Blog Posts

Fictional characters are more than just figments of an author's imagination. They reflect human nature, embodying a vast spectrum of psychological traits and behaviors. By analyzing popular characters from a psychological perspective, we can gain a deeper understanding of their narratives and of ourselves. In this blog post, we'll delve into the psychology behind some of our favorite fictional characters.

Every novel begins with a spark—an idea, a character, a scene—that ignites the creative process. From there, it embarks on a journey from first draft to published book, a journey fraught with challenges, but also brimming with triumphs. In this blog post, we'll explore this journey through a series of interviews with authors, revealing the hurdles they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.

Literature is a vast, interconnected web, with authors often drawing inspiration from, paying homage to, or subtly referencing the works that have influenced them. Uncovering these hidden links can enrich our understanding of these novels, offering a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating links between some of the world's most famous novels.

A captivating setting is the magic carpet that transports readers into the heart of a story. It's more than just a backdrop—it influences plot, shapes characters, and creates a mood that lures readers into the heart of the narrative. From the fantastical realms of fantasy to the gritty streets in crime novels, effective world-building is an essential skill for every writer. In this blog, we'll explore the concept of world-building across various genres, offering tips and tricks to create an immersive setting.

In the heart of every unforgettable novel, you'll find compelling characters. They are the lifeblood of any story, the driving force that pulls readers in and keeps them turning the pages. But how do authors create such memorable characters? In this blog post, we'll explore the art of character creation, drawing lessons from some of the most iconic figures in bestselling novels.

In this article, we delve into the intricate world of storytelling, breaking down the science of plot structures in both classic and modern literature, complete with examples from popular novels. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a passionate reader, understanding these structures will deepen your appreciation of the craft.

Many aspiring writers imagine the lives of bestselling authors to be filled with endless hours of inspired writing in quiet, secluded offices, their ideas flowing seamlessly onto the page. However, the truth about the writing routines of successful authors may surprise you. This article aims to debunk some common myths and provide practical advice inspired by the habits of renowned authors.

For those who aspire to pen their own novel, the advice of successful authors can be a beacon in the daunting wilderness of the blank page. Often, we hear familiar suggestions: "Write what you know," "Show, don't tell," or "Start with an outline." But what about the road less traveled? The masters of the craft have more to offer than these conventional words of wisdom.

The Open Narrative Structure is a narrative framework that is characterized by its lack of a fixed structure or predetermined ending. Instead of following a set of plot points or story beats, the Open Narrative Structure allows for improvisation and exploration, allowing the story to evolve and unfold in unexpected ways.

The Fractal Structure is a narrative framework that is based on the idea of fractals, which are self-similar patterns that repeat at different scales. The Fractal Structure is a relatively new and experimental narrative framework that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the realm of video games and interactive media.

The Double Helix Structure is a narrative framework that is relatively new and not as well-known as some of the more classic structures such as the Three-Act Structure or the Hero's Journey. It was created by John Bucher, a screenwriter and mythologist who specializes in storytelling. The Double Helix Structure is based on the idea that a story should have two intertwining threads or strands that run through it, much like the double helix structure of DNA.

The Kishōtenketsu Structure is a narrative framework that originates from traditional Japanese storytelling, particularly in poetry and theater. Unlike many Western narrative structures, the Kishōtenketsu Structure does not rely on conflict or resolution, but rather on the four elements of kishō, shōten, ten, and ketsu.

The Five-Act Structure is a narrative framework that is commonly used in theatre, particularly in Shakespearean plays. In recent years, it has also become popular in film and television writing. The Five-Act Structure is similar to the Three-Act Structure but breaks the story down into five distinct parts, each with its own narrative function.

The Anatomy of Story is a narrative framework created by John Truby, a screenwriter and writing coach. The framework is based on the idea that a successful story must have a strong underlying structure, much like the human body needs a skeleton to stand.

The Story Engineering narrative framework was developed by Larry Brooks, a successful novelist and writing instructor. The framework is based on the idea that a successful story must have a strong underlying structure, much like a building needs a solid foundation to stand.

The Snowflake Method is a popular method for planning and structuring a novel, created by Randy Ingermanson, a successful novelist and writing coach. The method is based on the idea that a story can be built from a simple idea, like a snowflake that starts with a single crystal and grows into a complex and beautiful structure.

The Seven-Point Story Structure is a narrative structure that was popularized by author and screenwriter Dan Wells. The structure consists of seven key story points that should be hit in order to create a compelling and engaging story.

Save the Cat! is a popular screenwriting book by Blake Snyder that provides a beat sheet for structuring a screenplay. The beat sheet consists of 15 "beats" or story points that should be hit in a screenplay to create a compelling and engaging story.

The Fichtean Curve, also known as the Dramatic Arc, is a narrative structure that was first proposed by German philosopher and writer Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller in the late 18th century. The structure was later refined by German writer and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and has since become a popular tool for structuring dramatic works.

Dan Harmon's Story Circle is a narrative structure that is widely used in modern television and film writing. It is a simple and effective way to structure a story into eight distinct parts, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The Three-Act Structure is a narrative structure that is commonly used in film and television writing, but can be applied to any type of storytelling. It is a simple and effective way to structure a story into three distinct acts: the setup, confrontation, and resolution.

The Hero's Journey is a narrative structure that has been used in storytelling for thousands of years. It was first described by mythologist Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," and has since become a popular tool for writers and storytellers.

Freytag's Pyramid is one of the oldest and most popular narrative structures used in storytelling. It was first described by German playwright and novelist Gustav Freytag in his book "Technique of the Drama" in 1863.

In this post, we've provided an exhaustive list of all the narrative strucutures (we know of) for organizing your story.

Narrative structures are frameworks or templates used by storytellers to help structure and organize their stories in a coherent and engaging manner. These structures often outline key moments or beats in the narrative, providing a roadmap for crafting a compelling story.

Writing a novel can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but getting started can feel overwhelming. By following a few key steps, you can set yourself up for success and make progress towards your goal of completing your first novel.