Novel
Parallelism Definition: Writing With Parallel Structure
Parallelism, or parallel structure, describes a type of sentence structure common in the English language. When poets and prose stylists effectively employ grammatical parallelism, they strengthen the connections between ideas and objects, embedding relationships in syntax. It might seem silly to write an entire article on a singular sentence structure. Writing parallelism certainly isn’t difficult,…
Read MoreWhat is Point of View in Literature? Exploring Narrative Point of View
You might not notice it, but most published writing contains a narrative point of view. This includes every book, poem, email, instruction manual, even some street signs and cereal boxes. For us writers, defining the point of view of a story or poem is essential: it’s an important part of making our writing “believable.” Like…
Read MoreWhat is Mood in Literature? Creating Mood in Writing
When we talk about the different feelings that a work of writing evokes, we’re talking about the types of mood in literature. Creative writers are experts at drawing out specific sensations in their writing. When a poem or story leaves you feeling elated, nervous, hopeful, melancholy, or any other particular emotion, then the writer has…
Read More“Show, Don’t Tell” in Creative Writing
“Show, don’t tell” is one of the simplest guidelines in creative writing, and one of the most helpful. In short, it encourages writers to transmit experiences to the reader, rather than just information. “Show, don’t tell” encourages writers to transmit experiences to the reader, rather than just information. “Show, don’t tell” is not just a…
Read MoreAnti-Hero Characters: Writing the Unheroic Protagonist
Want to learn more about how to write an anti-hero? Consider taking our private class with Gloria Kempton. The anti-hero (or antihero) archetype is a popular feature of modern books and movies, and for good reason. Anti-hero characters are often lonely or isolated individuals, who experience ethical dilemmas typical of modern day society. As both…
Read MoreForeshadowing Definition: How to Use Foreshadowing in Your Fiction
Foreshadowing is a clue in the text that hints at events to come. Have you ever woken up with an unsettling feeling, and then something terrible happens later in the day? Or, has your boss ever hinted at the great work you’re doing, then offered you a promotion a couple months later? When this hinting-and-happening…
Read MoreWhat is a Foil Character? Exploring Contrast in Character Development
A foil character, or character foil, is a character whose actions and traits contrast those of another character—often the protagonist. The foil character is like a white background against a subject in a photograph: it allows the complexities of another character to shine forth, because the reader sees more vividly how one character’s actions and…
Read MoreWhat is Magical Realism in Literature? Exploring El Realismo Mágico
What is magical realism? Imagine a woman discovers she can cry fabric (instead of water), so she starts a clothing business where she knots her tears into dresses. This odd blending of the magical and the mundane constitutes the elements of magical realism, a wonderful genre for writers of all paths. Magical realism authors populate…
Read MoreHow to Write a Graphic Novel: 5 Major Tips for Writers
About the Author: Cristian S. Aluas is professional artist and author of It’s a Living: Surviving as a Freelancer in the 21st Century, and has online courses on cartooning techniques at MasterpieceArtSchool.com Although the term “graphic novel” is only 40-some years old, this form of storytelling has exploded in popularity. Chances are you were assigned…
Read MoreSymbolism in Literature: What Symbolism Is, and How to Use It In Your Writing
Symbolism describes the use of concrete images to convey abstract ideas. Because this literary device is widely open to interpretation, and because many readers form different relationships to concrete objects, this is one of the more slippery elements of literature to both understand and convey to an audience. Nonetheless, understanding symbolism, and knowing what is…
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