Storytelling Lessons from A Trip to the Moon by Méliès
What can writers learn from A Trip to the Moon? Clay Stafford explores how Georges Méliès’s groundbreaking film teaches timeless storytelling techniques—mystery, suspense, action, horror, and romance—offering valuable lessons for writers of all genres.
Americana Literature: Using Regional Settings
Americana literature thrives on regional settings, immersing readers in specific American landscapes, cultures, and histories. By deeply researching a location—real or fictional—writers can craft authentic, sensory-rich narratives that bring their stories to life.
Sagging Middles: Deepen Character Motivations by Introducing External Pressures
Deepening your characters’ motivations in the middle section of a story is vital to increasing the narrative's momentum. The middle should further complicate the plot and create a more layered, intertwined experience. One way to achieve this is by introducing external pressure—whether from antagonists, societal expectations, or unexpected complications—to force characters to confront their fears, desires, and flaws.
Tie Up the Loose Ends
A strong ending ties up loose ends, provides emotional and intellectual closure, and ensures your story lingers in readers’ minds. Here’s how to craft one that resonates.
Great Beginnings—The Core Attributes of a Strong Protagonist: Clear Goals and Complex Motivations
A strong protagonist hooks readers from the first page. By giving them clear, significant goals and complex, relatable motivations, we create characters that resonate deeply. A protagonist’s journey should be layered with internal and external conflicts, emotional stakes, and evolving ambitions that drive the story forward.
How to Write Offensive Characters
Writing offensive characters requires courage, honesty, and respect. To create complex, authentic characters, writers must understand their motivations, beliefs, and pasts—even when they disagree with them.