Exposition is story information. It’s the facts or bare bones of your tale that the audience needs to know to appreciate what’s going on. There is a lot of skill involved in delivering exposition in story at the highest level. So what are exposition dumps? How do we avoid them? Exposition dumps are when a … Read more
Having an agent can vastly simplify the task of finding a publisher, or a producer for your writing. Whether you are a poet, a novelist, a screenwriter, a playwright, a non fiction author or any other kind of writer, an agent will send your work into the world, and hopefully to the right people. An … Read more
We all know that characters encounter obstacles in stories, but how do we write really good ones? What sets a bad obstacle apart from one that enhances the story and leaves the audience desperate for more? Read on to find out. Perfect obstacles get bigger throughout the story, they reveal character, they are closely related … Read more
Novelists have been writing prose since Apuleius penned (quilled?) The Golden Ass in 2nd Century CE Rome. For thousands of years readers and critics have been trying to determine which novels represent the very best of prose. Who is the Best Prose Writer? Contenders for the title of best prose writer include Cervantes, Twain, Hemingway, … Read more
Lots of people want to become writers. The question however is can anyone be a good writer? While anyone can be a writer, it takes a lot of work to become a good writer. You need to develop the characteristics of one, including strong language/vocabulary skills, discipline, and attention to detail. A love for reading … Read more
Film is one of the most widespread and influential forms of media on the planet, but what about film critics? Are they still relevant, and if so, what do they contribute to society? Film critics are still relevant today. They offer invaluable insight into how filmmakers can improve, but at a higher level, they provide … Read more
Epic poets, or narrative poets, have gripped the imagination of readers and listeners all over the world for thousands of years. But who are the best epic poets? Which narrative poets have stood the test of time to tower above the rest? Below we explore the lives and work of 5 of the greatest and … Read more
Literary fiction authors, or serious fiction authors, are often defined as being writers who produce books of a very high standard. Literary fiction is also sometimes referred to as mainstream fiction, or non-genre writing. These writers generally aspire to be considered artists, and generate writing which may not neatly fit into one of the established … Read more
No matter what you do for a living or even for a hobby, practice always helps to improve your skills. When it comes to writing, this is possibly even more true. You need to spend time honing and working on your strengths, so they become even stronger. And, you need to be aware of your … Read more
Film connoisseurs can get pretty heated talking about their favorite films or what classifies a movie as memorable and iconic. Film critics are no exception, but they must put their feelings aside to write a professional critique. Film critics are not biased, as their evaluations are based on their understanding of the film as a … Read more