Schadenfreude is a word that many of y’all might not have heard of, yet we’ve all felt it. Interestingly enough, it can be a great tool to keep our audience interested and breathlessly wanting more. What is schadenfreude, other than a fifty dollar word we can toss around to impress friends and colleagues? Schadenfreude—a combination Read more
Read MoreStakes: How to Hook an Audience All the Way to THE END
Stakes, bizarrely enough, are a key ingredient missing in many stories. If the characters don’t have skin in the game, why would the audience? The bigger the stakes the better the page turner. Whether on the page or on the screen, what keeps audiences enraptured the most? What makes us spend an entire weekend inhaling Read more
How to Build an Audience, No Duct Tape Required
How do we build an audience without coming across as a stalker crossbred with an MLM rep? This is no easy task, especially since most creative professionals don’t exactly shine in this area. Face it. If we’d been good at high pressure sales, we’d be languishing on our yacht along with other people who excel Read more
Read MoreXianxia 101: Immortals
In xianxia literature, immortals are depicted as exalted beings who have transcended mortal limitations and achieved a state of enlightenment, power, and longevity. Their portrayal encompasses a range of attributes and roles, reflecting their elevated status in the cultivation world. Here’s how immortals are typically seen in xianxia: 1. Divine and Majestic 2. Wisdom and Read more
Read MoreCulture, Conflict & Creating Fresh Stories People LOVE
Ah, culture. One word that can encapsulate so much. It’s nice and bendy, too, which is fabulous for story ideas (or for injecting more conflict in a story that feels flat). Put more than two humans together and somewhere, somehow they will find something to fight about. They might be from the same country, but Read more
Read MoreXianxia 101: Cultivation
Interested in writing xianxia? You’ll need to understand this thing they call ‘cultivation’. Xianxia cultivation is a central theme in Chinese fantasy literature, particularly in the genre known as xianxia (仙侠), which translates to “immortal heroes” or “immortal swordsmen.” This genre combines elements of Taoist philosophy, Chinese folklore, martial arts, and fantasy, creating a rich Read more
Read More
Tao Wong’s “A Thousand Li: The First Step”
Introduction to “A Thousand Li: The First Step” by Tao Wong Tao Wong’s “A Thousand Li: The First Step“ is the inaugural installment in the popular A Thousand Li series, a novel that has captivated readers with its blend of martial arts, magic, and immersive world-building. Released in 2017, this novel introduces readers to a Read more
Read MoreXianxia vs Western High Fantasy Fiction
Xianxia and Western high fantasy are distinct subgenres of fantasy with unique characteristics and cultural roots. Here’s a breakdown of their differences: 1. *Cultural and Mythological Roots* Xianxia: Western High Fantasy: 2. *Setting and World-Building* Xianxia: Western High Fantasy: 3. *Magic and Power Systems* Xianxia: Western High Fantasy: 4. *Character Archetypes and Themes* Xianxia: Western Read more
Read MoreWattpad Wednesday: How to be successful on Wattpad
Becoming a successful Wattpad writer involves more than just uploading stories; it requires strategic planning, engaging storytelling, and active engagement with the Wattpad community. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you thrive on Wattpad: 1. Understand Your Audience 2. Craft an Engaging Story 3. Write Quality Content 4. Build a Strong Profile 5. Optimize Your Read more
Read MoreShould I self publish my fiction book?
Self-publishing fiction can be a rewarding way to get your work into the hands of readers, but it also requires careful planning and effort. Here are some tips to help you navigate the self-publishing process successfully: 1. Prepare Your Manuscript 2. Design a Professional Cover 3. Choose the Right Publishing Platform 4. Set Up Your Read more
Read More