Skip to content

Robin Catling

Write On

  • Home
  • About
  • News
  • Writing
    • Craft
    • Fiction
    • Non-Fiction
  • Opinion
  • Review
Follow Robin Catling on FacebookFollow Robin Catling on PinterestFollow Robin Catling on LinkedInFollow Robin Catling on TwitterSubscribe to our site feed
Robin Catling

Write On

  • Home
  • About
  • News
  • Writing
    • Craft
    • Fiction
    • Non-Fiction
  • Opinion
  • Review

Five Components of Dialogue

Writing / January 2, 2023

Five Components of DialogueAmong the takeaways from Brandon Sanderson’s writing course are five components of dialogue. People talk, it’s a vital part of human communication. But writing  good dialogue in fiction isn’t easy. Just watch ten minutes of Rings of Power.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

Five Components of DialogueRead More »

Bridging Scenes Don’t Exist

Writing / December 26, 2022

Bridging scenes don't existControversial opinion coming up: bridging scenes don’t exist. The notion of a ‘bridging scene’ came from a comment on a previous topic on scene structure:

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

Bridging Scenes Don’t ExistRead More »

How to Structure a Scene

Writing / December 19, 2022

How to Structure a SceneAs the link between individual sentences and whole chapters, you have to know how to structure a scene. Because scenes in fiction are micro-stories of their own.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

How to Structure a SceneRead More »

More Troubles with Prequels

Writing / December 12, 2022

More Troubles with PrequelsWith a prequel novella in the works for my fantasy series, I’m finding more troubles with prequels.

Prequels naturally take place before a story that’s already written. This could be two centuries (House of the Dragon), or a few days (Rogue One). The core problem with prequels is the ‘before-ness’ of the story.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

More Troubles with PrequelsRead More »

Where Story Lives and Breathes

Writing / December 5, 2022

Where story lives and breathesLisa Cron guested on a podcast last year discussing internality and backstory, where story lives and breathes.

Listening back to Joanna Penn’s interview from 2021, writer and coach Lisa Cron asked ‘why does story matter in every book we write, no matter the genre?’

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

Where Story Lives and BreathesRead More »

Decision-making and Agency

Writing / November 28, 2022

Decision-making and agencyHere is the difference between passive and active characters; decision-making and agency.

Passive characters meander through a story while stuff happens to them and all they do is react. Proactive characters take decisions and make stuff happen for themselves.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

Decision-making and AgencyRead More »

Crafting Distinct Voices

Writing / November 21, 2022

Crafting Distinct VoicesCrafting Distinct Voices sets nine questions designed to tease out a distinctive voice for individual characters. Given the sparse dialogue I’m writing in my fantasy series, any prompts are worth considering.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

Crafting Distinct VoicesRead More »

Galadriel’s Study in Psychopathy

Writing / November 14, 2022

Galadriel's Study in PsychopathyI worked out the central premise of Amazon’s Rings of Power:  Galadriel’s Study in Psychopathy.

I resisted talking about this because it’s become mired in gender politics almost as toxic as Republicans versus Democrats. Let’s ignore the politics and call it what it is: bad writing.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

Galadriel’s Study in PsychopathyRead More »

The Character’s Core Wound

Writing / November 7, 2022

The Character's Core WoundAccording to the late teacher and script doctor Peter Russell, the character’s core wound powers the story. Writing and speaking extensively on TV and film scripts, Russell advocates a character-first approach to storytelling.

Listen to the audio version on our YouTube channel.

…

The Character’s Core WoundRead More »

Mister Rabbit

Fiction / November 2, 2022

Mister RabbitMister Rabbit resulted from a set writing prompt: a children’s story for 5-8 year-olds, no more than 500 words, containing rabbit, ice cream, river; third person, past tense, containing both description and narrative. …

Mister RabbitRead More »

Posts navigation
← Previous Page 1 … 3 4 5 … 18 Next Page →

Join the mailing list

Recent Posts

  • Essential Components of a Scene
  • Work in Scenes Not Chapters
  • A Solid Three-Stage Book Plan
  • Imperfect Heroes are Better
  • 2022 a ‘record-breaking year’ for book sales
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Posts on Writing Craft

  • Character
  • Editing
  • Plotting
  • Drafting
  • Structure
  • Publishing
  • Genre
Old Typewriter
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Accessibility statement
Terms and Conditions
Join the mailing list

Back to top Button back to top

© Robin Catling 2023