Mottos grace the emblems of families, the logos of corporations, and the banners of nations. These succinct phrases, often encapsulated in just a few words, carry the weight of principles, beliefs, and aspirations. The tradition of mottos dates back to ancient civilizations where they served as expressions of guiding principles. From the chiseled inscriptions of Roman legions to the heraldic crests of medieval knights, mottos have evolved but their core purpose remains unchanged: to convey enduring values and inspire actions based on those values. Continue reading What is a Motto — Definition and Examples
Photography is the truth. The cinema is truth twenty-four times per second.” Legendary French director Jean-Luc Godard said this famous quote, emphasizing his belief that film is about truth. And truth is what verisimilitude (your new favorite cocktail party word!) is all about. Read on to find out what it is, and how you can use it to create stories that feel true. Continue reading What is Verisimilitude — Definition & Writing Tips
How do you want to be remembered after you die? While this question might seem morbid, it is an inevitable inquiry that invites us to look deeper into both our own identity and our collective mortality. The art of using language in a concise way that speaks to this question is the art of the epitaph. Continue reading What is an Epitaph – Definition and Examples
Do you have dreams of being the greatest writer to ever grace the planet? Good writers know when to exaggerate, and when to lay low with their prose. This is why it’s important to understand what hyperbole is, and how and when to use it, or when to avoid it. (And after you read this article, you’ll be able to identify the example of hyperbole hidden in that first sentence!) Read on to learn about hyperbole’s meaning and see examples. Continue reading Hyperbole Examples in Speech, Literature, and Poetry
Streaming has become as common as smartphones and the internet itself. It's everywhere, from music to live news broadcasts, shaping the way we consume media and interact with the world. With just a tap, we can access vast libraries of content, breaking free from the confines of traditional media consumption. In this article, we'll dive into the world of streaming, exploring its history and how it continues to revolutionize the film and television industry. Continue reading What is Streaming (and How Does It Work)?
By the time I was caught, I was considered the youngest and most daring con man in US history.” This is the incredible opening line to Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film “Catch Me If You Can.” The movie is based on a biographical book written by Frank Abagnale Jr. - played in the movie by Leonardo DiCaprio. His book was an autobiography, telling the story of his own life. Some of the most iconic movies and books ever written are based on biographies and autobiographies. After reading this article, you’ll understand what biographies are, biographies vs. autobiographies, and more. Continue reading…
No story can exist without characters. Think of your favorite book or TV show. You likely already have a favorite character, right? That means - perhaps even without knowing it - you’ve already engaged with the world of fictional characters! But what does fictional character mean, and what are some of the all-time great fictional characters from literature, television, and film? Read on to find out the answer to the question “what is a fictional character?” Continue reading What is a Fictional Character — Definition & Types
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Sounds rather lofty, doesn’t it? But you’ve probably heard this commonly cited quote from the King James Bible simplified as the phrase “pride comes before the fall.” The ominous warning tells readers that if they are too arrogant, they may come to regret it. This theme is a common one in storytelling, and many characters exhibit this quality - which is called “hubris” - to their own detriment. But what is hubris, and what are examples of this trait in literature and film? Read on to find out how…
Commas are a common punctuation mark, used to add pauses or separations to sentences. As you can see, we just used one! Commas allow the reader to separate thoughts, and thus, understand a sentence better. Sometimes, commas can be used to separate items in a list. This is where the storied “Oxford comma” comes in. So, what is the Oxford comma, when do you use it, and how? (After you’ll read this, you’ll see how we just used one!). Continue reading What is an Oxford Comma — How & Why They Work
The Oscars, often synonymous with the epitome of cinematic excellence, have been a significant part of the global film industry for almost a century. The golden statuette has not only recognized exceptional talent but also played a crucial role in shaping the course of cinema worldwide. This article delves into the history, significance, and impact of the prestigious Academy Awards. Continue reading What is an Oscar — A History of Hollywood’s Biggest Award
