Hi Reader, My Christmas gift to you is a free ebook that has the past three years of newsletters about writing craft. It's called Write On: Story Secrets Every Writer Needs, and you can download it here. This is my new reader (lead) magnet that I use to build my email list. How to Build your E-Mail list with a Reader Magnet One essential aspect of the creator life is an email newsletter. It is a powerful tool for building a connection with fans and customers. As a writer, your email list is...
21 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday time is a lot of fun. The downside is that things slow down until mid-January. This is a great time to take a break from writing and refresh. You can still have a low key, but productive December by working on your craft. Below are some of my favorite podcasts, video channels, and books for writers. While I divided them into screenwriting and fiction, story is story. No matter what kind of project you are working on, you will...
28 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you! I am honored to help you on your writing journey. I love creating content for you and interacting with you. Wishing you a day filled with joy and love. Black Friday Deals for Writers From now until Christmas I am offering 30% of all my coaching packages – 3 one hour sessions, 6 sessions, and 12 sessions with the coupon code XMAS! Get some for yourself or as a gift with gift certificates. Start the new year off with a bang! Purchase...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Writing romantic storylines is more than crafting swoon-worthy moments—it’s about creating connections that make readers root for your characters to find their happily ever after. Whether you're writing a screenplay or a novel, building a compelling romantic relationship is all about layering emotional connections, using setups and payoffs, and delivering meaningful gestures that make your audience believe in love. Here’s how to do it step by step. Start Where They Are Falling in...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Last week we talked about the two act chiastic structure. I got some questions about three act versus two act structure. Specifically, around my examples Pride and Prejudice and The Wizard of Oz. Both stories also fit three act structure so it can be confusing. Before we compare the two structures, let's talk about The Lion King, which is a clean example of two act chiastic structure. Before I knew about chiastic structure, The Lion King always confused me because it doesn't have a...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, Today, we're talking about one of the coolest narrative patterns you've probably encountered without even realizing it—the chiastic structure. It's a mouthful, but it's also a storytelling tool that can bring balance, resonance, and unforgettable depth to your writing. Whether you're scripting a screenplay or penning a novel, this literary device can add a whole extra layer of sophistication and satisfaction to your stories. Chiastic structure is prominent in Eastern stories. If...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader, This month we’ve talked about a range of story templates: · Fairy tales · Myths · Legends · Classic literature · Shakespeare’s plays · Classic movies Lots of juicy stories to inspire your projects! How To Use Templates So you’ve picked a template – what is your next step? As you can see from the examples we’ve discussed, you can use templates in a variety of ways: Put a twist on a familiar story by telling it from a new perspective, such as making the villain the hero – Maleficent...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This week we are talking about one of my favorite of templates – classic movies! Classic Movies If you want to create entertainment – books, movies, TV, & comics, you need to be well-versed in movie history. The stories that we are creating today build on what came before. The people you will work for and with — the executives, producers, and writers — will often reference other movies, and you need to know what they are talking about. Even more important, for your writing to...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Last week we talked about templates in general and how to use legends, myths, and fairytales as inspiration for your stories. This week it’s classic literature! Classic Literature All of those books you read in English class are a great place to go hunting for ideas. Most of them are in the public domain, so you can write a straight adaption without having to pay for an option. These books get made into movies and TV series again and again because they are wonderfully cinematic...
3 months ago • 2 min read