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15 VERY Unpopular Opinions About The Craft & Business Of Writing

Unpopular Opinions About Writing Bang2write was built on ‘smack talk’, which means I’m known for my outspoken opinions. That said, I never *just* give opinions! I’ve always backed them up and based them on experience, with examples. So, looking for unpopular opinions about writing? You’ve come to the right place.  Bring it … Ready? Let’s go! The Craft Of Writing 1) Many first drafts are literally unfixable Hemingway got it right … Most first drafts are shit. Sad but true! Hell, even the ‘good’ ones will be full of missed opportunities and obvious issues. Also, don’t be afraid of going… Read More »15 VERY Unpopular Opinions About The Craft & Business Of Writing

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Getting Nowhere? 3 Top Tips To Help You In Your Writing Career

Getting Nowhere? Read On … I hear from writers all the time who feel frustrated, despondent and like they are getting nowhere. They may tell me they feel ‘locked out’, or perhaps they are getting ghosted by industry pros. Let me offer the view from the other side. Hardly a month goes by without me having to block a writer. Sometimes it’s multiple writers. Supersadface. I don’t want to. I want to help.  Whilst I have to make a living, I give oodles of my time and expertise away for NOTHING on the B2W platform. That’s why there’s so much… Read More »Getting Nowhere? 3 Top Tips To Help You In Your Writing Career

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5 Big Truths In The A.I Debate Nobody Seems To Be Talking About

  The Big A.I Debate A.I has been a very hot topic for writers in the last few years. It’s not difficult to see why … Since ChatGPT et al dropped in late 2022, what the technology means for creatives has been a focal point. Screenwriters and authors have been concerned with everything from getting ‘replaced’ through to ethical use, plagiarism, copyright and much more besides (because: duh! We need to protect our interests). Now, it seems those concerns and talking points have finally begun to filter down to non-creatives. In recent months, I have been in several reader and… Read More »5 Big Truths In The A.I Debate Nobody Seems To Be Talking About

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5 Unusual Things I Did To Create My Dream Writing Career

On ‘Breaking In’ To The Industry I don’t like the term ‘breaking in’, which is why I always tell Bang2writers to CREATE their dream writing career. I think it’s a much more useful term. It reminds us that we have the tools to do whatever we want! There is indeed no clear-cut path and every creative will have a different one. That said, I was a rank outsider in the industry, starting from a position that was both complex and challenging. By sharing my story, I hope I can inspire you as you create YOUR dream writing career. Ready? Let’s… Read More »5 Unusual Things I Did To Create My Dream Writing Career

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Tropes Vs. Stereotypes Vs. Clichés: Why Knowing The Difference Is Important

Tropes Vs. Stereotypes Vs. Clichés If you are confused about the differences between tropes, stereotypes and clichés, you are NOT alone. So few people get it right online – including actual writers and critics! – that it’s no wonder everybody’s brains are melted. Without further ado then, I am going to break it all down here. Ready? Let’s go … What Is A Trope? A trope is simply a recurrent idea we see a lot in stories. Nothing more, nothing less. A trope may be positive, negative or neutral. A lot of tropes in storytelling start first in society before… Read More »Tropes Vs. Stereotypes Vs. Clichés: Why Knowing The Difference Is Important

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Top 15 Unwritten Rules Of Writing: How Many Do You Know?

Rules, Schmules B2W always says there’s no rules to break, just risks to take in writing. However, there are numerous things we can do when learning and honing our craft … ‘best practices’ if you will. These best practices can be thought of as ‘unwritten rules’ if you’re so inclined. I rounded up 15 of these so-called rules for us all. If you think you have missed any, feel free to add to the comments. Ready? Let’s go! 1) Know Who You’re Writing FOR! Whenever I say to a writer they need to know their target reader or viewer, this… Read More »Top 15 Unwritten Rules Of Writing: How Many Do You Know?

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#1 Error That Kills Interest In Your Pitch 100% Of The Time

#1 Error That Kills Your Pitch Obviously there are lots of ways to kill your pitch, but there’s a #1 error I see most often. This error is so widespread and so simple, you’ll kick yourself once you see it … … HIDING your story behind intangible, thematic stuff. In other words, writers go for VIBES over the actual events of the story. Instead of being overt about what literally happens, the writer will fall back on that #1 pitching error like this … A retired bodyguard faces his demons from his traumatic past as he guides a kidnapped girl… Read More »#1 Error That Kills Interest In Your Pitch 100% Of The Time

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Pros & Cons Of Writing A Prologue: 6 Key Things To Consider

All About Prologues Every word counts in a story and first impressions matter. Traditionally, a prologue is an introductory chapter that sets the scene, tone and genre of your novel. But should you write one? The million-dollar question! Believe it or not, using a prologue can be quite controversial in the social media age. So, let’s put prologues under the microscope, so you can make an informed choice on whether YOU should use one … let’s go! What Is A Prologue? Put simply, a prologue is an introductory chapter that lays the groundwork of what’s to come. Their purpose is… Read More »Pros & Cons Of Writing A Prologue: 6 Key Things To Consider

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An Introduction To Kishōtenketsu, The Art of Plot Contrast Over Conflict

All About Kishōtenketsu If you learned storytelling in the West, you may not have heard of kishōtenketsu. Whilst some literature and screenwriting degrees may include it, most prioritise what I call ‘the transformative arc’.  The most obvious transformative arc is, of course, The Hero’s Journey. A protagonist must go from ‘zero to hero’ while challenging a ‘Big Bad’ of some kind. Most often that protagonist will undergo fundamental changes in dealing with a villain. This villain may or may not be emblematic of ‘The System’. Good examples of villains that are part of ‘The System’ include Darth Vader (The Evil… Read More »An Introduction To Kishōtenketsu, The Art of Plot Contrast Over Conflict

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Top 15 Lies Slam Reviewers Share Online: Writers, Have You Had Any Of These?

All About Slam Reviewers Slam Reviewers are different to actual reviewers. Here’s why: my objection is not that slam reviewers didn’t enjoy a book, TV show or movie … that’s absolutely fine. Hell, giving a one star review is fine! I’ve said it multiple times on this blog and I’ll say it again …  our writing is not ‘for everyone’ and that’s part of life’s rich tapestry. We have to accept this as writers. We do this by letting go and moving on. But slam reviewers are those who take it one step further They will give a bad review… Read More »Top 15 Lies Slam Reviewers Share Online: Writers, Have You Had Any Of These?

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Top 10 Reasons Your Spec Screenplay Is Being Sent To Trash

Is Your Script Being Sent To Trash? If you suspect your spec screenplay is being sent to trash, you’re not alone. I started script reading so long ago, most of the submissions I received were ON PAPER. No, I wasn’t born in prehistoric times with dinosaurs running all over the place … it was just twenty years ago. (Cheeky). But these days, most spec screenplays are PDFs and attached to emails, or sent via portals like Submittable. However, this does mean they’re easier than ever to overlook, or get sent to trash. All overworked readers have to do is highlight… Read More »Top 10 Reasons Your Spec Screenplay Is Being Sent To Trash

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“I Like Your Style!” Top 10 Writing Tips To Improve Yours

Your Writing Style Is Important Writing style is unique, but there are things we can consider in making our style the best it can be. As Lucy always says on this site, good writing craft is the least we can do. Style is part of that. Of course, there are no rules. Experienced writers can get away with anything. However, below are some things to be aware of, especially if you are writing a book or short story for the first time. “Writing fiction is a delicate balance.” Sol Stein from Stein On Writing 1)  Avoid The Passive Voice The… Read More »“I Like Your Style!” Top 10 Writing Tips To Improve Yours

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