Category: Terrible Writing Advice

Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 24: Intrigue Plots

I see you clicked on the show more button in the description. Excellent. Just as I planned. Intrigue plots need a few things to work. No, not a perfect synergy of mystery, tension, great characterization and exciting action. All intrigue needs is a bunch of hooded dudes spouting cryptic nonsense at a screen showing the protagonists as they struggle in vain to figure out what is going on. What is really going on? What is the truth? The audience doesn’t know, but the greatest truth is neither does the author.

My Honest Thoughts on Intrigue Plots...

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Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 22: Fantasy Battles

A writer need not march off to face the forces of darkness unprepared for battle! All writers should arm themselves with the best and brightest clichés to aid them in their fight. After all, a writer should write with honor and courage and… HA HA HA! No. A writer should use every dirty trick in the book when writing a fantasy battle. Well so long as those don’t involve putting too much effort.

My Honest Thoughts on Fantasy Battles...

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Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 20: Cyberpunk

Technology sucks! Here is a cyberpunk video that proves it. What has technology ever done for humanity? It certainly can’t be that it’s not the technology, but how humans utilized their tools that determines their quality of life. No. That can’t be it at all. Better ramble about that in my cyberpunk story and dress it up in purple prose. Also I should add some cyber powers while I’m at it. Those won’t make technology look cool.

My Honest Thoughts on Cyberpunk...

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The Nature of Clichés – Honest Thoughts

Clichés can hurt your writing, but can also be an opportunity. Learning to identify and handle clichés is an important skill for a writer to learn. Writer’s worried about finding clichés in their writing might find this video helpful as I cover a few of the many ways one can utilize clichés to their advantage. It’s not just about eliminating clichés, but a clever writer can use clichés to shape and subvert audience expectation.

Welcome to my first honest thoughts video. This will not replace Terrible Writing Advice. Too much positivity is poisonous to me. Rest assured, the cynicism will return next video.

You should most definitely not click that read more button.

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Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 19: Finishing a Story

A writer should focus all of their energy worrying about if they are going to be a good writer. It’s the only way to finish writing a story. Hikers don’t finish a hike by actually walking right? No! They accomplish their long journey by agonizing over taking the first steps and planning every petty detail of their long hike. That’s how a writer should do things too!

My Honest Thoughts on How to Finish a Story...

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Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 18: Antiheroes

The steely stare of the bitter and lone writer need not be in vane! Why struggle to write a hero when you can write an antihero instead? Antiheroes are way cooler which means a writer can put even less effort into them than other characters! Even better, maturity is optional when writing an antihero. The best antiheroes are the ones that conform to what a 13 year old thinks is cool! A writer can even skimp on dialog when it comes to writing an antihero! So dial your self-awareness back and get ready to brood up a storm as we write an antihero. Just be careful to not cut yourself on all the edginess.

My Honest Thoughts on Antiheroes...

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Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 17: Alien Ecosystems

Alien worlds teeming with cliches can be dangerous for even the most skilled authors and space explorers. Especially since it seems like nearly every alien world consists entirely of man eating monsters or chest bursting parasites. But don’t worry. It’s not a stand up fight, but just another bug hunt. Just be sure to ditch your space helmet. You won’t need it as we design an alien ecology for our story!

My Honest Thoughts on Alien Ecosystems...

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Terrible Writing Advice – Chapter 16: Taking Criticism

A writer must stand ready to battle all foes. In this case that would be mean people in the comments section and reviewers who fail to recognize the author’s genius. They must be put in their place at any cost! Watch this video and an author will be ready to feed any troll… I mean fight any troll and win. Internet arguing is another form of writing after all.

My Honest Thoughts on Taking Criticism...

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