Screenwriting
Learn screenwriting and how to write effectively for both screen and video is a vital skill for filmmakers of all kinds. It is both an art and a science.
This category involves sharing the all-time best screenwriting tips, tricks and ideas…shared from some of the world’s best screenwriters.
(and maybe a few ideas from yours truly!)
What Is the Ticking Time Bomb Scenario? Crafting Suspense in Literature
A ticking time bomb scenario is a pulse-pounding plot device that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It’s when we know something’s set to explode—literally or figuratively—and our characters are racing against the clock to prevent disaster. What Is A Ticking Time Bomb…
What Is A Narrative? Definition, Examples & How To Write Them Effectively
What is a narrative essay? Narrative essays tell a story. Sometimes it’s a personal experience, and sometimes it can be something you’ve read or seen. The main point of a narrative essay is to tell a story that has a beginning, middle, and end. Telling…
What Is Fiction-Writing Mode? Crafting Immersive Narratives [Definitive Guide]
Fiction-writing mode is our gateway to crafting worlds that captivate and characters that resonate. It’s how we breathe life into stories, immersing readers in narratives spun from our imagination. Mastering this mode means understanding the tools and techniques that transform ideas into compelling fiction. We’ll…
Storyboard Template: The Complete Guide
A storyboard is an illustration of the shots and scenes that are to be filmed. Storyboards show how film sequences will appear on screen, typically including drawings of people, action lines, and dialogue. Why use a storyboard? A visual representation can help filmmakers keep track…
What Is a Dead Metaphor? Unveiling the Evolution of Language [Definitive Guide]
We’ve all heard phrases like “time is a thief” without giving them a second thought. But did you know these worn-out phrases are known as dead metaphors? Definition Of Dead Metaphor A dead metaphor is a figure of speech that has been used so often…
What Is A Mary Sue Character? Meaning, Examples & Tips
Someone you know might be a Mary Sue — and that’s ok. Mary Sues (and their male counterparts Gary Stus) are characters in creative works that are written to be unrealistically perfect. They’re often the author’s stand-in or at least a character that the author…
What Is Aristotle’s Poetics? A Guide to Timeless Storytelling [Complete Guide]
Aristotle’s Poetics is a seminal work that lays the foundation for literary theory and criticism. It’s where he introduces us to the core elements of drama and epic poetry, shaping the way we analyze narratives today. In this treatise, Aristotle dissects the mechanics of storytelling,…
Blake Snyder Beat Sheet: The Complete Guide
Blake Snyder is a screenwriter and author of the book “Save the Cat.” The book was originally written as a screenplay-writing guide but has since been used by many writers in other fields such as marketing and nonfiction. Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet is an outline…
Best Screenwriting Websites in 2025: 9 Top Screenplay Resource Websites
If you have ever experienced writer’s block, it is likely that you are not alone. In fact, the majority of writers experience “block” at some point in their careers. Writer’s block can take many forms: procrastination, lack of creativity and even a feeling that there…
Mastering Apostrophes: Possession And Contractions Guide
An apostrophe often sparks confusion, yet it’s a powerhouse in punctuation that we use to show possession or create contractions. It’s a tiny curve that packs a punch, clarifying meaning and aiding in the art of concise writing. Why Is The Apostrophe Important In Writing?…
