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CHRISTIAN & WOMEN'S FICTION AUTHOR
M. L. Bull
INSPIRATIONAL RELIGIOUS FICTION
Touching Hearts One Story at a Time . . .
WRITING BLOG
THE BRAINSTORM
TIPS, TRICKS, & "OUT-OF-THE-BOX" IDEAS FOR FICTION WRITERS

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The Anatomy of Story Structure
If writers really think about it, story structure can be similar to the functionality and foundation of different systems of the human body. There are four specific components of the anatomy of story structure that together make up the DNA of a cohesive, well-organized story. These four components include goals, characters, plot or story arcs, and scenes.
M.L. Bull
Jun 282 min read


CHARACTERS: Creating Character Interviews & Backstories
Before writers write about their cast of characters, it can be extremely helpful to complete character interviews and backstories. Both...
M.L. Bull
Jun 213 min read


Literary Devices: The 3 Types of Irony
As I mentioned in my previous blogpost, there's three main different types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. All three of these types of irony can be used creatively within writing to either add clever wit, create suspense, or add a little humor in stories.
M.L. Bull
Jun 113 min read


Literary Devices: Irony
Irony is a literary device that can add wit and intrigue in one's writing, but it isn't commonly used as much as metaphors or similes....
M.L. Bull
May 303 min read


Christian Fiction: Writing For the Heart and Soul
Christian fiction is writing for the heart and soul of readers, and a beacon of light among other genres in the book industry. Although...
M.L. Bull
May 155 min read


The Stages of Writing: Stage 5: Revising
Revision or revising is a process that's similar to recycling trash. Let's face it, sometimes our first drafts, second drafts, or even...
M.L. Bull
May 83 min read


The Stages of Writing: Stage 4: Drafting
Drafting ...no, I'm not talking about the United States Army or Airforce. This reference is what I call the fourth stage of writing. Some...
M.L. Bull
Apr 295 min read


The Stages of Writing: Stage 1: Prewriting
Just as there are steps for a recipe , there are different stages of writing. Knowing the stages of writing can be beneficial in breaking...
M.L. Bull
Mar 283 min read


Thematic Significance: What's Your Story's Message?
Thematic significance is the moral, statement, or universal truth an author is conveying to their readers through their short stories,...
M.L. Bull
Mar 132 min read


Theme: What's Your Story's Idea?
Theme is many times associated with the message of stories based on the terminology we're familiar with from writing essay and research...
M.L. Bull
Mar 72 min read


Literary Devices: Adding Color
Like artists who paint on canvases , writers can also create beautiful images and pictures by the use of their words. Aside from literary...
M.L. Bull
Feb 203 min read


Literary Devices: Adding Style
Literary devices are writing tools and techniques that can help writers intrigue their readers more into their short stories, books, or...
M.L. Bull
Feb 183 min read


SETTINGS - Part 2: Interior vs. Exterior Settings and Subtle Details
Interior and exterior are the two different types of settings within story writing. As I mentioned in my previous post of worldbuilding,...
M.L. Bull
Sep 26, 20248 min read


WORLDBUILDING: The 3 Types of Story Worlds in Fiction
Within fiction there are three types of story worlds that writers use in their novels or books.
M.L. Bull
Aug 28, 20244 min read


Worldbuilding vs. Settings: What's the Difference Between Them?
Worldbuilding is the creation of a story, imaginary, or physical world in which your characters live and have their being.
M.L. Bull
Aug 16, 20242 min read


The 5 Phases of a Transitional Character Arc: Positive or Negative?
Character arcs are important to show the internal, mental, emotional, and or spiritual development of characters in a story.
M.L. Bull
Jun 1, 20244 min read


Character Development: What Is It & How to Write Purposeful Characters
Character development is the internal and external transformation characters go through during and after the course of the story.
M.L. Bull
May 23, 20245 min read


8 Helpful Tips for Beginner Writers
Writing...it's a creative art and adventurous pursuit, but it also can be challenging, and especially if you're someone who's just...
M.L. Bull
Mar 16, 202410 min read


Back to the Basics - Part 1: The 6 Essential Elements of Story Writing
There are many parts to writing a story, but there are six essential elements in particular that really make a story what it is, and...
M.L. Bull
Aug 26, 20239 min read


The Brainstorm: Tips, Tricks, and Out-of-the-box ideas for Fiction Writers
This blog is all about the writerly things for independent authors, aspiring and beginner writers, and all other types of fiction writers...
M.L. Bull
Mar 9, 20233 min read
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