In the opening pages of a story, a name is a gift. It grounds the reader and gives them a handle to hold onto. But what happens when you withhold that gift? What happens when a character is simply called "The Man in Black,"   "The Girl Who Lived,"  or "The Gunslinger" ? In literature, this is known as using an Epithet , a descriptive phrase used in place of, or alongside, a proper name. While it might seem like a simple placeholder, the epithet is a powerful tool for building

For decades, the literary world was dominated by two extremes: the cold, detached irony of Postmodernism and the brutal, "everything-is-terrible" grit of Grimdark . But as we move through 2026, a seismic shift has occurred. Readers are no longer looking for stories that simply tear things down; they are looking for stories that show how to build them back up. This shift is known as Metamodernism , and it has birthed two of the most influential "sub-movements" of our decade: N

If you’ve ever spent time in a writing workshop or a critique group, you’ve likely had these three words thrown at you like a mantra: “Show, don’t tell.” It is perhaps the most famous piece of writing advice in history, famously attributed to the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov , who purportedly said: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” But while the concept sounds simple, mastering it is what separates amateur prose from professi

We all know the classic story: a farm boy discovers a legendary sword, leaves his village, defeats a dark lord, and returns as a king. This is the Hero’s Journey , a narrative structure so deeply embedded in our DNA that we recognize its beats instinctively. But in recent years, a different kind of traveller has taken centre stage. They don’t have a shining sword, and their motives are… messy. They are the Anti-Hero . While they follow a similar road, their footsteps sound di

Creating a hero is only half the battle. To truly understand how "bright" your hero’s light is, you need to see it against a dark background, or perhaps a different shade of gray. This is where the Foil  comes in. In literature, a foil is a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) to highlight particular qualities of that character. Think of it like this: you don’t know how tall a giant is until you see them standing next to a regular person. T

Ever notice how some fictional place names just stick ? Middle-earth , Gotham , Westeros , Hogwarts . These aren't just cool-sounding words; they feel like they’ve existed for a thousand years. When you’re world-building, a place name is your first chance to tell a story without using a single line of dialogue. It’s a vessel for culture, a record of ancient wars, and a psychological anchor for your reader. But how do you move past "Generic Forest #4" and create something that

A great story is much more than a single, straight line from beginning to end. While your main plot  drives the narrative forward with the central conflict, subplots  are the vital, secondary roads that add depth, complexity, and surprise  to your world. They are the secondary storylines that run parallel to the main one, and they are essential for transforming a simple narrative into a truly immersive and engaging read. Here's why subplots are so crucial for capturing and ho

When writing, we want our stories to be fresh, surprising, and unforgettable. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we fall back on familiar patterns. These "clichés" can make a story feel predictable and uninspired. The secret to originality isn't avoiding familiar ideas entirely; it's taking a familiar idea and giving it your own unique, unexpected spin. Here are five advanced strategies to help you turn the expected into the extraordinary. 1. Dig Deeper than the T

For genres like fantasy or sci-fi, building a world for your story is just as crucial as building your characters and storyline. A well-developed world should be as memorable as the plot itself, which is why creating a place that feels real and lived-in  is fundamental to fully immersing your readers. The best worlds are not just settings; they are characters  in their own right, constantly influencing the narrative. But where do you even begin this massive undertaking? Here

Fantasy writing is one of the most exciting genres because it allows us to invent entire worlds, characters, and histories! But the true challenge isn’t just in establishing dragons, castles, or ancient spells. It’s in telling a story that feels real and authentic  despite its impossible elements. The best fantasy operates on two levels: the epic scale of the impossible and the intimate scale of the human. Here are a few practical tips we compiled to help inspire your fantas

Choosing a middle name for your character might seem like a small detail, especially compared to building a complex backstory or defining their main conflict. However, a middle name is a powerful, often underutilized tool that can significantly impact how your readers perceive a character’s identity. A well-chosen middle name adds rhythm  to a full name and can subtly hint at your character's heritage, hidden traits, or even their fate. Think of the middle name as a "bridge"

Choosing between a modern  or historical  name can completely change how your character feels to readers. Names signal personality, setting, and even genre before a character speaks a word. Here are a few tips to pick the right style for your story! 1. Utilizing Modern Names for Relatability and Immediacy Modern names make characters feel like they could step right out of your book and into real life. They establish an immediate sense of contemporaneity and approachability , 

Bringing a character to life is a challenging but rewarding part of storytelling. It’s more than just giving them a cool name and a heroic arc; it’s about making them feel like a real person: flawed, complex, and relatable. A character that feels authentic can stay with readers long after they finish the last page. We crafted a simple checklist to help you create a character that feels real. (You can find the checklist format right at the end of this post). 1. Give Them a Fla

Even while your main character may receive all the attention, it's important to remember that sidekicks frequently steal the show. They serve as your hero's loyal allies, sometimes their voice of reason, or occasionally the mayhem required to advance in their narrative. And like the main character, their name matters. Here are some simple ideas to help you choose the perfect name for your sidekick! 1. Make It Work with the Hero’s Name: The Art of Phonetic Balance Even while y

Every great story needs a memorable villain. The plot may be driven by your hero, but conflicts, tensions, and drama are provided by your antagonists. Choosing the appropriate name for your antagonist is one of the best methods to make them memorable. A compelling villain name should evoke strong feelings, establish the mood, and allude to the darker aspects of your narrative. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect name for your villain! 1. Match the Tone of Your S

Choosing a name for your main character is one of the most important steps in storytelling. A good name can make your hero unforgettable, and finding the right fit can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some simple tips to help you pick the perfect name for your protagonist. 1. Keep It Simple and Easy to Remember: Prioritizing Reader Flow The name of your main character should be simple for readers to recall and pronounce . In fiction, every time a reader pauses to sound o