Start here · Essential guide
The Elements of a Story
Learn the core elements of a story: characters, setting, plot, conflict, theme, point of view and style, and how they work together in fiction.
Writing Craft
Story Craft
7 guides, starting with The Elements of a Story.
Good Story Writing Tips
Practical story writing tips: plan your idea, give characters clear goals, write purposeful scenes, build a writing habit, revise and avoid common mistakes.
How to Write the Premise of a Story
Learn what a story premise is, how it differs from plot and theme, and how to write and test a clear one-to-two sentence premise for your fiction.
Scene Setting Examples
Scene setting examples and techniques: sensory detail, character-filtered description, setting as obstacle, plus before-and-after revisions and common mistakes.
Story Turning Point
Understand what a story turning point is, the key turning points in a plot, what makes one work, and how to write turning points that change your story.
What Is the Problem of a Story?
The problem of a story is its central conflict. Learn how problem, conflict and stakes differ, the types of conflict, and how to build or find a story problem.
Writing a Plot for a Story
A practical guide to writing a plot for a story: define character, goal and stakes, choose a structure, outline cause and effect, and fix common plot problems.
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