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Good stories center on the clashing of characters’ goals and motivations. Sometimes a character’s goals and motivations arise from attempting to influence or direct a course of events. Here are four writing prompts for stories that center on control. Man vs. natureOur protagonist is marooned in an inhospitable environment. To survive, he attempts to control it…

Oh what a difference a letter makes! Such is the case with the often confused compliment and complement.Compliment means “a kind or flattering remark”: He paid Michelle the biggest compliment by mentioning that her new haircut looked nice. Complement means “to go well with”: The blue dress perfectly complemented Danielle’s eyes. An easy way to remember the difference is “A compliment is kind…

Almost certainly the most important lines in a story are the first ones. They give the tale direction and set the mood and tone. With an opening sentence, a writer must push the reader through the looking glass into a new world that can’t be escaped from.  One good way to do that is to ensure that…

There’s a tale from the early 2000s about a group of women spelunkers who are trapped after a cave-in. Unfortunately for them, there’s a monster that’s also underground and begins picking them off one by one. Fortunately one of them through her wits and physically prowess escapes. Then, just as she enters the liberating sunshine, she…

One way authors can utilize their books to make money beyond selling copies is by offering workshops. As an author – especially if of a nonfiction book – you’re an expert on the topic you wrote about and so can teach others about it. People will pay for expert advice, so workshops about your subject matter…

Sometimes the right way of doing something looks wrong. Such is the case with the plural for the word process. Making the word plural involves simply adding an es to get processes, as in The Los Angeles-based manufacturer tried several different processes before settling on one single method of production. Processes probably looks wrong because some people mispronounce it, saying “processeze,” just…

“The language fictional characters use is chosen for effect, at least if the author is concentrating.” – John M. Ford “All the information you need can be given in dialogue.” – Elmore Leonard “James Blish told me I had the worst case of ‘said bookism’ (that is, using every word except said to indicate dialogue). He told me to…