The Familiar: A Look Into Fictional and Ancestral Tropes

There's the hero and the side kick—then there's the familiar. Unlike the side kick, the familiar is a small, but still important figure in a story. A familiar assists protagonists throughout the plot. Often, a familiar is akin to a mascot, which drives a message home to the reader. Done right, a familiar leaves a …

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False Starts and Introductions to Novels: Too Cliché or A Forgotten Skill?

"At dawn, the sun either shines itself or hides behind clouds, promising what the day will bring. So it is with introductions in stories." —anonymous Most agents and editors would balk at the suggestion of a false start intro. On its own, there's nothing wrong with an exciting beginning, so long as it's done well. …

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The Hero’s Journey in Fiction

Years ago, I read a fantastic book named The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. In it, the author details the Hero's Journey. This is a powerful story element that every writer, artist, or spiritual seeker should understand. It illustrates a protagonist's adventures, from a safe haven to the darkest dungeon—be they literal or figurative. The …

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Describing Sounds in Writing

When we think of the word sound, the last thing we may associate it with are words and phrases. However, sound and writing go hand-in-hand. Recently, I learned from a writing class how important sounds can be for strengthening prose—what a shocker! In this article, I'll discuss the various definitions and techniques that are often …

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POV in Prose and Writing

Points of View POV (point of view) in prose is a vital storytelling element, likened to the camera of the reader. Imagine looking through the eyes of one person for the entire story. In that camera, there's a degree of trust, faith that the reader holds in the storyteller. Maybe it switches to another character …

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Life and Death in a Fantasy Universe

Within fiction, some characters don't share the typical life spans that Earth humans experience. Unusual lifespans in fantasy and science fiction can influence culture and plot considerably. We all enjoy our fantasy stories about long-lived elves, immortal dragons, or extraterrestrials who supercede death. When writing or reading about these characters, it can be hard to …

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