Escape Generic Storytelling by Asking “Why?”
The most important question we can ask to get in touch with every aspect of our story is “why”—even helping us escape generic or cliché storytelling.
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5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Help: Part Two — Guest: Jeff Lyons
Are we ready to hire an editor? To check, I’m sharing Part Two of Jeff Lyons guest post with the questions we should ask ourselves before hiring story help.
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5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Help: Part One — Guest: Jeff Lyons
It’s hard to find an editor we can trust. To help, I’m sharing Part One of Jeff Lyons guest post with the questions we should ask before hiring story help, such as editors and consultants.
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Don’t Believe These Writing Myths: Part Two — Guest: Jeff Lyons
In Part Two, Jeff Lyons shares more of the most common writing myths and the lie and danger for us if we believe them. Learn the truth instead.
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Don’t Believe These Writing Myths: Part One — Guest: Jeff Lyons
Some writing advice out there is great, while other tips are misleading, impossible to follow, or just plain wrong. Unfortunately, that bad advice can be shared just as much as the good advice. Today, Jeff Lyons busts some of the most common writing myths.
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Protagonist Boot Camp: Characters Who Drive a Story
We might sometimes wonder if our main character is worthy of the label protagonist or if our story would be better told through another character’s eyes. So let’s talk about how can ensure our main character deserves the role of protagonist.
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Creating a Strong Moral Premise for Our Story — Guest: Jeff Lyons
A character’s arc involves change, but what exactly is changing? Today, Jeff Lyons shares how to ensure we’re not saddling our protagonist with generic character flaws to overcome, but rather we’re creating well-rounded characters with personal motivations for their struggles.
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What’s “High Concept” & How Can I Create It? — Guest: Jeff Lyons
Last week, Jeff Lyons shared how to make every story idea the best it could be. Today he’s delving into the tricky description of high concept. Many agents and editors say they prefer high-concept stories, but what does that mean?
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How to Make Every Story Idea the Best It Can Be — Guest: Jeff Lyons
Some stories tell an engaging tale that’s entertaining but doesn’t necessarily feel deep. Other stories make us feel like we’re changed by reading them. Today, Jeff Lyons shares his insights into how to make each type of story the best they can be.
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