Are endings hard? What makes a good ending, and how do you make it surprising and inevitable? How do you resolve a book differently if it’s a short story, versus a novel, versus a novel in a series? And how can you create that satisfying ending for both you and the reader?
In this week’s Word Essential 60 Second Writing Tip, Alida defines stakes and tension. She explains how they work together to affect both your character and your reader.
What exactly is a subplot? When do you need them? Who should they revolve around? And can they really alleviate the soggy middle syndrome? And please don’t forget your characters have lives too! Don’t make them live entirely in the main plot line.
In this week’s Word Essential 60 Second Writing Tip, Alida discusses a common problem writers have with point of view. She calls it the POV stranglehold. It happens when the POV chokes off the narrative voice. Alida shows you how they should work...
Want to know what it takes to write a good opening? How do you hook your reader and get them invested in your story? How do you create character empathy and what are the action steps that you need to take in order to write a great opening?
I'm Alida I help people express their gifts to the world.
I do not believe in formulas. I believe that the stories we are compelled to tell the world make demands on us, and it is our privilege to meet those demands in order to reach the most people in the most authentic and compelling way possible.
Search Word Essential
Get current offerings, like the Writers Circle, workshops, & coaching.
Read ruminations on life, writing, & the writing life.
Story craft & writing tips, too!
Thanks for subscribing! Look for a confirmation email in your inbox.