What is a Prequel? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters

In today’s cinematic landscape, very few people are unaware of what a prequel is. Whether you’re watching a new movie that’s labelled as such, or the “sequel” you’re watching actually takes place before the first film, prequels are not that uncommon in the world of entertainment. But what is a prequel exactly, and what are the elements that make one up?Continue reading What is a Prequel? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters

John August — A Name Every Screenwriter Should Know

There seem to be three primary ways people learn screenwriting these days: film school, screenwriting books or the Scriptnotes podcast with John August and Craig Mazin. In most cases, probably a combination of all three. Film school has an obvious downside, it costs about $100,000. Ask any screenwriter about screenwriting books and you’ve clearly hit a touchy subject, and don’t even mention the gurus. Yet, it’s hard to find anything negative about the weekly Scriptnotes podcast, which means it’s hard to find anything negative to say about John August. So, who is John August and why is he such a…

What is Non-Fiction — Definition, Examples, and Genres

Non-fiction, as a literary genre, has always held a unique position in the realm of literature. It is a genre that revolves around facts, real events, and real people, serving as a window into the realities of our world. In this article, we’ll provide a deeper understanding of non-fiction, its definition, examples, and the various genres it encompasses.Continue reading What is Non-Fiction — Definition, Examples, and Genres

The Wise Old Man Archetype Explained

Some archetypes feel like they have been with us forever, showing up just about everywhere. Some of those include the heroic hero, the villainous villain, and the fair damsel, among others. One of these is the wise old man, which is so ubiquitous that it even exists in real life (though your mileage may vary). Even though the title has origins in Jungian psychology, the actual archetype has been around since Ancient Greek and Roman times. So what is the wise old man archetype, where can a wise old man be found, and what do they impart?Continue reading The Wise…

What is Aporia — Rhetoric’s Secret Weapon Explained

Aporia is a tricky term to understand; no doubt in part because it merits two definitions. But fear not, we’re going to define aporia twice! We’re also going to break down some aporia examples in philosophy and writing to get to the bottom of the aporia meaning. By the end, you’ll know what aporia is; how to recognize it, and how to apply it.Continue reading What is Aporia — Rhetoric’s Secret Weapon Explained

What is an Epigram — Definition and Examples for Writers

If only I had something quick and witty to say about epigrams… ah, but then, I would be using an epigram to describe epigrams! But what is an epigram? We’re going to break down what an epigram is through an epigram definition and epigram examples. We’ll also examine some famous epigram poem examples to see how the great writers of yore used the technique. By the end, you’ll know what an epigram is and how to use it in your own writing.Continue reading What is an Epigram — Definition and Examples for Writers

What is a Non Sequitur — And Why Good Writers Use Them

Have you ever had a conversation with someone about one topic but suddenly they change the subject in the most abrupt and out of nowhere way possible? This could count as a non sequitur, a literary device that has shown up in different plays, books, movies, and shows. But what is a non sequitur and how can you identify it? We’ll cover that along with some examples so you can make sure you’ll always recognize it.Continue reading What is a Non Sequitur — And Why Good Writers Use Them

What is a Conjunction — Definition and Examples

Conjunctions play an important role in the fascinating and intricate world of grammar. They serve as the glue that holds our sentences together, ensuring our thoughts flow smoothly and our language remains cohesive. Today, we'll dive deep into the heart of conjunctions, exploring their definition, different types, and providing examples. Continue reading What is a Conjunction — Definition and Examples

Toy Story 4 Script PDF Download: Characters, Quotes & Ending

Many people thought the last time they would see Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s toys would be in 2010’s Toy Story 3. However, those beloved toys got one final send-off (for now) with Toy Story 4, released in 2019. To come back after a successful trilogy was no easy feat, but as the Toy Story 4 script proves, Pixar had a strong story they needed to tell. With tons of new characters and great quotes (as well as a tear-jerking ending), some franchises are meant to be tetralogies.Continue reading Toy Story 4 Script PDF Download: Characters, Quotes…

What is a Linear Narrative — Sequential Storytelling 101

A story tells a series of events over time. How storytellers choose to tell these events in or out of chronological order is what makes the story linear or non-linear. More commonly, storytellers tell linear narratives — stories that are told in the chronological order in which they occur. There are good reasons to tell a story in a linear way, but there are also some restrictions that come with the technique.Continue reading What is a Linear Narrative — Sequential Storytelling 101