What is subtext? The age-old adage says that subtext is what’s inferred by reading between the lines, but how do we know what to look for? In this article, we’re going to define what subtext is, then look at some strong examples from screenplays. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply subtext into your own scripts.Continue reading What is Subtext — How to Use Subtext in Screenwriting
What does deus ex machina mean? Writers work hard to put their characters into terrible situations to find new and creative ways to get them out. It’s entertaining and it’s a sign of a great, organic story. Conflict needs to live and breathe. But conflict also demands resolution. Catharsis. But for some writers, that catharsis comes cheap. This post explores the deus ex machina meaning in film with a few examples. Let’s jump in. Continue reading Deus ex Machina — Meaning, Definition & Examples
What is an antagonist? The simplest explanation is that an antagonist represents the opposite of the protagonist. But there’s much more to the term than that. They are the source of conflict in a story — and if you know anything about storytelling, you know that conflict is necessary. So, by understanding how antagonists are used in storytelling, we’re better equipped to handle story conflict in our own writing. In this post, we’ll cover all the different antagonistic forces a writer can choose from, how they work, and how to decide which one works best for your next story.Continue reading…
Syntax is something we use everyday, whether we are writers or not. In everyday speech and across all languages, the way we order words in a sentence dictates how the sentence will be understood by others. How does this affect your writing? Keep reading to find out. Continue reading What is Syntax — Definition, Examples & Why It Matters
Have you ever read a story or novel where the words jumped off the page? It could have been due to personification. In fact, that first line you just read was an example of personification. Personification is an incredibly useful literary device that is used in sophisticated literature as well as everyday language. So what is personification, and how can it be used?Continue reading What is Personification — Definition and Examples
Atmosphere, while often overlooked, is an essential element in literature that deeply shapes readers' experiences. It's the emotional climate or mood a writer creates within their work — the unseen thread that binds the narrative together. But what is atmosphere in literature, exactly, and why is it so critical?Continue reading What is Atmosphere in Literature — The Silent Storyteller
Short, simple sentences are great. But if they’re all you use, your writing can start to feel stilted. Wait, let me start that again. Short, simple sentences are great, but if they’re all you use, your writing can start to feel stilted. That’s better. Compound sentences are a great way to diversify your writing and complicate your statements. Let’s look at what makes a compound sentence and how it’s used. Continue reading What is a Compound Sentence? Structure & Examples
Sentences are at the core of any language. We all speak them, but we might not know exactly how to label them. One of the most complex (if you will) sentence structures is the compound-complex sentence. Understanding what this type of sentence structure looks like will give you a firmer command of your writing. But first things first, what is compound-complex sentence structure? Continue reading What is a Compound-Complex Sentence Structure — Examples
A simple sentence is a fundamental tool of language. Don’t believe me? Each sentence I’ve used so far is a simple sentence. But what is a simple sentence? This doesn’t mean a sentence that isn’t complicated. There are many types of simple sentences and the structure has specific qualities which make it simple. Let’s take a look at what a simple sentence is, what it looks like, and how it’s used. Continue reading What is a Simple Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips for Writers
A complex sentence structure might sound daunting. What is a complex sentence structure? I’ve only just mastered the simple structure! Don’t worry — complex sentences aren’t as complex as their title makes them out to be. Let us guide you through the in’s and out’s of the complex sentence rules. Continue reading What is a Complex Sentence Structure — Examples and Tips
