Master Writing Techniques List - Learned Along the Way

Master Writing Techniques List

Learned Along the Way

• Show (scene, conflict) => Tell (description, no conflict)
• Scenes: in late => out early.
  • In late: the character comes in when action arc is already occurring
  • Out early: means the character leaves before the action arc resolves
  • Don’t dwell or linger, move on once they’ve gotten what is wanted.
• Every chapter is consistent rising action
• End chapter at action climax
• Begin chapter at falling action => resolution => rising again
• Types of Conflict. Person vs. …
  • Person
  • Self
  • Nature
  • Society
  • Supernatural
  • Technology
• Speech Tag: “She said.” Invisible by reader.
• Action Tag: “
  • Characterization
  • Setting
  • Plot
  • Internal thought
  • Description
• Dialogue: it’s about furthering the story
• “Look closer,” she said.
• “Look closer.” She laughed.
• “Look closer!” she exclaimed.
• Point of View: Third Person Limited
• How does your magic system work?
  • Clal’s blood has the magic
  • Touch
• Stages:
  • Prewrite
  • Writing
  • Revision
  • Submission
• Metaphores (learn and use)
• Similes (learn and use)
• Dan Wells - 7 Point Structure
  • Hook — Your character’s starting point. This is the opposite of the Resolution.
  • Plot turn 1 — The event that sets your story in motion and moves you from the beginning to the Midpoint. You introduce the conflict and your character’s world changes. This is basically when your character sets out on his/her journey.
  • Pinch point 1 — This is where you apply pressure. This is often used to introduce the antagonist.
  • Midpoint — Your character moves from reaction to action. He/she determines he/she must do something to stop the antagonist.
  • Pinch point 2 — This is where you apply more pressure. Your story takes the ultimate dive. Your character is at his/her darkest moment. He/she has lost everything.
  • Plot turn 2 — Here you move the story from Midpoint to the end, the Resolution. Your character gets or realizes he/she has the final piece of information to achieve what he/she set out to do in the Midpoint.
  • Resolution — This is the climax of your story. Everything in the story leads to this moment. Here, your character achieves (or fails to achieve) what he/she set out to do.