Writing

To excel in writing, passion for words and reading in all forms is essential. Writers observe their surroundings, convert experiences into words, and write consistently. Writing preserves knowledge for future generations, and simplicity is key to effective writing. Building a toolbox of writing skills and mastering grammar and composition rules are crucial.

The archetype of the epic hero is often a complex individual, who may or may not be of divine origin, and whose actions are shaped by varying degrees of interaction with gods and destiny. Tragedy often forms the backdrop against which these heroes act, pushing them towards fulfilling their roles in their respective worlds. Aeneas from The Aeneid and Gilgamesh from The Epic of Gilgamesh are two such characters who embody various aspects of the epic hero.

In “Creating Character Arcs,” by K.M. Weiland, authors are guided to enhance their storytelling by focusing on character development. Using the Three-Act Story Structure and understanding human psychology, Weiland provides a flexible checklist for creating compelling character arcs. The book emphasizes blending plot with character development and avoiding common pitfalls, ultimately aiding authors in crafting more engaging and memorable stories.

The Emotion Thesaurus is a writers’ reference with 75 emotion entries full of ideas for how your characters can express their emotions in your story, as well as 75 powerful tips for how you can employ emotions to strengthen your stories.

Joanna Penn has been an inspiration to writers around the world for over a decade. Her most recent non-fiction book, How to Write a Novel, is aimed at writers interested in writing their first novel.