by Cole Salao
Think of a time when you’re in the midst of a gripping scene. Suddenly, you’re confused. Whose thoughts are these? Whose emotions are those? Things keep jumping around, and you’ve lost track of the story. This is called head hopping. It’s a...
by Cole Salao
Picture this: A woman enters a coffee shop and orders a large black coffee. She checks her phone twice while waiting. When the barista accidentally gives her a medium instead of a large, she simply smiles and says, “No problem.” What do you know about this...
by Cole Salao
You’ve finished a book or a show, and things end with a question. You’re confused, maybe even annoyed. That’s it? And days later, you’re still thinking about it. That’s the power of an ambiguous ending. What Is an Ambiguous Ending? An...
by Cole Salao
Readers love finding secrets in a book they’re currently enjoying. It forms a special bond with the writer, as if they’ve been inducted into the It crowd. Done well, these easter eggs become extra reasons to talk about your work. Don’t make them too...
by Cole Salao
Readers love a good twist—that moment where everything they believed about a character or situation turns out to be wrong. This is where red herrings come in. It keeps your readers on their toes, trying to anticipate your next literary move. What is a Red Herring? A...
by Cole Salao
Some of the best stories aren’t told in order. They jump between timelines, show the end before the beginning, or blend memory and present like a dream. This is called non-linear storytelling, where writers break the rules and where stories don’t follow neat...
