When I embarked on writing my novel *The Next Stage*, I was determined to create villains that were more than just obstacles for my protagonists to overcome. I wanted them to be realistic, nuanced, and truly threatening. Crafting such antagonists requires a careful balance of traits and motivations that make them compelling and memorable. If … Continue reading How to Write Realistic Villains: Techniques for Crafting Complex Antagonists
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Writing Flash Fiction: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Powerful, Concise Stories
Flash fiction is a unique literary form that offers a captivating blend of challenge and creativity. With word limits typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 words, flash fiction requires writers to distill a story down to its most essential elements, crafting a complete narrative in a space where every word matters. This brevity, while challenging, … Continue reading Writing Flash Fiction: Tips and Techniques for Crafting Powerful, Concise Stories
A New Adventure Begins: My TikTok Horror Story Experiment
Today I just wanted to share something fun (and a little spooky) that I’m diving into—I'm posting a choose-your-own-adventure horror story on TikTok!Growing up, I was obsessed with text-based adventures and those classic choose-your-own-adventure books. You know, the ones where you’d flip to page 54 to fight the dragon or to page 102 to sneak … Continue reading A New Adventure Begins: My TikTok Horror Story Experiment
Forspoken Review: Stunning Visuals Meet Mixed Execution (Review)
Forspoken is an action RPG that was released on January 24, 2023, for PlayStation 5 and PC.Forspoken follows the story of Frey Holland, a young woman from New York City who is mysteriously transported to the magical land of Athia. With a sentient bracelet named "Cuff" on her arm, Frey must navigate this fantastical world, … Continue reading Forspoken Review: Stunning Visuals Meet Mixed Execution (Review)
Writing Dialogue that Feels Real: Techniques for Natural, Believable Conversations
Dialogue is the heartbeat of a story. It reveals character, advances the plot, and immerses the reader in the world you've created. Writing dialogue that feels real and believable is an art, one that can significantly enhance your storytelling. Here are some techniques to help you craft dialogue that resonates with authenticity.1. Know Your CharactersBefore … Continue reading Writing Dialogue that Feels Real: Techniques for Natural, Believable Conversations
7 Days to Die 1.0 Hits Consoles: A Survival Game that Nails the Apocalypse
7 Days to Die was released on July 29th 2024, for Playstation 5, Xbox Series S/X and PC. Although this is supposed to be the full release of 7 Days to Die for the latest consoles, it is still technically a beta version with some features still under development. However, this has not led to … Continue reading 7 Days to Die 1.0 Hits Consoles: A Survival Game that Nails the Apocalypse
How to Develop Compelling Characters
Creating compelling characters is an essential part of storytelling, whether you're writing a novel, a short story, or even a screenplay. Characters are the heart of your narrative, and if your readers can connect with them, they'll be more invested in your story. As I continue to learn and grow in my own writing journey, … Continue reading How to Develop Compelling Characters
Red Dead Redemption PS4 Port (Review)
Red Dead Redemption, originally released in 2010, has made its way to the PlayStation 4 on August 17, 2023. This PS4 port is not a remake or a remaster but a faithful rendition of the original game with some notable visual enhancements that help modernise the experience without altering its core essence. Visual Enhancements While … Continue reading Red Dead Redemption PS4 Port (Review)
The Impact of Reading on Writing
As writers, we often hear the advice that to improve our writing, we must read widely. This counsel is not only a staple in creative writing courses but also a well-worn truth embraced by authors across the ages. Reading is an essential component of honing our craft, providing a foundation upon which we build our … Continue reading The Impact of Reading on Writing
Alan Wake 2’s Night Springs DLC (Review)
The Night Springs DLC for Alan Wake 2, released on June 8th 2024, is a mesmerizing and eerie addition to an already captivating game. This extension delves further into the dark, twisted world that Remedy Entertainment has carefully constructed, using the fictional TV show Night Springs as a conduit for new tales of psychological horror. … Continue reading Alan Wake 2’s Night Springs DLC (Review)
Gareth Ellis - Author 