Why Do Some Stories Feel Timeless? Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and thought, This feels familiar —even if it was a brand-new story? That’s because most stories follow a core structure—one that’s been told for centuries, across cultures and time periods. While every story is unique, most fit into one (or a blend) of these 8 fundamental archetypes. These story structures resonate with readers on a deep level, making them some of the most compelling and enduring forms of storytelling. Let’s dive in! :) Table Of Contents Why Some Stories Feel Timeless Archetype 1: The Quest Archetype 2: Overcoming The Monster Archetype 3: Rags To Riches Archetype 4: The Hero's Journey (or The Voyage & The Return) Archetype 5: The Comedy Archetype 6: The Tragedy Archetype 7: The Rebirth Archetype 8: The Anti-Story (or Subverting The Archetypes) Concluding Thoughts The 8 Basic Story Archetypes (And Why They Work!) 1.) The Quest – The Hero’s Journey Begins The heart of a Quest story is determination, growth, and perseverance. The hero often starts out naïve or untested, but through trials, they develop strength, wisdom, or resilience. The obstacles aren’t just physical—they challenge the hero’s beliefs, fears, and limitations. Whether it’s a literal treasure or an emotional revelation, the journey itself is what changes them. Definition: A hero embarks on a journey to find something valuable, facing obstacles along the way. Why It Works: Humans crave adventure and purpose. The hero’s journey mirrors our personal struggles for growth and discovery. Examples: The Lord of the Rings – Frodo must destroy the One Ring. Indiana Jones – Always seeking a legendary artifact. Percy Jackson – A demigod on a journey of self-discovery. How to Subvert It: What if the goal is a lie (e.g., the “treasure” doesn’t exist)? What if the hero never returns ( Interstellar )? What if the hero refuses the call ( The Last Jedi )? Common Pitfalls: A generic hero with no personal stakes. A journey where every challenge is too easy to overcome. Questions for Writers: What motivates the hero to embark on this quest? How does the journey change them? What is the real treasure—external or internal? 2.) Overcoming the Monster – Facing Overwhelming Evil At its core, this archetype represents the battle between good and evil—but not all “monsters” are literal creatures. Sometimes, the antagonist is a corrupt system, an inner demon, or even fate itself. These stories resonate because they reflect our own fears—fighting against something stronger, scarier, or seemingly unstoppable. Victory often comes not just from strength, but from cleverness, teamwork, or a willingness to face the unknown. Definition: A hero must confront and defeat a great external threat—a villain, monster, or internal demon. Why It Works: Taps into our primal fears of danger and survival. Readers love rooting for an underdog against impossible odds. Examples: Beowulf – Classic monster-slaying. Jaws – A shark terrorizing a town. Stranger Things – The kids must battle supernatural monsters. How to Subvert It: What if the monster isn’t truly evil ( Frankenstein )? What if the hero fails to defeat it ( Infinity War )? What if humanity is the real monster ( The Mist )? Common Pitfalls: A generic villain with no motivation. The monster is too easy to kill—no real stakes. Questions for Writers: What does the monster symbolize in the story? What personal fears does the hero need to overcome? Can the monster be defeated by non-traditional means? 3.) Rags to Riches – The Underdog’s Rise The true power of this archetype isn’t just about wealth or fame—it’s about self-worth and transformation. The protagonist often starts unnoticed, underestimated, or mistreated, making their rise all the more satisfying. However, these stories often come with a lesson: success isn’t just about external achievements, but about proving something to oneself. Definition: A protagonist rises from obscurity to success, often proving their worth along the way. Why It Works: We love seeing underdogs succeed—it gives hope! It speaks to personal growth and transformation. Examples: Cinderella – From rags to royalty. Harry Potter – From neglected child to powerful wizard. Rocky – A nobody boxer becomes a champion. How to Subvert It: What if the character loses everything again? What if the protagonist becomes corrupted by success? What if they find out riches weren’t what they truly needed? Common Pitfalls: Success comes too easily—readers want to see struggle. A passive protagonist who gets success handed to them. Questions for Writers: What is the cost of success for the character? Is their growth external (status) or internal (self-worth)? What happens after they achieve their goal? 4.) The Hero’s Journey  – Voyage & Return This archetype explores the push and pull between the familiar and the unknown. The protagonist is thrown into a new world or situation, often one filled with danger, wonder, or strangeness. But returning home isn’t just about the physical journey—it’s about how they’ve changed. The challenge comes when they realize home may not feel the same anymore because they themselves are no longer the same person. Definition: A hero ventures into an unknown world and returns changed. Why It Works: Mirrors our real-life journeys of growth and transformation. Readers love stories about exploration and discovery. Examples: Alice in Wonderland – A strange world teaches Alice lessons. The Odyssey – Odysseus must fight to return home. The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy learns that home was what she truly needed. How to Subvert It: What if the hero doesn’t want to return? What if home has changed while they were gone? What if the hero forgets everything they learned? Common Pitfalls: The hero doesn’t change enough—making the journey feel pointless. The return is too easy or anticlimactic. Questions for Writers: How does the new world challenge the hero’s beliefs? What is the emotional cost of returning home? Does the hero’s home feel the same or different when they return 5.) Comedy – The Lighthearted Escape Comedy thrives on miscommunication, irony, and absurdity, but the best comedic stories aren’t just about making people laugh—they reveal truths about human nature. Whether through romantic mix-ups, social satire, or ridiculous circumstances, comedy helps us see our own flaws and struggles through a humorous lens. At its heart, it reminds us that life doesn’t always go as planned—but that’s what makes it interesting. Definition: A humorous story where misunderstandings, satire, or absurdity drive the plot. Why It Works: Comedy relieves tension and makes stories more relatable. Laughing at life’s absurdity is universally appealing. Examples: Pride and Prejudice – Romantic misunderstandings. Crazy Rich Asians – Family drama, love, and humor. The Good Place – A comedy about ethics and the afterlife. How to Subvert It: Mix comedy with dark themes ( The Truman Show ). What if the comedy hides a deeper tragedy? Blend humor with unexpected genres ( Shaun of the Dead ). Common Pitfalls: Forcing humor that doesn’t feel natural. Too many random jokes with no purpose. Questions for Writers: Is the comedy situation-driven or character-driven? What deeper themes hide beneath the humor? 6.) Tragedy – The Downward Spiral Tragedies explore the darkest corners of the human experience, showing how flaws, choices, or fate can lead to ruin. These stories don’t just end in despair for the sake of it—they force us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, morality, and consequences. The best tragedies make readers sympathize with the doomed character, even as they watch their downfall unfold. Definition: A protagonist’s flaws or poor choices lead to their downfall. Why It Works: Tragedy makes us confront hard truths about human nature. Readers love watching a train wreck unfold. Examples: Macbeth – Consumed by ambition. Breaking Bad – Walter White’s descent into villainy. How to Subvert It: What if the character escapes their fate at the last moment? What if we see the tragedy from the villain’s POV? Common Pitfalls: Making the protagonist too unlikeable—readers need to empathize. The downfall feels forced rather than inevitable. Questions for Writers: What is the fatal flaw that causes their downfall? Do they realize their mistake too late? 7.) Rebirth – A Second Chance at Life Some of the most powerful stories revolve around transformation and redemption. In the Rebirth archetype, a character—often one who has fallen into darkness, despair, or corruption—gets a chance to change. This can be a literal rebirth (a character is resurrected or given a second life), or it can be a metaphorical rebirth, where they overcome a past wound, fear, or mistake. The core of this archetype is renewal—a character must experience deep internal change to become someone new. This is why it’s often seen in redemption arcs and coming-of-age stories. Definition: A character undergoes a literal or metaphorical rebirth, often after falling into darkness or despair. Why It Works: People love redemption arcs—we want to believe that change is possible. It taps into the theme of transformation, growth, and second chances. Examples: A Christmas Carol – Scrooge transforms from a miser into a generous man. Beauty and the Beast – The Beast learns to love and is freed from his curse. Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender) – A fallen prince finds redemption. How to Subvert It: What if the character refuses redemption? ( Joker, There Will Be Blood ) What if the transformation makes them worse instead of better? What if they seek redemption but can never fully escape their past? Common Pitfalls: The redemption feels too sudden or unearned. A character changes only because the plot demands it, not because of real growth. Questions for Writers: What triggers the character’s turning point? Do they seek redemption for themselves, or for others? Is their rebirth internal (mindset) or external (circumstances)? 8.) The Anti-Story  – Subverting the Archetypes Not every story follows a traditional arc. Some flip storytelling conventions on their head, either by deconstructing archetypes, breaking narrative rules, or rejecting traditional resolutions. These stories challenge the audience’s expectations—sometimes making them question who the real hero or villain is, or whether a satisfying ending is even possible. While these stories can be bold and thought-provoking, they require a strong thematic purpose—otherwise, they risk frustrating the audience instead of challenging them. Definition: A story that intentionally breaks or inverts traditional storytelling structures, either by deconstructing tropes or rejecting resolutions. Why It Works: Readers love stories that challenge expectations. It makes us question storytelling itself—what makes a hero, what defines justice, etc. Examples: Gone Girl – Turns the mystery/thriller genre on its head. Game of Thrones – Constantly subverts expectations ( Who’s really the hero? ). Don’t Look Up – A satire that refuses the typical “hero saves the day” resolution. How to Subvert It: Play with unreliable narrators ( Fight Club, The Girl on the Train ). Let the “villain” be the protagonist ( Breaking Bad ). Refuse to give the audience a satisfying resolution ( No Country for Old Men ). Common Pitfalls: Subverting tropes for the sake of it—there should still be purpose. A frustrating or unsatisfying ending that alienates readers. Questions for Writers: What expectation am I intentionally breaking? Does my subversion enhance the story, or just shock the audience? Will the reader walk away feeling challenged or just confused? Concluding Thoughts While every story is unique, these eight archetypes serve as the foundation of storytelling. Writers don’t need to follow them rigidly, but understanding them provides a framework for crafting compelling, emotionally resonant narratives. Mix, match, or subvert these archetypes to create something fresh, engaging, and unforgettable. By recognizing these timeless patterns—and learning how to blend, twist, or reinvent them—you can craft stories that feel both familiar and entirely your own. Personally, I'm always drawn to a good subverted story (i.e. A Song of Ice and Fire), but I love a good Quest, Hero's Journey, Comedy, and Rebirth story. The story I'm working on (read more about it here ) currently incorporates FIVE (😱🤯😵‍💫) of the eight archetypes: The Quest, Hero's Journey, Overcoming The Monster, Rags to Riches, and Rebirth. If that doesn't emphasize my love for certain story archetypes, I don't know what will, haha!. But don't feel a need to shoehorn your story into only one archetype, as your story—like mine—can include several types. So to wrap up this blog post, I'll leave you with a wise quote by George R.R. Martin:  “The best way to be original is to understand what has been done before.” My questions to you are:  Which archetype do you love to read and write about most? Did you have any idea that all stories fall into one of these eight archetypes? Let me know your answers in the comments below! Happy writing! —Bair✍︎ Disclaimer: Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you . This support helps keep my website up & running, and me writing! Thanks so much for your support! Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter ! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog . Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast ! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books ! Support the blog on Ko-fi ! INSTAGRAM  | LINKEDIN  | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board !

"Anyone can become angry—that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not easy.”  — Aristotle Hello, readers! This isn’t a typical blog post—I just wanted to share some thoughts I’ve been mulling over lately —specifically anger . I found this topic to be vastly interesting, perhaps you will too. Anger is something curious to me. Personally, I am not someone who is prone to anger. I often find the emotion unnecessary unless I am witnessing an injustice. Even when I rationalize and remind myself that all emotions are valid, it is not an emotion that comes easily to me—and that sparked a curious realization: Anger is not a stand alone emotion. Anger is almost always a secondary emotion, triggered by something deeper—fear, injustice, neglect, rejection, insecurity, or sadness. It’s a response to something beneath the surface. The only time I can think of where anger might be unprovoked is when someone’s hormones are out of balance (hello, mid-cycle mood swings). But even then, the cause isn’t nothing —it’s biological. So, this got me thinking: If anger is always tied to something deeper, what does that mean for our characters? And how can we use it to add nuance to our writing? Using Anger to Add Depth to Your Characters 1.) What Does Anger Reveal About Your Character? A character’s anger—or lack thereof—can speak volumes about their personality, experiences, and wounds. Are they quick to anger? Maybe they grew up constantly having to defend themselves because no one ever stood up for them. Are they slow to anger? Maybe they were taught that their emotions were invalid, so they learned to bottle them up. Do they believe anger is dangerous? Perhaps they had a toxic or abusive upbringing and now suppress their anger out of fear of becoming like their abuser. Do they lash out easily? That could indicate a deep-seated insecurity, where defensiveness is a survival mechanism. Anger isn’t just an emotion—it’s a window into a character’s backstory and psychological makeup. 2.) Anger as a Catalyst for Character Growth If a character suppresses their anger, their journey might be about learning to express it in a healthy way. If a character acts out in rage, their growth could involve learning restraint and emotional control. Example: A warrior character who views anger as a weapon might learn that unchecked rage makes them reckless. Over time, they master the art of channeling their fury into something productive—be it strategy, wisdom, or leadership. Letting a character grapple with anger—learning when to use it, when to let it go—can make for powerful development arcs. Using Anger in Your Storytelling Character Development Anger can be a defining trait or a hidden vulnerability. Ask yourself: What specifically triggers their anger? How do they express it—explosively, coldly, silently? How does it shape their relationships and choices? Example: In a fantasy novel, a protagonist’s rage over betrayal could push them to uncover hidden strengths—or blind them to dangerous truths. Plot Progression Anger can be a turning point in the story. A character’s outburst or moment of rage might escalate conflicts, expose secrets, or lead to life-altering decisions. Example: A character who finally stands up to their oppressor might spark a rebellion—or destroy an alliance. Dialogue & Conflict Angry dialogue can create intense, memorable moments between characters. It can be emotional, raw, and reveal hidden wounds. Example: A heated argument might not be about what’s being said but what’s left unsaid—unresolved resentment, old betrayals, or deeper fears. Emotional Resonance Readers connect with emotions. Anger, when portrayed authentically, can make a story more immersive. Instead of just saying “he was furious,” describe how it feels. Example: Instead of “She was angry,” try “Her hands clenched into fists, nails biting into her palms. A slow heat crawled up her neck, making her vision blur at the edges.” Thematic Exploration Anger can tie into larger themes like justice, revenge, oppression, or redemption. Example: A revenge-driven protagonist might struggle with the morality of their rage, questioning whether their anger is justified or consuming them. Concluding Thoughts Anger is a powerful emotion that can drive characters to extraordinary actions and create stories that captivate readers. By understanding the root cause of anger, we can craft characters that feel real, layered, and emotionally compelling. So next time you write an angry character, ask yourself: What is the real source of their anger? What does it reveal about their past? How does it shape their journey? Anger is never just anger—it’s a story waiting to be told. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the post and writing anger. Drop a comment below! Happy writing! —Bair✍︎ Disclaimer: Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you . This support helps keep my website up & running, and me writing! Thanks so much for your support! Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter ! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog . Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast ! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books ! Support the blog on Ko-fi ! INSTAGRAM  | LINKEDIN  | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board !

Do you struggle breaking up your writing. Want to improve your pacing and flow of your novel while improving its clarity and make it easier to read? Paragraph breaks are non-negotiable  when it comes to good writing. They serve multiple purposes, such as: ✔ Providing clarity ✔ Preventing reader fatigue ✔ Making stories easier to digest I was inspired to write this post after a recent class discussion where several classmates asked when they should use paragraph breaks. It got me thinking— many writers don’t realize just how crucial they are  for storytelling. So, to keep this blog short, sweet, and simple, let’s dive in! Table Of Contents Common Mistakes To Avoid The TIP-TOP Method Writing Exercises Concluding Thoughts Mastering Paragraph Breaks: When to Use Them, Why They Matter, and Common Mistakes to Avoid Even the best writers make mistakes when it comes to paragraphing. Sometimes, we overuse paragraph breaks, making our writing feel choppy. Other times, we underuse them, creating dense, unreadable blocks of text. The good news? These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for! Below are some of the most common paragraphing pitfalls—and how to avoid them like a pro. 🚨 Mistake #1: Giant Walls of Text (AKA the “Text Brick”) Have you ever clicked on a fanfic or novel and been met with a massive, never-ending paragraph? It’s exhausting to read. ❌ Example (Incorrect): The sun was setting over the city, casting long shadows down the narrow streets. Elena walked quickly, glancing over her shoulder as she heard footsteps behind her. The market ahead was still lively, but she had no time to stop. She ducked into an alley, heart pounding. The footsteps quickened. She gripped the knife hidden in her cloak, breath shallow, waiting. The figure emerged from the shadows, face obscured by the dim light. (If you're reading this on a computer or iPad, it may not be so bad to read, but on a phone it will look clunky.) How to Fix: Break it up where the pacing shifts and when a new action happens. ✅ Example (Corrected): The sun was setting over the city, casting long shadows down the narrow streets. Elena walked quickly, glancing over her shoulder as she heard footsteps behind her. The market ahead was still lively, but she had no time to stop. She ducked into an alley, heart pounding. The footsteps quickened. She gripped the knife hidden in her cloak, breath shallow, waiting. The figure emerged from the shadows, face obscured by the dim light. Why This Works: Each paragraph focuses on one clear idea. The pacing speeds up as the scene builds tension. Shorter paragraphs in suspenseful moments make the reader feel the anxiety. Rule of Thumb: If a paragraph looks too dense, chances are it needs a break. 🚨 Mistake #2: Forgetting to Break Dialogue This is one of the biggest readability issues new writers struggle with—never let two characters’ dialogue share the same paragraph. ❌ Example (Incorrect): “I don’t think we should go,” Mark said, shifting uncomfortably. “Why not?” Sarah crossed her arms. “Because it’s dangerous,” he muttered. This is a mess because it shoves multiple speakers into one paragraph. The reader has to slow down just to figure out who is saying what. ✅ Example (Corrected): “I don’t think we should go,” Mark said, shifting uncomfortably. “Why not?” Sarah crossed her arms. He hesitated. “Because it’s dangerous.” Why This Works: Each speaker gets their own paragraph. It makes the conversation flow naturally and is easy to follow. The hesitation in the last line feels more pronounced because it’s isolated. Rule of Thumb: 👉 New person speaking = New paragraph. Always . No exceptions. 🚨 Mistake #3: Too Many Short Paragraphs (AKA “Choppy Writing”) While paragraph breaks help pacing , breaking too often can make the writing feel disjointed and choppy.  If the same character  is speaking or acting in the same setting, keep it together. (I'm really guilty of this one.) ❌ Example (Incorrect): The sky darkened. The wind howled. She ran. Her breath caught in her throat. A shadow loomed behind her. While this could work for dramatic effect in an intense moment, using it constantly makes the writing feel like a shopping list. Or like an early draft of writing one's novel... ✅ Example (Corrected): The sky darkened as the wind howled through the trees. She ran, her breath catching in her throat. A shadow loomed behind her. Why This Works: The first paragraph keeps related actions together while still building tension. The second paragraph isolates the dramatic moment without making the scene feel choppy. Rule of Thumb: Use short paragraphs sparingly —they hit harder when they stand out. 🚨 Mistake #4: Cramming Multiple Ideas into One Paragraph A paragraph should focus on one idea at a time. Too many shifting ideas in one block of text can overwhelm the reader. ❌ Example (Incorrect): The library was silent except for the scratching of pens against paper. Emma tapped her fingers against her book, trying to focus. She had always loved libraries, but today, she couldn’t concentrate. Across the room, a boy with dark eyes kept glancing her way. The scent of old parchment mixed with the fresh ink of handwritten notes. Why did he keep looking at her? She forced herself to return to her book, but her mind wandered. ✅ Example (Corrected): The library was silent except for the scratching of pens against paper. Emma tapped her fingers against her book, trying to focus. She had always loved libraries, but today, she couldn’t concentrate. Across the room, a boy with dark eyes kept glancing her way. The scent of old parchment mixed with the fresh ink of handwritten notes. Why did he keep looking at her? She forced herself to return to her book, but her mind wandered. Why This Works: The first paragraph grounds us in the setting. The second introduces the distraction (the boy). The third adds a sensory detail that enhances the scene. The fourth isolates Emma’s internal thoughts, making them feel more personal. Rule of Thumb: If a paragraph jumps between different ideas, it’s time to split it up. 🚨 Mistake #5: Ignoring Mood or Perspective Shifts Mood shifts, like going from joyful to tense, or switching between character perspectives, need paragraph breaks for clarity. ❌ Example (Incorrect): The festival was alive with color—lanterns glowing, children laughing, the air thick with the scent of roasting meats. But in the shadows, a figure watched, hand resting on the hilt of a knife. ✅ Example (Corrected): The festival was alive with color—lanterns glowing, children laughing, the air thick with the scent of roasting meats. But in the shadows, a figure watched, hand resting on the hilt of a knife. Why This Works: The paragraph break separates the joy of the festival from the lurking danger, giving each mood its space. Rule of Thumb: When the tone or mood changes significantly, start a new paragraph. Quick Recap of Common Mistakes to Avoid: ❌ Giant text bricks (Break up big blocks!) ❌ Merging multiple speakers into one paragraph (New speaker = new paragraph.) ❌ Choppy writing (Too many short paragraphs disrupt flow.) ❌ Cramming too many ideas into one paragraph (One idea per paragraph!) ❌ Ignoring mood or perspective shifts (Separate different tones & viewpoints.) Now that we’ve covered the most common mistakes, let’s talk about how to structure paragraphs correctly . The TIP-TOP Method A simple way to remember when to start a new paragraph is the TIP-TOP method—which stands for: T ime P lace T opic P erson By following these four rules, you’ll naturally create paragraphs that are clear, engaging, and easy to read. Let’s break it down further! 1.) Time ⏳ This is pretty self explanatory. Whenever time jumps forward or backward significantly—whether through a flashback, a sudden time skip, or even just the next morning—you should start a new paragraph. Example 1: The candle flickered as she pressed the letter to her chest. She had read it a dozen times already, the inked words carving themselves into her memory. Maybe, just maybe, he would come back. Two weeks later , the letter was gone. The ink had faded, the parchment torn at the edges. She had stopped waiting. In this example, the paragraph break helps separate the past from the present , signaling a clear time shift without confusing the reader. Or, if you want a flashback example: Example 2: He traced his fingers along the scar, the jagged ridge of skin a reminder of that terrible night. Five years ago, the flames had spread faster than anyone expected. The entire village had been swallowed in smoke and chaos, his mother’s voice lost in the roar of the inferno. Now, standing in the ruins, he let the memories burn all over again. This break makes the transition into the past smoother and keeps the reader grounded when shifting back to the present. But sometimes, the tone  or mood  of a scene changes so drastically that a paragraph break is needed even if the setting and characters stay the same. ❌ Example (Without a Break – Incorrect): The tavern was warm and filled with laughter, the scent of roasted lamb thick in the air. Alric grinned as he raised his mug, joining in the revelry. But then the door slammed open, and the laughter died. A hooded figure stepped inside, rain dripping from his cloak. The room fell into silence, the tension palpable. Why Is This Wrong? The first part is lighthearted and cheerful, while the second part is tense and ominous. Keeping them together makes the shift too abrupt, almost jarring. ✅ Example (With a Proper Break – Correct): The tavern was warm and filled with laughter, the scent of roasted lamb thick in the air. Alric grinned as he raised his mug, joining in the revelry. Then the door slammed open, and the laughter died. A hooded figure stepped inside, rain dripping from his cloak. The room fell into silence, the tension palpable. Why This Works: The paragraph break gives the reader a moment to breathe before the mood changes. It visually separates the joyful moment from the ominous one. The dramatic entrance feels more impactful when it’s isolated. Other Examples of Mood Shifts 👉 From Happy to Unsettling The festival lights flickered in the night, and music echoed through the streets. Children ran past, laughing. Somewhere in the crowd, someone was watching her. 👉 From Calm to Tense He walked through the empty hallway, the only sound his footsteps against the stone floor. He exhaled slowly, calming his nerves. Then, a whisper. 👉 From Tense to Relief The beast lunged. She braced herself, heart hammering— Then the arrow struck, dropping it mid-leap. So while tone and mood-shifts fall under “Topic” since they introduce a new emotional subject they’re a bit special because they don’t change time, place, or person—only the feeling of the scene. 📌 Rule of Thumb: If the tone  of a paragraph changes drastically, break it up! Mood-based paragraph breaks make your writing more immersive and help readers emotionally process shifts in tone.Whether it’s a sudden moment of dread, a jarring surprise, or a moment of relief, the right paragraph break can heighten the emotional impact of your writing. 2.) Place 📍 Also a bit self-explanatory, a new setting calls for a new paragraph! If your characters move locations or a new setting gets introduced , break it up. Break it up like when you broke up with your toxic ex. Example: The market was alive with movement, merchants shouting over one another, the scent of spiced lamb and baked bread filling the air. She weaved through the crowd, clutching her coin purse tightly. Somewhere ahead, the docks waited. The smell of saltwater hit her first. The shouting of merchants faded, replaced by the rhythmic creak of wooden ships and the squawk of seagulls. She slowed her steps, taking in the rows of vessels bobbing in the harbor, their sails slapping in the wind. But why break there? The first paragraph grounds the reader in the bustling market, and the second introduces the new location—the docks. A paragraph break visually separates the two spaces, helping the reader feel the transition rather than making it feel like the market and docks are part of the same scene. 3.) Topic 🎭 A paragraph should focus on one main idea at a time. When a new thought, mood, or camera-like perspective shift happens, that’s a good time to break it up. Example: She loved the way he smiled. It made her feel safe, like nothing in the world could touch her. Maybe, if she was lucky, he felt the same way. But then he turned away, and a cold dread settled in her stomach. He hadn’t texted her back last night. He hadn’t even looked at her when he walked into the café this morning. The first paragraph establishes a warm, hopeful emotion, but the second shifts the mood entirely. The paragraph break signals this shift, preventing emotional whiplash and allowing the reader to process the change naturally. When writing, imagine your scene as a movie. If the perspective shifts to a different object, character, or viewpoint, a paragraph break helps guide the reader. Example: The assassin watched from the rooftop, blade in hand. Below, the guards patrolled in pairs, oblivious. Inside the castle, the prince sipped his wine, unaware that tonight would be his last. The shift from outside (assassin) to inside (prince) justifies the paragraph break. 4.) Person 👥 When a new or established character is introduced, when there is dialogue being spoken. When multiple characters are speaking is when you should use paragraph breaks Here is the golden rule of dialogue: Every time a new person speaks, start a new paragraph. If each character gets their own paragraph, the reader will be able to clearly distinguish who is speaking. If we crammed everything into one paragraph, it would be harder to follow. Now, let’s see a mistake and how to fix it: ❌ Example (Incorrect): “I don’t think we should go,” Mark said, shifting uncomfortably. “Why not?” Sarah crossed her arms. He hesitated. “Because it’s dangerous.” Why Is This Wrong? The dialogue from two different characters is stuffed into the same paragraph, making it confusing. Who’s talking? Who’s reacting? Breaking it up solves this issue instantly. ✅ Example (Correct): “I don’t think we should go,” Mark said. “Why not?” Sarah crossed her arms. “Because it’s dangerous,” he muttered. Bonus Tip: Using Paragraph Breaks for Dramatic Effect 😱 Sometimes, breaking a paragraph isn’t about time, place, topic, or person—it’s about impact.  If you want to emphasize a shocking revelation, a powerful emotion, or a cliffhanger, a single-line paragraph can work wonders. Example: The tunnel was pitch black, the air thick with the scent of damp stone. She pressed forward, one hand trailing along the rough wall, the other clutching her dagger. A drop of water echoed somewhere in the distance. Then, beneath her fingers, the wall disappeared. Empty space. Why Break Here? The paragraph break before “Empty space.” forces the reader to pause and feel the tension. If this had been left in the same paragraph, the moment wouldn’t hit as hard. By isolating it, the sense of danger is heightened, making it more suspenseful and dramatic. More Uses of Paragraph Breaks for Impact 👉 For Emotional Punch: She thought she had more time. She was wrong. 👉 For a Cliffhanger: The door creaked open. And something looked back. 👉 For a Shocking Revelation: He smiled, soft and reassuring. She almost believed it. Until she saw the blood on his hands. Why Break Here? The pause before the revelation adds weight to the moment, making it land harder for the reader. Put Your Knowledge To The Test!📝 Now that you know when and why to break paragraphs, let’s put your skills to the test! The best way to master paragraphing is through practice—so here’s a quick exercise to help you spot where breaks should go and strengthen your instincts as a writer. Read the following block of text and decide where you would add paragraph breaks to improve clarity, pacing, and readability. Ready? Let’s go! 🚀 💡 Exercise 1: Here’s a block of unformatted text—where would you insert paragraph breaks? Drop your answers in the comments below. How did you decide where to break the paragraphs? The forest was eerily quiet as Elara moved through the underbrush. Every step sent leaves crunching beneath her boots, the only sound in the oppressive silence. She glanced behind her. Nothing. Yet the feeling of being watched refused to leave. She tightened her grip on the hilt of her dagger. A twig snapped to her right. She froze, breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she turned her head. A pair of glowing yellow eyes stared back at her from the darkness. Her heart pounded. Then, without warning, the creature lunged. Task: 👉 Break this into paragraphs where it makes the most sense. 👉 Think about pacing—where do shorter paragraphs increase tension? 👉 Where does a break help shift mood or action? 💡 Exercise 2: Here’s a passage where multiple characters’ dialogue is crammed together in a single paragraph. Your challenge: Fix it by breaking up the dialogue properly! “I can’t believe you did that,” Mira snapped. Kian rolled his eyes. “Relax, it wasn’t that bad.” “Not that bad?” she echoed. “You literally set the table on fire.” “Okay, first of all, it was an accident,” he said. “Second, it was only a small fire.” “Small? The curtains caught!” Mira threw up her hands. Task: 👉 Separate the dialogue so each speaker has their own paragraph. 👉 Make sure the flow of the conversation is clear. Concluding Thoughts Paragraphing isn’t just about making text look nice—it’s a powerful storytelling tool that shapes pacing, clarity, and emotional impact. Whether you’re shifting time, place, topic, or person, or using breaks for dramatic effect, knowing when to hit Enter can make or break your writing. By avoiding common mistakes, following the TIP-TOP method, and practicing with exercises, you’ll develop stronger instincts for paragraphing. Your Next Step: Practice & Apply! ✍ Try out the exercises above! 💬 Share your biggest takeaways in the comments! 📖 The next time you read a book, pay attention to how the author uses paragraph breaks—what effect do they create? Mastering paragraphing is one of those skills that gets easier the more you do it. So keep writing, keep experimenting, and most importantly—have fun with it! What do you struggle with most when it comes to writing? Drop a comment below if this blog post helped—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy writing :) —Bair✍︎ Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter ! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog . Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast ! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books ! Support the blog on Ko-fi ! INSTAGRAM   | LINKEDIN   | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board !

Have you ever had someone read your writing and tell you it was ‘passive’? Did you stare at them afterwards in confusion, scratching your head, thinking, “ What the heck does that even mean? My writing is ‘passive’?” Writers often hear that active voice is stronger, and for some writers, passive voice can feel like the bane of their existence—a mysterious, dreaded mistake that must be eliminated at all costs. But I’m here to tell you: passive voice isn’t always bad. The key is knowing when to use it, when to avoid it, and how to make that choice intentionally. In this post, I’ll help you identify passive vs. active voice so you can decide when passive voice might actually be the better tool for your writing. Like with many writing “rules,” the key isn’t to blindly follow them—it’s understanding them first, so you can break them intentionally. Personally, I’m an avid advocate of breaking conventional rules if it enhances my writing, story, character, mood, or theme. But like Show vs. Tell, passive voice has been unfairly villainized. Some writers treat it as if it should never be used, which I think is an unfortunate overcorrection. Active voice is like putting a character in the spotlight—clear, direct, and front-and-center. Passive voice moves them backstage, shifting focus to the scene, the mood, or the action itself. Great storytelling knows when to shine the light and when to let the background speak. Let’s break down the difference between active and passive voice, why it matters, and how to use each strategically in your writing. Table Of Contents What Is Active Voice? What Is Passive Voice? Identifying Passive Voice With The "Zombie Test" Exercises Concluding Thoughts Understanding Active V.S. Passive Voice Made Easy & Why It Matters What is Active Voice? Active voice makes writing clear, direct, and engaging. In an active sentence, the subject performs the action, keeping the focus on who is driving the story forward. This makes prose feel stronger, more immediate, and easier to read. For example, instead of saying, ‘The treasure was stolen by the thief,’ active voice sharpens the sentence to, ‘The thief stole the treasure.’ The difference? One feels distant, while the other keeps the action front and center. Active voice is especially powerful in storytelling, where characters need agency and momentum to make scenes feel alive. Active voice keeps things clear, direct, and engaging. Example: The knight slayed the dragon. (Active – The knight is doing the action.) Why It’s Preferred: It makes writing stronger and more immersive. Readers immediately understand who is acting. It creates a sense of urgency and impact—perfect for fiction and persuasive writing. Active voice is the foundation of strong, immersive storytelling because it keeps the prose sharp, direct, and engaging. It helps readers feel like they’re experiencing events in real time, rather than being told about them from a distance. While passive voice has its place, active voice is generally the best choice for keeping momentum, agency, and tension alive in your writing. One of the most important times to use active voice is during action and fast-paced scenes. Whether it’s a battle, a chase, or a moment of life-or-death urgency, active voice keeps the reader fully engaged. Compare these two sentences: The assassin drew his blade and lunged vs. The blade was drawn by the assassin before he lunged. The first feels immediate and intense, while the second is clunky and distances the reader from the action. In high-energy moments, active voice creates urgency and impact. Active voice is also crucial for character agency and decision-making. It keeps the protagonist driving the story forward rather than feeling like things are just happening to them. A sentence like She grabbed the letter and tore it open puts the focus on her actions and emotions, while The letter was grabbed and torn open by her makes her feel more like an afterthought. If you want readers to feel invested in your character’s choices, active voice is essential. Dialogue and internal monologue also benefit from active voice, making them feel more natural and emotionally expressive. People rarely speak in passive voice unless they’re intentionally being vague or distancing themselves from responsibility ( “Mistakes were made” instead of “I made a mistake.” ). Using active voice in character dialogue helps conversations feel authentic and engaging, while passive voice can make them sound stiff and unnatural. Another moment to prioritize active voice is when you’re building tension and momentum. If a character is creeping through a dark house, readers should feel their heartbeat quicken with every step. Compare The door burst open, and the stranger stepped inside to The door was burst open, and inside stepped a stranger. The first sentence is tight and suspenseful, while the second feels unnecessarily formal and sluggish. In thrillers, mysteries, or any high-stakes scene, active voice keeps readers on edge and immersed in the unfolding drama. Finally, active voice strengthens worldbuilding and immersion by making descriptions vivid and dynamic. When writing setting and atmosphere, sentences like Waves crashed against the jagged rocks, sending white foam spraying into the air allow readers to see and feel the scene. In contrast, The jagged rocks were crashed against by waves, and white foam was sent spraying into the air feels distant and overcomplicated. A strong narrative voice benefits from clear, engaging descriptions, and active voice helps bring a scene to life. Ultimately, active voice is the best tool for making writing punchy, immersive, and engaging. It places characters at the center of the action, keeps pacing tight, and ensures descriptions remain compelling rather than cluttered. While passive voice has its place in fiction, active voice is what keeps a story feeling alive, urgent, and emotionally impactful. What is Passive Voice? And How-To Use Passive Voice To Shift Focus (& How to Use It Intentionally) Passive voice shifts the focus away from the subject and onto the action itself. Instead of the doer taking center stage, the event or outcome becomes the focus. This can create a sense of mystery, formality, or emotional distance. For example, ‘The treasure was stolen by the thief’ places emphasis on the stolen treasure rather than the thief. In some cases, passive voice is useful—such as in mystery writing (‘The jewels were stolen last night’ keeps the culprit unknown) or when the doer is irrelevant (‘A new law was passed’). While passive voice can weaken writing when overused, it’s a valuable tool when used intentionally. In passive voice, the subject receives the action. This can make writing feel wordy, unclear, or detached. Example: The dragon was slayed by the knight. (Passive – The action is emphasized, not the doer.) Why It’s Usually Weaker: It adds unnecessary words and can feel clunky. It removes agency from the subject—who is actually doing the action? While active voice is often the stronger choice for storytelling, passive voice has its place when used intentionally. It shifts the focus away from the subject and onto the action or outcome, making it useful for moments of mystery, detachment, or dramatic emphasis. Instead of pushing the story forward with force, passive voice allows for subtlety, atmosphere, and intrigue. One of the most effective times to use passive voice is when you want to create mystery or suspense. If a crime has been committed but you don’t want to immediately reveal who is responsible, passive voice can help keep the perpetrator hidden. Compare Someone stole the ancient relic last night to The ancient relic was stolen last night. The first sentence is direct and clear, but the second keeps the focus on the event itself, allowing for tension to build. This technique is particularly useful in mystery, thriller, or horror writing, where the unknown is part of the appeal. Passive voice is also commonly used when a writer wants to depersonalize or soften responsibility. This technique is often seen in formal writing ( “A mistake was made” instead of “I made a mistake” ) but can also be a powerful tool in fiction. A character might use passive voice in dialogue to distance themselves from blame or sound deliberately vague. If a ruler announces, “Laws were broken, and consequences will follow,” they avoid naming specific people, making the statement sound formal and ominous. Another situation where passive voice works well is when the result of an action is more important than who performed it. This is especially true when describing widespread events or large-scale consequences. For example, “Entire villages were destroyed in the war” emphasizes the devastation, whereas “The enemy forces destroyed entire villages” puts the focus on the attackers. If the story is more about the aftermath than the aggressors, passive voice shifts attention to what happened rather than who caused it. Additionally, passive voice can enhance the tone of detachment or emotional distance. In moments of grief, trauma, or numbness, a character’s thoughts or narration might slip into passive voice to reflect their emotional withdrawal. For example, “The news was delivered, but I barely heard it” conveys shock and detachment, while “She delivered the news, but I barely heard her” is more immediate and personal. This technique can be especially effective in tragic or introspective moments where a character feels like an observer rather than an active participant. Lastly, passive voice can be used stylistically to mimic ancient texts, folklore, or prophetic speech. If a character is recounting a legend, they might say, “It is said that a great storm will come,” rather than “People say a great storm will come.” The passive construction makes the statement feel timeless, mythical, or fated, adding to the weight of the words. This is often seen in fantasy, historical fiction, and religious or mythological storytelling. While passive voice can weaken writing if overused, it is a valuable tool when used with intention. It can create mystery, formality, emotional detachment, and historical weight, making it a stylistic choice rather than a grammatical mistake. The key is knowing when to let passive voice enhance your storytelling rather than dull it. How to Spot Passive Voice Using The "Zombie Test"🧟‍♂️ If you're struggling to tell if a sentence is passive, worry not! Try using the “Zombie Test”! The “Zombie Test” for identifying passive voice was popularized by Dr. Rebecca Johnson, a professor at the Marine Corps University. She introduced this method as a quick and engaging way to help students recognize passive constructions in their writing. By adding the phrase “by zombies” after the verb, if the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely in the passive voice. For example, “The book was read (by zombies)” indicates a passive structure. This technique has since been widely adopted as a fun and effective tool for teaching grammar concepts. How It Works: Find the verb in your sentence. Add “by zombies” after the verb. If the sentence still makes sense, it’s passive . If it doesn’t, it’s active . Examples: The treasure was stolen (by zombies). → Makes sense! = Passive voice ❌ Pirates stole the treasure (by zombies). → Doesn’t make sense! = Active voice ✅ Why It Works: Passive voice often hides the subject or makes the action feel distant. The “by zombies” trick exposes weak phrasing, missing or unclear doers of action, and helps you rewrite stronger, clearer sentences! Bonus Tips: Another way to check is by looking for forms of “to be” ( was, were, is, been, are ) + a past participle ( eaten, written, discovered ). Look for “by” phrases ( The book was written by the author ) and if the doer of the action is missing or unclear, it’s likely passive. Exercises: Converting Passive Voice to Active Voice Rewrite the following sentences in active voice by identifying the subject and making the sentence more direct. Simple Sentences The book was placed on the table. A mistake was made in the report. The keys were found under the couch. The letter was written in a hurry. A new law was passed last week. Longer Sentences The cake wa s baked by the chef for the celebration. The castle was attacked by an unknown enemy at dawn. The decision was announced by the jury after hours of deliberation. A new discovery was made by scientists in the deep ocean. The lost dog was finally found by a kind stranger. Challenging Sentences The entire city was evacuated due to the approaching hurricane. A rare artifact was unearthed by archaeologists in the desert. The missing documents were recovered by the detective after an extensive search. The championship trophy was awarded to the winning team. The rules were changed to improve fairness in the competition. Bonus Challenge: Try writing your own sentences in passive voice and then rewriting them in active voice! Concluding Thoughts Active voice makes writing stronger and clearer, but passive voice has its place when used intentionally. It’s not just a grammatical mistake—it’s a stylistic tool that can shift focus, build suspense, and control tone. The key is knowing when to use it for impact and when to avoid it for clarity. When To Use Active vs. Passive Voice: ✔  Use active voice when:  You want your writing to be clear, direct, and engaging. ✔  Use passive voice when:  The doer of the action is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally hidden. Quick Rule of Thumb: Active = Clarity & Impact. Passive = Distance & Detachment. “Passive voice obscures responsibility. Active voice reveals it.”   So my questions to you are:  Do you ever find yourself using passive voice often? H ow do you catch it in your writing? Have you ever used passive voice intentionally in your writing? How did it change the focus of your scene ? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 😊 Happy writing! —Bair✍︎ Disclaimer: Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you . This support helps keep my website up & running, and me writing! Thanks so much for your support! Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter ! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog . Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast ! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books ! Support the blog on Ko-fi ! INSTAGRAM  | LINKEDIN  | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board !

I'm not certain if this already exists or not but in the fall semester of 2023, I came up with a personal poetry style that I have since dubbed "Matryoshka Poetry." Now, what is Matryoshka Poetry? It is a poem inside a poem. It is a larger story that encompasses a smaller, more specific story. It's poetry where you really try to read between the lines, to see deeper, and to understand the inner story within the larger.  It's where you tell at least two stories—or more if you dare—in one poem. There is an "outside" story and "inner" story. The outside story cannot be fully understood without the inner story, but the inner story can be fully understood by itself. That said, the outside story gives the inner story context and therefore grounds it and gives it deeper meaning. Want to write a Matryoshka poem yourself? Read this blog here that goes into more depth of my process of how I structure, breakdown, and write a Matryoshka poem since it can be a challenging process. The name for this kind of poetry was inspired by Russian Nesting Dolls, also known as Matryoshka Dolls. I used to love poetry when I was younger, but unfortunately, the American public school crushed that loved out of me pretty quickly. This is my attempt to shake my fist at the American education system in rebellion to reclaim and rekindle my love and interest for poetry. And so, I hope to write and post more Matryoshka Poetry on my blog for others to read and enjoy in the near future. Keep in mind, I'm a novice poet, so by no means are they going to be perfect but I hope people enjoy them nonetheless. See you in the next blog! —Bair✍︎ Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog. Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books! Support the blog on Ko-fi! INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | PINTEREST Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board!

Ever get stuck on trying to answer problems created by your worldbuilding? Or do you need help finding solutions to the questions your worldbuilding creates? Then here is one of my favorite pieces of worldbuilding advice I've ever come across! A piece of advice that I've often implemented into my own writing. Let me introduce you to: The Two-Layer Worldbuilding Explanation. What is a two-layer explanation? A two-layer explanation, as the name suggests, uses two layers of explanation: one to explain the specific problem and the other explaining the explanation. This approach is a clever way to address plot holes and maintaining a sense of coherence within a fictional world. Let's break down an example following this structure: Example 1: Plot Hole 1: In a fantasy world, magic exists, but only a few people can use it. Why is magic so selective, and what determines who can use it? Solution 1: Magic is a gift from ancient elemental spirits, and only individuals with a strong affinity for a specific element can harness its power. This unfortunately opens up additional questions. Plot Hole 2: Why do these elemental spirits choose specific individuals, and what criteria do they use? Solution 2: The elemental spirits are bound by a cosmic balance and choose individuals based on their inherent qualities such as courage, wisdom, or empathy. The spirits aim to maintain harmony in the magical forces. However, this explanation prompts another inquiry: Plot Hole 3: What is the origin of these elemental spirits, and why are they invested in maintaining cosmic balance? Solution 3: The elemental spirits are remnants of ancient, powerful wizards who sacrificed themselves to preserve the magical equilibrium. Their essence became the spirits, and now they seek to prevent the misuse of magic, which could lead to catastrophic consequences. It takes at least two layers to create an illusion that every question has an answer—that your worldbuilding iceberg is not, indeed, hollow. By introducing these layers of explanation, each answer both resolves and expands upon the previous question, creating a sense of depth in the magical system of the fantasy world. This approach allows for a structured and intriguing narrative without requiring exhaustive details for every aspect of the fictional universe. You might even find that the second questions answers loops right back into the first one, filling up the plot hole entirely. You don't need to have an answer for everything, two layers can be enough to create the illusion of infinite depth. Answer the question that looms behind the answer of the first question, and a normal reader won't bother to dig around for a third question. Lets do another example: Example 2: Plot Hole 1: The protagonist gains superpowers from exposure to a rare meteorite. Why is this meteorite so unique, and why does it grant powers? Solution 1: The meteorite contains an extraterrestrial element called Xenium, which reacts with human DNA, unlocking latent abilities. Again, this raises more questions: Plot Hole 2: Why does Xenium exist, and why does it have such a specific effect on human DNA? Solution 2: Xenium was intentionally sent to Earth by an ancient alien civilization seeking to uplift human evolution. It's a form of controlled experimentation on developing intelligent life. Unfortunately, this introduces yet another mystery: Plot Hole 3: What is the purpose of this ancient alien civilization, and why are they interested in Earth? Solution 3: The ancient aliens are a group of cosmic guardians who aim to foster advanced civilizations across the universe. Earth is a crucial experiment for them, and they use Xenium to influence evolution positively. This layered approach provides a chain of explanations, each answering the question raised by the previous one. It creates the illusion of depth and complexity in the fictional universe, leaving readers satisfied without delving too deep into the potential infinite loop of questions. The key is to strategically introduce layers that both resolve existing questions and introduce new elements, maintaining a delicate balance to keep the narrative engaging. Let's create one last example using the two-layer explanation approach: Example 3: Plot Hole 1: In a sci-fi setting, a spaceship's hyperdrive allows it to travel faster than light. Why is this specific hyperdrive technology so advanced compared to others in the universe? Solution 1: The spaceship's hyperdrive is powered by a rare crystalline substance called Quantaflux, which can harness energy from alternate dimensions, enabling faster-than-light travel. This raises another question: Plot Hole 2: Why is Quantaflux so rare, and how did it come to be associated with faster-than-light travel? Solution 2: Quantaflux is a natural occurrence in the remnants of ancient star systems that went through cataclysmic events. Its unique properties were discovered by a brilliant scientist who found a way to extract and stabilize it for practical use in hyperdrives. Repeat after me now: yet another inquiry: Plot Hole 3: Who was the scientist that discovered Quantaflux, and why did they devote their life to this groundbreaking research? Solution 3: The scientist, Dr. Nira Yelensky, had a personal connection to a tragic event involving a failed faster-than-light experiment that claimed the lives of her closest friends. Her quest for understanding and redemption led her to discover Quantaflux and develop a safer and more efficient hyperdrive technology. I love the two-layer explanation as it not only helps address the initial plot holes but also provide a backstory for your stories and can help introduce compelling characters whose motivations add depth to the narrative. This two-layer approach allows for a nuanced and interconnected world-building without requiring exhaustive details on every aspect. My question to you is: what is your favorite worldbuilding advice and how have you implemented the advice into your story or worldbuilding world? Let me know your answers in the comments below! Happy worldbuilding! —Bair✍︎ Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog. Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books! Support the blog on Ko-fi! INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board!

Are you a busy writer? Or need of finding solutions to help meet your writing goals and needs? Do you want the ability to write wherever you may be in the world? Then read on and get my advice writing essentials every writers needs. Here is 6 Writing Essentials for Writers on the Go 1.) Invest in an ergonomic bag. I’m somewhat of a fashion forward person… Oh who am I kidding, I’m a fashionista. I'm the bougiest person I know. I admit it—and with pride for that matter. As much as I would love to always use a shiny, black, crocodile textile handbag, in the long run it’s not going to be the best for my shoulders of my arms. Regardless of gender, if you prefer to use your laptop or an iPad for your writing, investing in a good backpack or an ergonomic purse will save you back pain now and in years to come. 2.) A Writer's Notebook. Okay okay, I’m sure many of your saw that coming or rolled your eyes, but it is an essential. Put into practice bringing a notebook with you everywhere (and don’t forget a pencil or a pen—this should be a no brained but I’ve done that one too many times to admit…) Then again, most of the time my phone is my notebook, which then in that case, I best recommend using the OneNote app from Microsoft for jotting down notes and ideas mainly because it’s free, doesn’t require a membership, and it can connect very easily to multiple devices—which is incredibly helpful. Not only that, but you can have several notebooks, with several separate files to organize all your many notes. Read my blog here as to why a writer's notebook is crucial to every writer. 3.) A Nook or a Kindle. As much as I am partial to an actual book, I’ve found for my life style, it’s just not logical for me. I live in a small apartment where I am physically limited in the amount of books I can have in a given space. For my favorite, special edition or signed edition books, I keep them in storage for when I can finally proudly display them in my personal library. So since I can’t have as many books as my reader-and-writer heart desires, I’ve opted for the next best thing—a virtual book. I have and constantly use my kindle, it’s much lighter and ergonomic for me (it’s also a bit more environmentally conscious, less paper and more trees and all that jazz). I can have as many books as I want and with my ADHD brain, I can read three books at a time! 4.) A foldable or collapsible keyboard. If you’re like me and are partial to small bags, or don’t want to have to lug a laptop or tablet around, a collapsible keyboard that connect with your phone is a must. Instead of condensing a keyboard to a tiny screen—which for me, when I type, I am never accurate and spew word Frankenstein abominations that spellcheck doesn’t know how to fix—just doesn’t work for me. I can never get out my words fast enough on my tiny phone screen, and most often I stop mid-sentence or thought because I can’t be bothered to complete my note on a tiny screen. Having and using a mini keep board has exponentially increased my word count and is now the leading reason why and how I manage to get in my daily word count. (Not to mention it's pretty cheap!) I’ll leave the one I use linked here if you're interested in getting one for yourself. 5.) Sound deafening earbuds or headphones. For me, my sound deafening earbuds have been a game changer. For some reason it hacks my ADHD brain allows me to sit down and focus for prolonged periods of time. Not only that, but it helps to minimize and noise distraction that may be going on around me. A good pair of earbuds or headphones are great because they let you listen to your audiobooks and writing podcast on the go(click here to read my 6 Favorite Writing Podcast or here for My Favorite Writing Craft Books blog posts). Personally I prefer to wear earbuds more for the convenience of them. I enjoy being able to slip by earbuds out of my pocket and into my ears when I need to. I’d also recommend purchase a pair of earbuds or headphones that not only are they noise canceling but allow for “hear through.” Noise canceling is helpful for those of whom who live in a busy or loud house hold, or for those who enjoy writing at cafes but may not want to hear the busily sounds of said café. 6.) Snacks Notice how I didn’t say coffee or any kind of caffeinated drink. Whether you’re writing your first chapter, 53rd, or are working on your author platform, any kind of mental work is going to burn a lot of energy and calories. Creativity can be, and is, incredibly draining. Therefor writers must properly fuel their brain and body. Of course, that being said, it doesn’t hurt to have your favorite tea or water, but nourishing your body is a must and should not be neglected. As much as that chocolate scone or croissant my be delicious—and yes, it can be soulfully and spiritually fulfilling—it’s not going to give your brain the boost it needs. Opting for the fruit parfait, yogurt, or the whole wheat sandwich with avocado and tomatoes will ultimately give the necessarily nourishment your brain—and body—needs. Even a good granola bar is a better choice than Cheezits or cake. That being said, once you've accomplished your goals, definitely treat yourself to your favorite snack. Be it, extra chocolately-chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream on top or avocado toast, don't forget to celebrate your achievements—big or small. Two Bonuses! Every writer should have book related gear. For me, that means my phone case, kindle case, and computer case all look like old books. Twelve South has many cute book related cases for all types of tech. The amount of time I've accidentally left my phone in a changing room or at a restaurant is an embarrassing amount of times... Thankfully, it was never stolen since my phone case looks like a mini book, the logic here being: who's going to steal a little book? (If you answered: "Me!" then I only have one thing to say to you... Same.) But I'll leave a link here for you to go and check out Twelve South. My last bonus tip is, if you're a writer on-the-go, a good wifi connection is a no brainer, so I'd suggest considering getting a personal hotspot. Anyways! Those were my top tips for writers on the go. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and if any of these tips helped. Happy writing! —Bair✍︎ Disclaimer: Please note that this blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a referral commission at no extra cost to you. This support helps keep my website up & running, and me writing! Thanks so much for your support! Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog. Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books! Support the blog on Ko-fi! INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store

Hello world! I know at this point I don't have many followers on this blog or website but I wanted to come on here to share some thoughts anyways. I guess this blog will also serve as a mild, personal diary that I can reflect back onto in the future to come. Anyways, at this moment in time, I'm on the path to earning my Creative Writing Associates Degree, which I'm excited about. One of the classes I'm taking this semester is a creative writing fiction class with a professor I had last semester and I am absolutely loving it! It has reminded me how in love and passionate I am about writing. I have also discovered I especially love helping others with their writing and educating and sharing all of my advice with them. I guess this is my way to remember the reason I started this blog in the first place. This class has helped to set afire under my butt, given wind to my wings, and re-inspired me to my projects and to this blog. So I hope to keep momentum going. I hope one blog inspires another, not just in me, but in you, the reader. I hope that this encourages me to keep writing. To continue to be passionate. I look forward to improving my writing, to sharing it. I want to get better and so I must be brave and share it. Not only have I been inspired to write more for this blog and write creatively, I'm also in the process to trying to get into poetry; to try and better understand it, enjoy it, appreciate it, and write it. In my early journey of poetry, I've come up with a new way of writing poetry that I really enjoy and I have now dubbed it "Matryoshka Poetry." It's where you tell two stories in one poem. There is an "outside" story and "inner" story. The outside story cannot be fully understood without the inner story, but the inner story can be fully understood by itself. That said, the outside story gives the inner story context and therefore grounds it and gives it deeper meaning. This has been a fun challenge to come up with for myself and tell more stories through poetry. I encourage you to try it for yourself. I plan to write a future blog that goes more into my process of how I structure, breakdown, and write a Matryoshka poem since it can be a challenging process. Anyways, that's all I really wanted to say and to you who read this, I send you positive and good vibes. I hope you accomplish your writing goals, and know you've got someone in your corner cheering you on. I'll leave this update with a quote: “Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.” — Jane Yolen See you in the next blog, —Bair✍︎ Want to stay up to-date on get exclusive updates and insights on future projects, book launches, writer and reader resources, FREE literature, writing freebies, and a more? Sign up for my Newsletter! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog. Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast! Need a new notebook? Check out my hand-bound books! Support the blog on Ko-fi! INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | PINTEREST Check out My Writer & Reader Merch Store

When writing dialogue, does it ever come across as awkward and clumsy, or downright unnatural? Are you unsure whether or not you should keep a spoken line of dialogue? Or uncertain whether or not it has any real purpose? If you're struggling to write dialogue, you're not alone. Admittedly, there have been times where I have avoided writing dialogue altogether because I hated having to write it, as it always felt clunky and weird. I never knew why it always came across off, until I learned that when it comes to dialogue, and good dialogue at that, it should have a cadence, a good rhythm that it should accomplish three things. If it doesn't, you should either rework it or cut it entirely. So while I'll keep this blog post short and sweet, by the end of this post, you'll be able to write natural dialogue with intention and real purpose. Here are 3 Things Good Dialogue Should Accomplish. 1. It should reveal and define your characters. How a character speaks should show what kind of person they are. It should reflect a character's personality, mood, education, gender, age, race, socio-economic status, and profession. So knowing your characters inside and out before ever having them sit down and conversing with each other is crucial, because one line of dialogue that rings clear and true can reveal character in a way that pages of description cannot. 2. It should set the mood or create suspense. As the mood and tension shifts and changes in a scene or chapter, a character's dialogue should reflect that. So don't forget that a character's dialogue should adjust as their mood or situation changes and that it can also reflect an internal struggle. For example, if a character is fighting, their dialogue should be short and clipped; their voices urgent and ever-rising as the fight becomes fiercer. Or if they're depressed, their tone of voice is soft and somber, their voice distant or deaf in their own ears. So the usage of narration and dialogue together can and should help set the scene, as this can also help with suspense. Remember: Not only can a reader's emotion be sparked with a few words, but that action and dialogue are the catalysts that propel a story forward. 3. It should move your story forward. A single line of dialogue can completely change the direction of the story. For example: "I know what to do... I'm going to write a letter to the King." If what is being spoken doesn't help move your story forward or reveal anything about your characters, cut it. It's not doing you any good and is just extra filler you most certainly do not need. *Pro-tip: While writing dialogue, be as concise as possible. Get rid of any unnecessary or filler words that are clogging your sentences. And if you don't know whether your dialogue is realistic or not, either have your computer read it aloud for you, read it aloud yourself, or have someone like your writing buddy or critique partner read it over for you. I hoped this helped! And that you keep these in mind next time you go sit down to write. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, I would love to hear from you! See you in the next blog, A hui hou~ —Bair✍︎ Want to get to know a more personal side of me, get writing FREEBIES, behind the scenes insights on my projects, and more? Sign up for my Newsletter! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog. Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast! Looking for an audiobook narrator? Learn more here. Buy me a coffee! INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board!

The day I publish this blog marks the day, I not only took the first step towards my writing and author career, but the day I started to take it seriously. So to those reading, aloha kākou! My name is Bair Klos, I am a writer, and soon to be published author (perhaps I'm already a published author by the time you're reading this). I'll keep this short and sweet (fair warning though, it is a bit of a ramble). The day I publish this blog marks the day I start the greatest adventure of my life. The day I choose my dreams over others' agendas and put my wants and wishes above theirs. Where I damn the expectations of naysayers and walk towards the future I want and strive to have—and will have. So to those who may be in the same boat as me, join me on this crazy ride as we walk the road of writers to authors. My goal for this blog is not only to connect and provide others with useful information, helpful guides, tips, and resources to add to their writing arsenal, but to provide writers a place to refer back to should they ever forget something, feel stuck, or need inspiration. And for the cherry on top, this blog will serve as a means to document my writing journey and career. I have learned much, but I still have so much to learn—and I cannot wait. So I'll leave with you this quote by Harvey Mackey: A dream is a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline. So my two questions to you are: What is your dream? And how are you going do to turn your dream into a goal with a plan? Let me know your answers in the comments below! See you in the next blog, A hui hou~ —Bair✍︎ Want to get to know a more personal side of me, get writing FREEBIES, behind the scenes insights on my projects, and more? Sign up for my Newsletter! Find more helpful writing tips on the rest of my blog. Struggling to get your word count in? Check out my writing podcast! Looking for an audiobook narrator? Learn more here. Buy me a coffee! INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | PINTEREST Like this post? Share the link on your social media or pin the image below to your Pinterest board!