MellowBunBun

In every writing community, terms like "plot" and "development" and "arc" are constantly thrown around, and everyone expects everyone else to know what they mean without ever clearly defining them. Sure, vague advice about the importance of character development and story structure are great and all, but how do you actually do it? Aside from style and grammar, what are the mechanics behind a well-told story? What does a good story look like? The answer is surprisingly simple. Not easy, but simple. Every good story does one thing well: it asks a question, deliberates it, then answers it. This provides a framework of three acts that create w

I’ve heard the argument that writers shouldn’t watch TV and movies because that will inundate them with all the cliché plots and characters out there and somehow brainwash them into not being able to create an original story. Me: *blank stare* First of all, there is absolutely nothing new under the sun.  Therefore, it is impossible to create something totally unique and original no matter how many bad movies you see.  Furthermore, the more story lines that enter your brain, the more you realize just how “unique” or not your own story is. Most importantly, an original story is not a new story.  It is simply taking a