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

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

The Power of a Great Villain: Why Every Story Needs a Strong Antagonist

Even though they’re usually set up to be the bad guy, a great villain can be just as important—if not more so—than the hero who leads the story.

Yes, heroes inspire and guide us, and the purpose of the villains are usually to challenge the hero’s journey, create conflict, and force the protagonist to rise to new levels of greatness. Without them, stories would be bland and boring, and a well-crafted villain is the cornerstone of a compelling narrative, raising the stakes, driving the plot, and elevating the entire story.

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