Writing, Writing Tips, Writing Advice Andrew J. Stillman Writing, Writing Tips, Writing Advice Andrew J. Stillman

How to Master Dialogue Tags: Beyond "Said" Without Overusing Alternatives

If you’ve ever even attempted to write anything in story format, you’ve more than likely found yourself caught in the middle of the debate over dialogue tags and whether “said” is the only one you should use. It’s long been a source of controversy in the writing community, especially those who prefer more descriptive alternatives. Some argue that "said" is invisible to readers and should be used exclusively, while others believe that more varied tags add flavor and depth to dialogue.

Debate aside, the actual truth is that dialogue tools are a tool, and like any tool, they should be used strategically.

Read More
Novel Writing, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Tips Andrew J. Stillman Novel Writing, Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Tips Andrew J. Stillman

How to Add Humor to Serious Stories: Techniques for Incorporating Humor Without Disrupting Tone

We all like to laugh, and humor can be a powerful tool in even the most serious stories. It lightens the mood, deepens character relationships, and offers readers a moment of relief before diving back into the intensity of the main plot.

However, it can be tricky to find the balance. Too much, and it can feel out of place or break the emotional tension; too little, and the story may become overly heavy. The key is learning how to weave humor into your story naturally without disrupting the tone. Let’s get write on in to some techniques

Read More