll keep your readers hooked from the first page to the last. Get it wrong, andContinue reading “The Importance of Pacing in Your Story”
How to Write a Great Opening Scene
The opening scene of your story is arguably one of the most critical parts of your entire narrative. It’s the first impression you make on your readers, and it sets the tone for everything that follows. A great opening scene hooks readers, establishes mood, introduces characters, and hints at the central conflict—all while leaving themContinue reading “How to Write a Great Opening Scene”
Creating Well-Defined Antagonists: Going Beyond the ‘Bad Guy’
Writing is not just about heroes and their journeys; it’s also about the captivating dance with antagonists. These characters are more than mere obstacles; they are the counterbalance, the yin to the hero’s yang. However, crafting a well-defined antagonist is not simply about painting a ‘bad guy’ on your story’s canvas. It’s about understanding theirContinue reading “Creating Well-Defined Antagonists: Going Beyond the ‘Bad Guy’”
