only 36 stories
Stories

Are there only 36 stories?

Reading Time: 2 minutes “We tend to prefer stories that fit into the molds which are familiar, and reject narratives that do not align with our experience.” Andrew J. Regan et al., The Emotional Arcs of Stories are Dominated by Six Basic Shapes. Only 36 stories? I first heard this startling statistic several years ago. It seemed impossible to […]

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flaws in characters
Characters Writing Craft

Why you should have flaws in characters

Reading Time: 4 minutes “Flaws would not only bring death but, far worse, humiliation.” ― William Goldman, The Princess Bride We spend millions of dollars per year trying to hide those flaws and wrinkles we deem unattractive and humiliating. Dozens, if not hundreds, of magazines, promise ways to either remove or at least hide the blemishes. We earnestly seek any way […]

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Lake Effect
Adventures

Lake Effect

Reading Time: 4 minutes The lake effect is most commonly associated with the weather. Here in Ohio, we have wind chill factors in the winter, the heat index in the summer, and the lake effect. When the weather forecast indicates this condition, we shudder and buckle down because rough weather is coming, especially for those living near the lake. […]

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