How a Zippo lighter became a life-saving plot device and how you, too, can elevate your storytelling by learning to craft props and settings that reveal, advance, and resonate. Here’s the thing about props and[…]
We’ve all seen it a thousand times: The phone rings. The protagonist answers. A voice on the other end delivers life-changing news. The protagonist says “no thanks” and hangs up. Roll credits on Act One.[…]
“Intellectual Rigor” is Not a Dirty Word
Let’s start with the premise that the more we know about the world, the better equipped we are to create worlds of our own. Or in my case, I know nothing, which is a great[…]
How Precision Elevates Your Prose and Scripts
The thesaurus is your friend. But like any good friend, it should tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. Consider these two sentences: The detective walked into the room. The detective[…]
Who Tells Your Story?
While two studios run half of Hollywood and five publishers control 80% of books, indie creators are quietly making six figures through crowdfunding and outlets such as YouTube and Substackāproving you don’t need gatekeepers anymore.[…]
The Beautiful Mess of the Middle
“My middle is a disaster.” “I think I broke my story.” “Everything’s falling apart in Act Two and I don’t know how to fix it.” Sound familiar? If you’re a writer who’s ever uttered these[…]