Start here · Essential guide
Rules of Writing
A practical guide to the rules of writing: seven core guidelines with before-and-after examples, Elmore Leonard's advice, and when it makes sense to break a rule.
Writing & Literature
Writing Craft
8 guides, starting with Rules of Writing.
Close Third Person Point of View
Understand close third person point of view with examples, a distance spectrum, and techniques like cutting filter words, plus how it compares to first person.
Different Voices in Writing
Explore different voices in writing: author, narrator, and character voice, with side-by-side examples, tone words, and tips for distinct dialogue.
Head-Hopping in Writing
Learn what head-hopping is in fiction, see a clear example and a fixed version, and find out how it differs from omniscient narration and how to avoid it.
List of Character Arcs
A clear list of character arcs: positive change, redemption, fall, corruption, disillusionment, and flat arcs, with examples and steps for writing one.
Sage Character Examples
Sage character examples from fiction and myth, including Gandalf, Yoda, and Merlin, plus the sage's traits, role, shadow side, and tips for writing one.
Scene Setting Examples
Scene setting examples with flat versus vivid rewrites, techniques for using the senses and point of view, types of scenes, and opening line prompts.
Third Person Limited and Omniscient Examples
Compare third person limited and omniscient point of view with side-by-side examples, pronouns, pros and cons, and tips for choosing the right one.
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