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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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“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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5 Things You Can Do If Writing Becomes Overwhelming

When Writing Becomes Overwhelming Has writing become overwhelming and got you stressed out? We hear you. While you might have initially pursued writing as a career because it’s something you love, that doesn’t mean that it’s always fun and games. When you are a little too devoted to something, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and place too much pressure on yourself to succeed. So, if you’re feeling like writing is overwhelming and you just can’t anymore, this article is for you! We’ve got some helpful tips to get you out of your funk and get those creative ideas flowing again.… Read More »5 Things You Can Do If Writing Becomes Overwhelming

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How To Maximise Your Book Tour: 6 Essentials Tips For Authors

All About Your Book Tour If you want to promote your book, a book tour is a great idea. This is because you have to get out there and spread the word. However, you shouldn’t just pack up and leave without a plan! Here are six steps to help maximise your book tour and find success without getting overwhelmed. 1) Consider Teaming Up With Another Writer The key to maximising your book tour is not to overburden yourself, especially if it’s your first time out on the road. The first step to book tour planning is teaming up with a… Read More »How To Maximise Your Book Tour: 6 Essentials Tips For Authors

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FRIENDS at 30: What Lessons Can Writers Learn From This Classic Sitcom?

30 Years Of Friends For many of us, it’s hard to believe Friends is 30 years old … but for others, it’s all too obvious. Comedy dates and 30 year old humour can sink like the Titanic. But even 30 years on since its first broadcast on September 22nd, 1994, Friends seems to be as popular as ever in the social media age. There are countless accounts dedicated to the sitcom, some run by fans who weren’t even born when it started. (Hell, my youngest loves it and was born donkey’s years after it FINISHED!). When I started writing case… Read More »FRIENDS at 30: What Lessons Can Writers Learn From This Classic Sitcom?

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Fantasy Vs. Science Fiction: What’s The Difference?

Fantasy Vs. Science Fiction One of the most searched-for terms leading to this blog is ‘fantasy vs. science fiction’. Since so many writers seem to want to know the difference, I thought I’d round some up. Fantasy and science fiction are two VERY popular genres in the spec pile, screenplay or novel. I seem to read them all the time. These genres have some similarities, but also some distinct differences as well. Without further ado, here’s my breakdown of  fantasy vs. science fiction … Ready? Let’s go! 1) Setting First up on fantasy vs. science fiction is setting. Whether urban… Read More »Fantasy Vs. Science Fiction: What’s The Difference?

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Create50: 3 Tips For An Awesome Horror Short Story (Plus 3 Tips On Feedback)

What is Create50? Can you write a short horror story in time for the Halloween launch event? If you can, you should get involved in Twisted50 from Create50.  It is a competition-like initiative from the London Screenwriters Festival with two very simple aims … Platform talent from as many emerging writers in one hit. For us that’s 50 writers who will get a huge boost in about 12 weeks now. Encourage writers to both write and give feedback, often in genres they don’t normally write for. Keeping it under 2,000 words for short stories means the bar to entry is… Read More »Create50: 3 Tips For An Awesome Horror Short Story (Plus 3 Tips On Feedback)

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3 Simple Things Compelling Characters Need In Your Story

Wanted: Compelling Characters ‘How to write a compelling character’ is one of the most searched-for terms leading to this blog. I frequently write about characterisation, especially with reference to important topics such as diversity and inclusion, or advanced elements like archetypes. But what if you just want a more straightforward, back-to-basics approach? No problem! B2W’s got you covered. Here’s just 3 things you want to consider when it comes to compelling characterisation in your screenplay or novel. Ready? Let’s go … 1) Strengths Everyone has at least one thing they’re good at … and this should include characters in novels… Read More »3 Simple Things Compelling Characters Need In Your Story

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Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make With Their Fantasy Stories

How NOT to Write Fantasy Stories Fantasy stories are brilliant because technically, we can write whatever we want … but the bad news is, we can write whatever we want! For a lot of writers this can lead to feeling overwhelmed, which in turn can mean big mistakes. So if we can do whatever we want, perhaps it’s better to concentrate on what NOT to do?? Here’s my advice on how NOT to write fantasy stories (whether screenplay or novel). Ready? Let’s go … 1) Lack of Originality Yes, we don’t want anything TOO original … we need to be able… Read More »Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make With Their Fantasy Stories

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5 Steps To Better Sex Scenes, The Bridgerton Way

Intimate Scenes, The Bridgerton Way Anyone who’s seen Bridgerton – and who hasn’t? – can surely not have missed the intimate sex scenes the show is famous for. I was lucky enough to be in the audience at an exclusive screening of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2 with Shonda Rhimes (Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer) and Jess Brownell (Showrunner). The Bridgerton team and Jessie gave us all a step-by-step guide to portraying intimate moments on screen. The step-by-step process Step 1: Talk to the actor! (OR for writers – think about the character and the specific intimacy that’s required for the… Read More »5 Steps To Better Sex Scenes, The Bridgerton Way

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5 Reasons Writers SHOULD Include Sex Scenes In Their Writing

Hey Writers: Include  Sex Scenes In Your Writing! Yeah I said what I said: I have argued for a LONG time that writers should include sex scenes in our writing. In the past twenty years I’ve seen sex scenes in the spec screenplay and unpublished novel pile DECREASE. But it’s not anti-feminist to include sex scenes in your novel or screenplay … plus modern storytelling is NOT porn, as Matt (below) points out. It’s a worrying trend that people KEEP making this accusation of stories on social media. Far from being progressive (as many insist), complaining that ‘all’ expressions of… Read More »5 Reasons Writers SHOULD Include Sex Scenes In Their Writing

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