Tag Archives: story elements

How to Straighten Your Story’s Spine

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Sometimes I write a story where lots of exciting stuff happens, my protagonist is proactive and has a goal, and I’m hitting all the right beats (if you don’t know what those are, check out this post on the 15 Story Beats), yet the story still feels flat. What’s wrong? What am I missing? The […]


What’s a B-Story? And Why That Love Triangle Doesn’t Cut It

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Before I explain what is a B-Story and why it’s crucial, here’s a list of what it is not: Comic relief that is inconsequential to the main story. A side plot that has nothing to do with your hero. A tacked-on love story to appease those who say YA needs a love triangle. These are […]