writing studio - katja černe

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writing studio

A collection of 22 posts

time loop: the groundhog day formula

time loop: the groundhog day formula

In honour of the quirky American holiday that takes place on February 2 (and that, let’s be honest, few of us would know about if it wasn’t for the movie), I thought it would be fun to break down the structure of a time loop story. As an

when nonlinear structure has issues: shimmer lake case study

when nonlinear structure has issues: shimmer lake case study

If you want to write a nonlinear story, only focusing on films that have done that brilliantly can be a bit discouraging. What’s more, well-crafted stories are often less educational than you expect. After all, good use of narrative techniques includes these techniques to be as seamlessly and inconspicuously

plotting exercise: replace "and then" with "because"

plotting exercise: replace "and then" with "because"

Hi friends, I thought it would be nice to add a little accompanying exercise to the post about what the heck plot even is: what the heck is plot anywayHi, friend, Have you ever noticed how many different meanings of plot people use? Your cousin tells you about a recent

plot vs character: the midnight club case study

plot vs character: the midnight club case study

You know that old plot-vs-character conundrum: What matters more, character or structure? Do you prefer character- or plot-driven stories? Which one should you focus on? I’m one of those firm believers that this question is meaningless since Character and Plot are two sides of the same coin.¹ “We cannot

stop overthinking your plot and focus on these 5 questions

stop overthinking your plot and focus on these 5 questions

The whole point of the plotting process is to help you write your first draft. For some people, pantsing the first draft is the plotting process - that’s how they brainstorm. Others prefer to figure out as much as possible beforehand - that’s how they avoid the blank-page

nonlinear writing exercise

nonlinear writing exercise

So you want to write a nonlinear story. Or at least you’re tempted to give it a go. That’s awesome. If you did the Memento-inspired writing exercise from a couple of weeks ago and liked what came out of it, this is your chance to revisit that idea

memento-inspired writing exercise

memento-inspired writing exercise

Look. I don’t care whether you like Memento or not. If nothing else, you have to admit its structure is intriguing. So, my dear writing friend, I have a challenge for you. Write a short story/stageplay/screenplay that unfolds in reverse. Make sure to include at least three

when reality isn't real: writing the simulation trope

when reality isn't real: writing the simulation trope

Have you ever toyed with the idea of putting the ultimate plot twist at the end of your story and asking, “What if it turns out it was all a dream?” Or, “What if it turns out this is all just a simulation?” And let’s be honest, this idea

there are no rules in art. but there are principles

there are no rules in art. but there are principles

Today, I wanted to write about rules in art. What a huge, classic, controversial, timeless, provocative, and above all, interesting topic! But I do believe this discussion may help writers and other artists with approaching their work, as well as readers, viewers, and consumers of art in any form, with

stop obsessing over what you're trying to say and start getting curious

stop obsessing over what you're trying to say and start getting curious

Theme is a funny subject because many writers seem to avoid talking about it like the plague. I get it, I used to be like this and still can be sometimes. We feel as though if we dare to discuss what our writing is about, it will suddenly lose all

yes, i'm still obsessed with memento. here's why

yes, i'm still obsessed with memento. here's why

The first time I watched Christopher Nolan’s Memento, I had no idea I was entering a profound and life-changing relationship. I already loved Batman Begins for its dark and psychological approach to a “superhero” story and heard Memento had the same director. To be honest, that information didn’t

what the heck is plot anyway

what the heck is plot anyway

Hi, friend, Have you ever noticed how many different meanings of plot people use? Your cousin tells you about a recent film and uses plot to convey it had a lot of action, while you remember your high school teachers using it to refer to the technical structure of a

if you only ever do one writing exercise, let it be this one

if you only ever do one writing exercise, let it be this one

I’m not even kidding. I call it the “ACTS OF” exercise, and I know it from the playwright Miriam Battye. The reason I love this exercise is how both simple and powerful it is in utilizing themes as a way to get material for your story. Subscribe Now let’

exercise: character secrets

exercise: character secrets

The best writing prompts, especially the ones to help you jumpstart your story when it gets stuck, are the ones that already contain tension and potential for conflict. The ones that invite questions and make you, the writer, curious about their outcome. That’s why the idea of putting two

Seven iconic lines from The Dark Knight

Seven iconic lines from The Dark Knight

You know those memorable movie quotes like: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” or: “I’ll be back,” or: “I’m the king of the world!” Most classic movies have one or two moments like that. The Dark Knight (2008) has like a bajillion. When I started