Recent Posts:

How to Make a DIY Writing Retreat (Author Toolbox)

Can't make it to any writing retreats, conferences, or residencies? Then make your own. Here are the four steps for making a DIY writing retreat.

Posted On: 15th June 2018

The True Source of Voice

Guides for voice usually focus on diction and syntax as the main avenues to achieving voice, and it’s certainly true that messing with diction and syntax will get you some unique voice. But the true source of strong voice comes from a different source.

Posted On: 1st June 2018

Stretch Tension to Maximize Suspense

Do you take us to a point of conflict and then, rather than allow us to see it play out and get all worried about the outcome, you summarize it or just resolve it quickly? Stretching tension means you lengthen the scene but also make it more gripping. Don't push the action off-stage or rush through it. Linger on the most tense moments of the story to maximize engagement.

Posted On: 18th May 2018

Thanks for coming to the Storm Writing School blog. If you’re new here and don’t know anything about it, check out the About page and read the Mission, which, in a nutshell, is to help storytelling artists learn craft and hone their instincts to become the best storytellers they can be.

Articles/Resources

You can peruse the categories or the index of articles over there on the right. Or you can look below for some suggestions of where to start.

Having trouble with structure?

• Novel Structure: An Aggregate Paradigm
• A Compendium of Novel Structure Resources
• Escalating Complications
• Why the Hero’s Journey Might Not Be Right for Your Story

Want to improve your reader engagement?

• Stretch Tension to Maximize Suspense
• The Key to Reader Engagement
• How to Create Story Momentum
• Story Momentum Mastery Course
• 3 Techniques for Creating Tension
• The Tension Lab Course
• Creating Romantic/Sexual Tension Course
• Escalating Complications

Looking to strengthen your scene writing?

• Triangulate Dialogue
• 4 Common Failures in Story Cause/Effect
• Stretch Tension to Maximize Suspense
• Should You Use Synonyms for Said?
• Formatting Character Thoughts
• Scene vs. Summary
• 12 Ways to Be an Invisible Writer 
• Sentiment vs. Sentimentality
• The Gold Standard Scene Course (free)
• The Tension Lab Course
• Creating Romantic/Sexual Tension Course

Need some guidance on the nuances of narration?

• 10 Lessons from “Cat Person” on Character Interiority
• Author, Narrator, Character
• Action vs. Information: Convey Info without Stalling the Story
• Juggle External Action and Interiority
• Scene vs. Summary
• Time Digression in Narration
• Page-level Storytelling: Four Ways to Break Down Your Narration
• The True Source of Voice

Want to gain some perspective on the writing life?

• Story Grammar: Distinguish between Descriptive and Prescriptive Story Advice
• Story Consumption: How to Read like a Writer
• Approaching the Workshop
• Dealing with Rejection and Criticism
• Revision for Haters

Want to bone up on storytelling essentials?

• Two Conflicts: Problems vs. Obstacles
• Author, Narrator, Character
• Why You Need Strong Antagonists in Your Story
• Common Problems in Manuscripts
• The Key to Reader Engagement
• The True Source of Strong Voice
• 3 Techniques for Creating Tension
• 4 Common Failures in Story Cause/Effect
• The 5 Key Elements of Story Course (free)
• Scene vs. Summary
• 12 Ways to Be an Invisible Writer 

I Can Help

My courses have helped hundreds of writers. Take a look at them and check back often as I’m constantly working on others.

It’s just me here at Storm Writing School, so I know all of this material intimately and I’m happy to address questions. Contact me at td[at]stormwritingschool.com

Reading about writing craft can get overwhelming. At some point, you just need to 1) write, and 2) get someone to coach you. Writing is just one of those things that is best learned via apprenticeship or close mentoring. Look at my coaching and/or editing.

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