The difference between active and passive voice lies in who performs the action in a sentence. Active Voice
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In filmmaking, the term "jeopardy shot" typically refers to a shot that emphasizes danger, tension, or high stakes within a scene. It’s often used to visually communicate that a character is in peril, or a situation is about to take a turn for the worse. In writing, the "jeopardy shot" concept translates to heightening stakes and tension in a scene that makes the reader feel the character’s danger, urgency, or emotional turmoil. Instead of using a camera, you achieve this with word choice, pacing, perspective, and sensory details. A "jeopardy shot" in writing is about immersing the reader in a moment of high stakes, making them feel the tension rather than just telling them it exists. Ways to Apply a "Jeopardy Shot" in Writing:
Ellipses can be a useful tool in fiction writing, but they should be used sparingly and deliberately to avoid overuse or confusion. Here’s a breakdown of when and how to use them effectively: When to Use Ellipses in Fiction:
Rules for Using Ellipses:
If you've ever written a story, watched a movie, or read a book and thought, this feels familiar, you've encountered a trope. Tropes are the building blocks of storytelling—recurring themes, plot devices, and character archetypes that writers use to create compelling narratives. However, while tropes can add familiarity and structure, they can also feel overused or cliché if not handled with care. So, how do you use tropes effectively without making your writing predictable? Let's dive in.
What Is a Writing Trope? A trope is a typical pattern or convention in storytelling. It can be a character type (like the wise mentor), a plot device (like the love triangle), or even a setting (like the haunted house). Tropes help audiences quickly understand a story's tone, genre, or direction. Some well-known tropes include:
How to Use Tropes Effectively
Tropes in Nonfiction While tropes are most associated with fiction, they can also be powerful tools in nonfiction writing. They help structure narratives, engage readers, and make complex ideas more accessible. Here's how tropes can enhance nonfiction: 1. The Underdog Story This trope, used in biographies, memoirs, and business books, follows a person or company that overcomes great odds to succeed. Example: Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight (Nike's founder), tells the story of how Nike rose from humble beginnings to become a global brand. 2. The Hero's Journey Even in self-help or personal development books, authors use a journey framework to show transformation. Example: Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces analyzes how myths follow a journey from struggle to victory. 3. The Mentor Figure Many nonfiction books position the author (or a central figure) as a wise mentor who guides readers through a challenge. Example: Tony Robbins in Awaken the Giant Within acts as a mentor figure, giving readers steps to self-empowerment. 4. The Call to Adventure Motivational and self-help books often use it to push the reader to take action. Example: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss presents an alternative lifestyle and invites readers to rethink traditional work. 5. Enemies to Allies This trope is used in leadership, psychology, and history books to show how rivalries or opposing viewpoints can be reconciled. Example: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin explores how Abraham Lincoln brought together political opponents for a stronger government. 6. The Cautionary Tale Used in investigative journalism, business, and history books to warn against mistakes or bad decisions. Example: Bad Blood by John Carreyrou exposes Theranos's downfall as a lesson in ethics and deception in business. 7. The Fish Out of Water This trope is used in memoirs or travel writing when someone enters an unfamiliar world and must adapt. Example: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert follows her journey through three cultures in search of self-discovery. Final Thoughts Tropes are tools. The trick is to use them to enhance your story rather than make it predictable. Whether you're subverting, combining, or reinventing tropes, keeping your storytelling fresh and engaging is key. So, go ahead and play with tropes, break the mold, and create something unforgettable! |
Dr. Susan L ReidInspiriting and inspiring greatness in authors Archives
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