In defense of the digital detox
Learn how unplugging from social media and technology, whether through a short-term media blackout or a long-term digital diet, can enhance your well-being, improve focus, and foster genuine connections.
Author: Guilliean
Guilliean (hard G) Pacheco is a hospitality engineer by day, and raconteuse by night. She is a Climatebase Fellow and an Anaphora Arts poetry fellow, with an MFA in Writing from the University of San Francisco, looking to contribute to climate action through storytelling. A misplaced California girl that the Beach Boys sang about, she lives in Las Vegas normally — if one could call living there normal.
Review: Yasunari Kawabata’s “The Sound of the Mountain”
On June 14, 1899, Yasunari Kawabata was born in Osaka, Japan. He was orphaned at two and sent to live with his grandparents. After graduating from high school before his 18th birthday, he gained entrance to Tokyo Imperial University as an English major. He mainly wrote fiction stories, though he often found work as a
Theatrical techniques: How to use play structure in novel development
A powerful approach to crafting stories is to incorporate theater techniques, particularly the structure of play writing, into the creation of a novel. Theatrical structure, with its explicit acts, scenes, and dramatic arcs, can add fresh energy to a novel. It can provide a helpful framework that can improve a novel’s pacing, tension, and emotional
Why writers should interview their fictional characters
In storytelling — whether in literature, film, or video games — character development is the cornerstone that captivates audiences. For writers, delving deep into their characters’ motivations, backgrounds, and personalities is key to crafting narratives that resonate. Character interviews offer creators unique insights into their characters’ inner worlds, paving the way for memorable, relatable stories.
5 questions to embrace growth
Discover how self-reflection can lead to profound personal growth and a richer understanding of who you are.
Show, don’t tell: 6 subtleties of body language
As writers, the adage “show, don’t tell” is often easier said than done. This phrase examines a fundamental principle that goes beyond writing and into the nuances of human interaction. Body language, often seen as a silent yet powerful form of expression, plays a critical role in conveying emotions, intentions, and attitudes. Understanding these subtleties
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you
1. Hearing Audio provided by MusicSesame. 2. Sight 3. Smell Desiccated leaves from a dead tree. 4. Taste Sugar cookies fresh from the oven. 5. Touch A mountain of warm blankets.
4 practices for improved mental health
Learn how managing feelings, nurturing positive beliefs, and fostering strong relationships can enhance your well-being and help you navigate life’s challenges.
Backstory: necessary tool or optional element
The idea of backstory often sparks discussion among writers, critics, and readers. Backstory is the history and context that come before the current story. It’s essential for developing characters by helping move the plot forward and adding depth to themes. Understanding the role of backstory in shaping characters is important. Supporters of backstory believe that
Dance with somebody
1. Hearing Audio provided by MusicSesame. 2. Sight 3. Smell A seedy nightclub in 1920s New York. 4. Taste A sip of cold water on a hot summer’s day. 5. Touch via GIPHY