Authenticity in Fantasy: World-building Lessons from Brandon Sanderson

The Importance of Authenticity in Fantasy Writing Let’s start with a question that seems counterintuitive at first: Why does authenticity matter in a genre that is built on the fabric of the unreal? You’re writing about dragons, talking animals, or alternate dimensions—so why should “authenticity” even be in your vocabulary? In truth, it’s because theContinue reading “Authenticity in Fantasy: World-building Lessons from Brandon Sanderson”

Pacing the Page-Turner: A Look at Dan Brown’s Thrilling Narratives

The Dan Brown Phenomenon: Setting the Stage In a world awash with literature spanning myriad genres, a few authors manage to make an indelible mark that transcends borders, ages, and even languages. One such author is Dan Brown, whose name has become synonymous with intricate conspiracy theories, pulse-pounding pacing, and a seamless blend of factContinue reading “Pacing the Page-Turner: A Look at Dan Brown’s Thrilling Narratives”

Subtext in Dialogue: Lessons from ‘The West Wing’

The Power of Subtext in Screenwriting Let’s get one thing straight: dialogue is not just words. Sure, you could stick to the surface level, make your characters say exactly what they mean, and call it a day. But then you’d be missing out on the richest layer of storytelling—subtext. That’s right, the thing that makesContinue reading “Subtext in Dialogue: Lessons from ‘The West Wing’”

Building Tension Through Setting: The Isolated Spaces of ‘The Shining’

Introduction to The Shining’s Masterful Use of Setting When you think about unforgettable film settings that amplify tension, there’s one name that likely sends shivers down your spine—The Overlook Hotel from Stanley Kubrick’s 1979 masterpiece “The Shining”. Sure, you might attribute the film’s terrifying moments to Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance or to Stephen King’s originalContinue reading “Building Tension Through Setting: The Isolated Spaces of ‘The Shining’”

Navigating the Uncanny Valley: Writing for Video Games vs. Films

Introduction and The Uncanny Valley in Storytelling The phrase “Uncanny Valley” may sound like something ripped straight from an H.P. Lovecraft novella, but it’s a concept often used in robotics and artificial intelligence to describe the unsettling feeling we get when we encounter something almost human, but not quite. Whether it’s a hyper-realistic android orContinue reading “Navigating the Uncanny Valley: Writing for Video Games vs. Films”