Deux Ex Machina is a plot device originating as far back as ancient Greece. While it’s still widely used today, it can end up being problematic. Having some awareness of what Deux Ex Machina is can help us decide how to better manage the climax and resolutions of our stories to ensure that we provide readers with an ending that’s both engaging and satisfactory.
Show, don’t tell is an important piece of advice when writing. But did you know that subtext is almost as important when trying to create rich stories that resonate on a soul level with readers? Read on to learn why subtext is an important and integral part of the craft of writing.
Some authors believe that a beta read can take the place of professional editing, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Find out how a beta read and a manuscript critique differ and why the former cannot replace the latter.
We all do it. I know I do. And once I explain what it is, you’ll probably realize you do it, too. It usually goes a little like this: Character A and Character B are having a heated discussion. The dialogue is sharp, piercing. Their expressions and physical language are poignant. The prose that holds…
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Remember all those Friends episodes where Monica wore a fat suit and everyone made jokes about her weight? Remember the appalling treatment of transgender people in Ace Ventura Pet Detective? More recently, Dr. Seuss’s publisher has made the decision to stop production on six of his books due to racist imagery. In today’s world, this…
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There comes a time in every first-time writer’s life when they must start researching editors. It can so happen that they come upon such a surplus of information that they may not know where to begin and the process may become even more daunting to them. However, it doesn’t need to be daunting at all. In…
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