Have you ever wondered why some conversations are so engaging, while others are just plain boring? Or why certain texts capture your attention, while others put you to sleep? The secret lies in the art of discourse. By understanding the ins and outs of discourse, you'll be able to level up your communication skills and make every conversation meaningful and engaging.Continue reading What is Discourse — Definition, Types, and Examples
Often overlooked, but tremendously versatile, the ellipsis can subtly change the tone, context, or meaning of a statement. How it's used, when it's used, and why are all important factors to consider when incorporating an ellipsis into your writing.Continue reading What is an Ellipsis — Definition, Examples, and Uses
Have you ever found yourself in a conversation or disagreement, scratching your head at the other person's reasoning? Maybe you’ve watched a political debate on television and see the logic used by argumentative politicians. Odds are, you’ve just heard a logical fallacy. Understanding fallacies and how they work will allow you better spot them and think more critically in everyday life. Continue reading What is a Fallacy — Definition, Types, and Examples
What makes a word feel real? What makes a character truly authentic? If you are going to be a writer– whether for film, fiction or any narrative form– you will want to ask yourself: what is vernacular, and why does it matter? Vernacular language grounds your story in authenticity. It is more than just how people talk, it is the difference between characters who feel like real people and those who sound like they stepped out of a 16th century phrasebook. Before we dive into examples, let’s define vernacular clearly, then explore how it transforms storytelling. Continue reading What is Vernacular —…
Folklore is a unique blend of story, time, and tradition that has been passed down through generations making it an integral part of culture and history. It encompasses a wide range of cultural expressions including myths, legends, fairy tales, proverbs, superstitions, and more. Let’s read into the importance of folklore and its ability to provide insight into the beliefs, values, customs and rituals of different culturesContinue reading What is Folklore — Definition, Types, and Traditions
Great poets have the ability to conjure up vivid images in our heads using only the written language. While there are a few techniques and devices that help create such visually detailed poetry, few are more powerful than imagery. Continue reading What is Imagery in Poetry — Definition and Examples
Think for a moment about some of your favorite films and books. How was the story told to you? Is there a voice you can think of behind it? If so, this is the power of the narrator. How much can a narrator impact a story and what exactly is narration? In this read, we’ll explore the art of narration and its significance in storytelling. Continue reading What is Narration — Definition, Types, and Examples
When we think back on a film or novel, we may not remember the specificities of a scene, shot, or chapter, but we will remember the essence of the story — the nugget of wisdom we walk away with when the story is over. Every story, from grandiose tales of adventure to the most introspective of character studies, holds a moral. Continue reading What is the Moral of the Story — Definition & Examples
Catchphrases are an integral part of our social and cultural fabric. They are everywhere in advertising, bring back memories of our favorite shows or movies, and sometimes even shape our behaviors and attitudes. How do writers and creatives make catchphrases that are so memorable? Continue reading What is a Catchphrase — Definition, Examples & Uses
Repetition and rhythm can make mundane ideas have tremendous impact. A great example of this done in a very specific way is chaismus. While its use has been traced back to ancient texts, including the Bible and works of classical Greek and Latin authors, its formal identification and naming as a distinct rhetorical device occurred much later. But what is chiasmus exactly? Continue reading What is Chiasmus — Definition, Examples, and Uses
