Understanding great storytelling involves understanding the human psyche. Expectations, anticipation, and suspense are all used to keep an audience or a reader engaged. A well-crafted story is pieced together to drive our curiosities, leaving us wanting to turn the page, start the next episode, or debate on the ending of the film we just walked out of. Few storytelling techniques tap into our curiosity (and frustration) like a well-executed cliffhanger. Spoilers ahead.Continue reading What is a Cliffhanger in a Story — And Why They Work
Whether it be whispered tales around a campfire or blockbuster epics on the silver screen, certain character archetypes have stood the test of time, captivating audiences with their timeless appeal. Among these, the Chosen One trope shines as a beacon of hope and destiny, weaving through narratives with the promise of greatness and the allure of a predetermined path. Let's explore this fascinating trope, understanding its roots, characteristics, and unforgettable cinematic renditions. Continue reading What is the Chosen One — Classic Character Trope Explained
Great poets and writers have the ability to make a reader hang off of every word, eager to read what comes next. This sort of anticipation in literature and poetry can be achieved through enjambment. It’s a clever technique that uses the way writers organize words for a psychological effect on a reader while also creating more meaning. Continue reading What is Enjambment in Poetry — Definition & Examples
Why is deadpan humor so hilarious? You might think that delivering a joke with a completely straight face would backfire and confuse an audience. Ironically, it often has the opposite effect, sometimes making the joke even funnier. The subtlety and the invitation for the audience to engage their wit in figuring out a punchline can make deadpan jokes hit even harder. But what are the components that make deadpan delivery work? Continue reading What is Deadpan Humor — The Most Hilarious Examples
The most memorable characters in literature and film have distinctive personalities. Think of the ever-optimistic Leslie Knope from TV’s Parks and Recs or the hilariously sardonic Hades from Disney’s animated classic Hercules. If you were asked to describe these characters, you’d have plenty of ways to explain who they are and what they’re like. That’s because these characters were created by writers who understand the importance of clearly defined character traits that paint a fuller picture of who they are, making them seem real to readers and viewers. But what are character traits, and how can you use them in…
There are plenty of types of poetry, mostly defined by the structure and rules they follow. Sonnets, villanelles, haikus - these are all forms of structured poetry that have specific rhyme schemes, line lengths, and other guidelines to follow. In contrast, free verse poems have no predetermined form or structure. They can be as long or as short as the poet desires and can use any style or technique without following traditional poetic conventions. Continue reading What is a Free Verse Poem — Definition and Examples
There are many things that define movies directed by Edgar Wright. Brilliant needle drops. Laugh-out-loud moments by the barrelful. And characters subtly telling you at the beginning what’s going to happen throughout the movie. There’s really no such thing as a bad Edgar Wright movie, so consider this a ranking from great to greatest. By looking at each of his films, we can dissect what makes him such an idiosyncratic filmmaker and why each new film he comes out with is met with intense anticipation from movie lovers. We've left his first feature, A Fistful of Fingers, off the list…
It’s a common misconception that only actors get residuals. Artists and artisans behind the camera, including writers, also qualify for this unique type of compensation in the entertainment industry. We’re going to break down what residuals are, how writers receive them, and why they matter. As confusing and convoluted as residuals may seem, a basic understanding of them will help you be a smarter and savvier writer and professional. Continue reading WGA Residuals Explained — How Union Screenwriters Get Paid
The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to express the deepest human emotions, experiences, and narratives in a way that prose often cannot. Poetic devices can make storytelling through narrative poetry especially unique. Among the many types of poetry, one form stands out for its storytelling prowess – narrative poetry. Continue reading What is Narrative Poetry — Definition, Types & Examples
