I've interacted with hundreds of writers in plot workshops, conferences, and private consultations over the years, and before that hundreds of kids in speech, language and learning therapy. I continue to marvel at how complex the learning process. What works for one writer, one kid, one person doesn't make sense to another. One approach emboldens one writer and intimidates another. I also continue to marvel at the complexity of emotional responses to learning. One writer shrivels up and …
Anticlimax vs Climax
Anticlimax is the opposite of climax. An anticlimax is defined as a far less important, powerful, striking end or conclusion than expected to an exciting or impressive series of scenes or events. Lots of athletes at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio have experienced a climax of success. Others who expected more have experienced first-hand an anticlimax -- the letdown and disappointment of not living up to personal and/or external expectations. Anticlimax vs Climax Likely you, too, have suffered …
How to Reveal A Character’s Backstory Wound
A character’s backstory directly impacts her front story by the beliefs and people she was raised with, her education, her emotional development. Often something in her backstory caused a wound—either physical, psychic, or both. Anything in her past that now directly interferes with a character achieving her dream or goal in the front story is called a backstory wound. (If you enjoy exercises to improve your relationship with your writing and your life, as you read How To Reveal a Character's …
Character or Action-Driven Writers? Take the Test
Do you know whether you're Character or Action-Driven Writer? An Emotional Writer or a Logical Writer? Take the test below. Many writers develop one plotline at a time and tend to begin with the Character Emotional Development or the Dramatic Action plot, while putting off the Thematic Significance to the end. The plot line you first choose to carry through the entire first draft is most often directly tied to your strength--strength determines preference. Are you adept at developing complex, …
How to Get Story Ideas Out of Your Head and Onto the Page
I recently received the following query from a writer: "I have several stories inside me. I have your Book of Writing Prompts. Yet which book would really help me get the stories out of my head and onto the paper?" The subtitle of The Plot Whisperer Book of Writing Prompts: Easy Exercises to Get You Writing doesn't give a fair estimation of the overall intent of this plot writing book. Yes, the prompts book is filled with daily affirmations and plot advice, yet the 120 prompts are not random …
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