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Top 10 Women in Male-Dominated Character Archetypes

All About Male-Dominated Archetypes This list includes Women in fictional media whose personalities and characters are usually reserved for male-dominated roles. In recent years, writers have become more and more interested in writing female characters. However, female leads are sometimes boxed into tropes that are stereotypically ‘girly’. Yet these male-dominated archetypes do not have to be just about male characters. Writers can use them as a starting point for female characters as well. 1) Buffy Summers (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) Buffy redefines the heroic warrior archetype, which is traditionally male-dominated. As well as that, she’s shown to be ‘the chosen… Read More »Top 10 Women in Male-Dominated Character Archetypes

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6 Of The Best: What The Music of Hans Zimmer Can Teach Writers

The Complete Hans Zimmer Narrative Storytelling Arc Playlist Hans Zimmer is probably the most prolific musician working in film and TV today. So many of his soundtracks are absolutely iconic. You likely have a favourite piece of his, even if you don’t actively listen to OSTs yourself. Humans love music, but what many writers don’t realise is that musicians are storytellers just like us. That is most obvious when a piece of music has lyrics, but it’s also the case for music WITHOUT words. Music and TV have music for mood, tone and genre, but it also tells a story… Read More »6 Of The Best: What The Music of Hans Zimmer Can Teach Writers

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10 Quick Tips To Writing Romance In The 2020s

All About Writing Romance So, you want to write romance in 2026, huh? Good. But before you roll your eyes at another “boy meets girl” idea, let me stop you. Romance isn’t dead, it’s thriving … and if you want to write it without looking like a clueless dinosaur, here’s what you need to know. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Romance goes with EVERYTHING! Yep … Everything. Thrillers? Romance. Dark fantasy? Romance. Even your grim post-apocalyptic world needs a smidge of “OMG, they might die but also maybe get together?” Humans crave relationships, so don’t ignore them. 2) Diversity isn’t… Read More »10 Quick Tips To Writing Romance In The 2020s

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5 Top Tips Crime Writers Can Learn From BBC1’s THE TRAITORS

What Crime Writers Can Learn from The Traitors The Traitors has been sweeping the UK. Three times a week, millions of people take time out of their day to watch a bunch of regular folks trying to solve an Agatha-Christie-style murder mystery. What is it that works for this series? 1) Everyone Wants To Be A Traitor It has to do with the format, of course. At the beginning of the show, Claudia Winkleman, the host, interviews each player and asks whether they would like to be a Faithful or a Traitor. Very few want to be Faithfuls. First, it’s… Read More »5 Top Tips Crime Writers Can Learn From BBC1’s THE TRAITORS

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On Character Motivation: How Your Main Character’s ‘Why’ Powers Your Story

All About Character Motivation Motivation is key in any good story: I call it the ‘why’ of characterisation. Your characters should not simply exist to serve the plot. Instead, they should drive the plot through their own choices, behaviour, worldview, backstory and actions. A subtle difference, but crucial. In other words then, a great character wants or needs something for a reason … and they must struggle to get it. Their ‘why’ may be personal, ranging from the good or neutral, through to the outright evil and villainous. Whatever makes your character act, fight or sacrifice, that ‘why’ is everything.… Read More »On Character Motivation: How Your Main Character’s ‘Why’ Powers Your Story

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How ‘The One with The Embryos’ Nails Stakes, Tension & Pay Off

The One With The Embryos (s4, ep12) The One With The Embryos (aka ‘the quiz episode’) is one of my favourite Friends episodes of all time. In fact, I just lovelovelove s4 of the show; it’s probably my favourite season. The trivia contest is hilarious, but other iconic s4 moments include: Ross saying ‘Rachel’ at the altar Monica getting stung by a jellyfish Chandler and Rachel’s fight over the handcuffs in Joanna’s office Phoebe’s pregnancy with triplets Joey saying ‘How you doin’?’ for the first time and of course ‘The Friendly Finger’ (Ross’ way of giving The Finger with two… Read More »How ‘The One with The Embryos’ Nails Stakes, Tension & Pay Off

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The Genius of THE SHINING: Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony Done Right

Happy Halloween From B2W The Shining is one of my favourite movies of all time. You may have noticed my fab poster in the background of my Zooms, livestreams and selfies (below). One of the reasons it is one of my favourites is because it was part of my own writing journey. I first watched the movie when I was a teenager. I was a strange kid who loved to watch things over and over in a loop. In doing so, I realised there were a variety of ‘giveaways’ of what would happen in the story. I was confused at… Read More »The Genius of THE SHINING: Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony Done Right

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Top 10 Tips For Writing Powerful Genre Novels & Screenplays

Writing Powerful Genre If you want to write powerful genre novels and screenplays, you’ve come to the right place. Powerful genre is a non-negotiable in the 2020s in both screenwriting and publishing … but this means you really have to know what you’re doing! So if you want to harness the true power of genre, let’s go … 1) Know The Conventions Writers frequently try to write genres through the power of intuition alone. This means they simply decide their story IS a thriller, comedy, horror, romance etc and write it. But guess what? Genres have conventions! That means there… Read More »Top 10 Tips For Writing Powerful Genre Novels & Screenplays

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Stuck On Act 2? 5 Tips To Take Your Story Towards A Great Ending

The Dreaded Act 2 ‘Slump’ Screenwriter or author, many – if not most? – writers fear Act 2. Lots of Bang2writers I’ve worked one-to-one with label it ‘The Wasteland’! It’s not hard to see why. While Act 1 is full of promise, plus Act 3 is the ‘wrap up’, so it’s easy (and normal!) to stall in Act 2. Many writers stall because they’re not entirely sure what Act 2 is for. So, breaking it down, Act 2 is for … Escalation of the conflict (with characters ‘climbing walls, each one bigger than the last‘) Development of character arcs, so… Read More »Stuck On Act 2? 5 Tips To Take Your Story Towards A Great Ending

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Top 5 Reasons A Writing Retreat Will Help Your Writing

So, You Want To Go On A Writing Retreat? A writing retreat offers the rare chance to step away from everyday life and fully immerse yourself in your novel or screenplay. Whether it’s tucked away in a stunning countryside location or held virtually from the comfort of your own home, a retreat provides dedicated time and space to prioritise your writing. It’s a sad fact that many writers struggle to carve out time for their craft. Between demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and the mental toll of modern life, it’s easy for writing to slip to the bottom of the list.… Read More »Top 5 Reasons A Writing Retreat Will Help Your Writing

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‘This Story Defies Genre!’ Why That’s NOT The Flex You Think It Is

There’s A Weird Snobbery Around Genre … Bangers we need to talk: some writers seem to think that being “genre-defying” is something to aspire to. That if you’re working within genre conventions, somehow your story’s less intelligent, less original, less… special. Let me be clear: that attitude is killing your script or novel. I’m not kidding. Let’s unpack the biggest myths I hear (daily!) from writers about genre — and why sticking your nose up at it is a mistake. 1) “My story defies genre!” Oh dear. Where do I even start? When a writer says this, what they usually… Read More »‘This Story Defies Genre!’ Why That’s NOT The Flex You Think It Is

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5 Pitch Deck FAILS That Make Industry Pros Say, ‘I’m Out’

Pitch Deck FAILS I’ve seen a LOT of pitch deck fails in my time as a script editor here at B2W. And whether it’s film funds, script labs or co-production markets, the same problems show up again and again. Here are 5 red flags that make professionals quietly close your deck before you’ve even got to the good bits. Ready? Let’s go! 1) Opening with a bloody quote Look, I get it: you love storytelling. You’re deep, poetic, meaningful. Maybe even a bit mystical. But that’s not what your pitch deck is for!! Agents, investors, broadcasters, producers want clarity and… Read More »5 Pitch Deck FAILS That Make Industry Pros Say, ‘I’m Out’

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