story structure | Writers In The Storm

Antagonists and Action

Guest Blogger — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:04:00 +0000

The beginning and ending of stories are essential to entice readers into our stories. But the middle two zones of a story provide plenty of action.

The post Antagonists and Action first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Story Landmarks Keep The Reader Engaged and Oriented

Guest Blogger — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:04:00 +0000

Story Landmarks are events or interactions within a story that help keep the reader oriented. Readers expect specific Story Landmarks within each genre.

The post Story Landmarks Keep The Reader Engaged and Oriented first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Want a Twist Readers Will Love? Make Your Protagonist Wrong.

Guest Blogger — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:41:00 +0000

What if the thing your protagonist believes most is completely wrong? That single mistake might be the twist your novel needs.

The post Want a Twist Readers Will Love? Make Your Protagonist Wrong. first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Fix a Weak Novel Midpoint

Jenn Windrow — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:45:00 +0000

Before you cut scenes from Act Two, test whether your midpoint is doing its job.

The post How to Fix a Weak Novel Midpoint first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

How to Overcome Writing Anxiety

Ellen Buikema — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:14:00 +0000

Whether you see this as resistance or low sense of self, writing anxiety can prevent you from finishing that wonderful story that only you can tell best.

The post How to Overcome Writing Anxiety first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

BIG BANG not Baby Blip: Write a Satisfying Story Ending

Guest Blogger — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:18:00 +0000

As writers, we want to hook our readers and keep them coming back to our books. Being aware of why the blip steals the BANG’s thunder can help.

The post BIG BANG not Baby Blip: Write a Satisfying Story Ending first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

The Art of Expanding and Condensing a Story

Guest Blogger — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:27:00 +0000

By visualising how story steps expand and contract, we can embody the pattern of tension to inform the way we tell the stories that want to be told through us.

The post The Art of Expanding and Condensing a Story first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Explore the Deep Structure of Story

Guest Blogger — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 08:14:00 +0000

Story structures are embodied within us. There’s much to learn from analyzing the deep patterns in stories. But how? Leon Conrad guides us through the process.

The post Explore the Deep Structure of Story first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

A Powerful Plot Point is a Strategy for a Successful Story

Lynette Burrows — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Lynette M Burrows discusses the universal parts of story structure and how you can adapt and fuse the most important parts for captivating storytelling.

The post A Powerful Plot Point is a Strategy for a Successful Story first appeared on Writers In The Storm.

Forcing a Story to Evolve—From First Draft to Finished Draft

writersinthestorm — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:35 +0000

Writers In The Storm is delighted to welcome paranormal writer and blogger, Jami Gold! She'll be stopping in over the next few days to answer any comments you have. (Thanks, Jami!) On my blog last week, I talked about how it’s fascinating to watch a story evolve from a story seed into a full-blown draft. […]

The post Forcing a Story to Evolve—From First Draft to Finished Draft first appeared on Writers In The Storm.