When & How to Write a Palindrome
How to Use Palindromes In order to use palindromes, Find a word or phrase which reads the same forward and backwards. Use that phrase for an interesting word play game.[…]
How to Use Palindromes In order to use palindromes, Find a word or phrase which reads the same forward and backwards. Use that phrase for an interesting word play game.[…]
How to Write a Parable Start with the moral lesson. Think about a moral principle that has been important in your own life, or one that you’re still struggling to[…]
How to Write a Paradox To write a literary paradox, you need a character or situation that combines disparate elements. This is hard to do in the abstract! So it’s[…]
How to Write a Parallelism In order to use parallelism, Examine a normal sentence. Find phrases which can be written in a grammatically parallel way. For a few examples, consider[…]
How to Write a Parody In order to use parody, Examine an original work. Look for anything you find strange, subject to criticism, or funny. Create an imitative work which[…]
How to Write/Avoid a Pathetic Fallacy If you want to use the pathetic fallacy (figuratively): Begin by trying to put yourself in the shoes of the animals or objects you’re describing.[…]
How to Write a Personification In order to use personification well, it helps to be aware of the feeling you want a scene to have; it doesn’t have to be[…]
How to Write a Plot Making your own plots might sound difficult, but it’s not. In order to write a plot: Think of a main idea, character, or situation. Think about how[…]
How to Write a Polyptoton In order to create polyptoton, Pick a root word to be emphasized. Repeat that root word in a variety of forms. For instance, imagine that[…]
How to Write Prose There’s just one rule for writing prose: don’t write verse by mistake. If you grew up in the modern world, chances are you’ve been writing prose[…]
How to Write a Proverb Strictly speaking, it is impossible to “write” a proverb, since by definition proverbs emerge from the general culture and do not have a single author.[…]
How to Write a Quest Most quests begin with similar premises and follow similar lines from beginning to end. The following are key characteristics of quests: A hero—crucial to any quest[…]
How to Write Resolution In order to write resolution: Write a story. Create an ending for the story. Make sure to answer any remaining questions and clearly conclude the plot. For example, consider this[…]
How to Write a Rhetorical Device If you have ever written or spoken, you’ve used rhetorical devices. It’s impossible to write or speak without drawing on these techniques, because they[…]
How to Write a Riddle It’s pretty tricky to invent a riddle. Most of the time, people simply repeat riddles that they’ve heard from elsewhere. But if you want to[…]
How to write Self-Fulfilling Prophecy There are two steps to writing a self-fulfilling prophecy: First, come up with a prophecy that would make a good ending to your story. It[…]
How to Write a Simile Simile may be used for any kind of description. In order to do so . . . Think of one thing and what you want to[…]
How to Write a Soliloquy There aren’t really any rules for writing a soliloquy – simply let your characters speak their minds! Be aware, though, that the form of the[…]
How to Write a Sonnet In order to write a sonnet, it is important to be aware of form constraints. For this example, let’s try the English sonnet. Begin with[…]
How to Write Symbol One way to bring symbolism into your writing, is to: 1. Start with some abstract idea that you want to write about. 2. Then think about what[…]
How to Write a Synecdoche In order to write a synecdoche, Examine a sentence for objects or ideas which have parts or are part of a whole. Replace a part with a[…]
How to Write a Synopsis Synopses can vary depending on the intended audience and type of work. Most of the time, you should write your synopsis after you’ve finished writing[…]
How to Write a Thesis In order to write a thesis statement, it is important to be aware of the essay’s main goal and of the details which support that goal. Think of[…]
How to Write Thrillers Successful thrillers rely on the use of certain literary devices; for instance, an abundance of plot twists to shock the audience, and cliffhangers to build suspense. The[…]
How to Write a Vignette A vignette is used to add depth and understanding to something in a story. Its language should be descriptive and detailed about whatever it is[…]
How to Write a Zeugma One exercise for writing an effective zeugma is to start with the linking word. Let’s use this example: He lost his briefcase, then his job, then[…]
How to Write Action When writing action, it is necessary to use the basic elements of a story (plot, setting, characters, etc…), but with lots more action-packed scenes of conflict.[…]
How to Write an Adages Adages are useful sayings for giving advice or describing a simple lesson to be learned from a situation. For this reason, using an adage is[…]
How to Write an Adventure The primary thing to remember when developing an adventure story is that the events are extraordinary—completely different from the protagonist’s ordinary life. For example, in Tolkien’s[…]
How to Write an Alliteration Alliteration can be used to draw attention to the most important aspects of a phrase. Or, it can be used to create musicality and rhythm in[…]
How to Write an Allusion You can create your own allusions by bringing up words or images from earlier in your work (internal allusion) or by bringing them in from[…]
How to Use Amplification In order to use amplification, Identify the important details of a statement or parts of a story. Elaborate on those details or parts by amplifying them,[…]
How to Write an Analogy You should use analogies in your writing when you want to show strong support by comparison. Here are some examples of how to use them: Example[…]
How to Write an Anaphora In order to use anaphora: Think of what you want to emphasize. Repeat that phrase at the beginning of each sentence. Oftentimes, anaphora is used[…]
How to Write an Anecdote Just about any short story can be an anecdote when told in the proper context. Anecdotes do not exist on their own; they are dependent[…]
How to Write an Anthimeria In order to use anthimeria, Take a word that is typically only used as a noun, verb, or other part of speech. Transform the word[…]
How to Write an Anthropomorphism If you want to include a few sentence-level anthropomorphisms in your writing, here are some examples of normal sentences that have been converted into anthropomorphism.[…]
How to Write an Antonomasia Antonomasia emphasizes certain characteristics of a person or thing by creating an epithet which replaces the person’s real name. In order to use antonomasia, Think[…]
How to write an Aphorism In order to write a good aphorism, you have to have two things: Considerable wisdom A good sense for metaphors In order to be a true[…]
How to Write an Aphorismus Use aphorismus to point out that something is not being labeled, defined, or used as you think it should. In such a case, you simply[…]
How to Write an Apologia There are two basic strategies to pursue in an apologia, and they can often be used simultaneously. The first is to deny that you did[…]
How to Write an Apologue In order to create an apologue, Think of a moral lesson. Use a brief story about animals to teach that lesson. For example, imagine someone[…]
How to Write an Aporia You can write an aporia by: Present the reader with a doubt that has a fairly evident answer (Optional) Directly answer the doubt Hopefully your doubts match the[…]
How to Write an Appositive In order to use appositives, it is important to remember that appositives are noun phrases rather than adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases, or otherwise. To be[…]
How to Write an Argument Make your main claim up front. The main claim (or thesis) should usually go in the first paragraph of your argument, and it should be[…]
How to Write an Assonance Assonance can provide simple prose with poetic rhythm. Using assonance is rather simple: Choose words with the same vowel sounds. Place those words together in[…]
How to Write an Asyndeton Because asyndeton is the absence of conjunctions usually in use, Begin with a normal sentence using a conjunction. Remove that conjunction. For an example, consider[…]
How to write an Enjambment In order to use enjambment, Write a line of poetry Instead of ending the line with punctuation, continue mid-phrase to the next line. Here[…]
How to Write an Enthymeme It’s safe to use enthymeme if (and only if!) you’re comfortable assuming that your reader will accept the hidden premise. To return to an earlier example, we[…]
How to write a Epigram In order to write an epigram, Think of an idea to convey. Portray that idea in a brief and thoughtful saying. For example, consider[…]
How to Write an Epiphany In order to use epiphany, Begin with a story rooted in an everyday occurrence. Insert a moment of revelation, or epiphany, into the story. For[…]
How to Write an Epistrophe In order to use epistrophe, Think of what you want to emphasize. Repeat that phrase at the end of successive sentences. For example, imagine you[…]
How to Write an Epithet In order to use epithet, Choose a subject and identify one of its defining traits. Use that trait as a byname or as a replacement[…]
How to Write an Eponym In order to use an eponym, Think of an idea or object which does not have a name. Coin a name based on a specific[…]
How to Avoid Equivocation In theory, since equivocation is a deliberate act of deception it should be easy to avoid – just don’t be deceitful! However, in practice equivocation can[…]
How to Write an Essay Essays are one of the easiest forms of academic writing to learn, since they have a basic format and don’t require the strict citation used[…]
How to Write an Exemplum It’s quite easy to include exempla in your writing – as long as you really know your subject! Just keep an eye out for generalizations, and[…]
How to Write an Innuendo In order to use an innuendo, it is important to be aware of what can be implied using innocent language and how to imply it[…]
How to Write an Invective In order to use invective, Think of what it is you want to insult. Write that insult using a harsh tone and creative language. 1.[…]
How to Write an Ode The classical ode has an extremely intricate structure of meter and stanzas, far more complicated than other poetic forms such as the sonnet or sestina[…]
How to Write an Onomatopoeia Because onomatopoeia is a description of sound, in order to use onomatopoeia, Create a scene which involves a sound. Use a word, or make one[…]
How to Write an Oxymoron In order to use an oxymoron, it is important to remember the parts of an oxymoron: One statement or characteristic An apparently contradictory statement or[…]
How to Write an Understatement Using this device is easy: First, think of the subject you want to understate. Then, think of a creative way to minimize an aspect of[…]
How to Write an Utopia The first step in writing a utopian story is to decide what sort of ideal you want to explore. Maybe you’re interested in environmentalism and[…]
How to Write Anagrams In order to use an anagram, Create an interesting phrase or name. Rearrange the letters in that phrase until a new phrase or name is revealed.[…]
How to write Archetypes If you write stories, you’re probably already using archetypes without realizing it. These characters, symbols, and situations seem to bubble up from every human being’s subconscious[…]
How to Write Autobiography If a person decides to write an autobiography, the first step is writing down key points to share. Ideally, the autobiography will have a purpose: to[…]
How to Write Ballads The most important part of a ballad is its story structure. To be a good story, it needs three parts: A beginning that sets the stage,[…]
How to Write Comedy Relax! Try to write a brand-new joke. Right now, off the top of your head. Did it work? Probably not – some people can be funny[…]
How to Write Comic Relief Be Patient. It’s extremely tough to be funny on command. Try sitting down at your desk to write a joke. It’s tough, even for naturally[…]
How to Write Consonance Pick a good consonant. While consonance can apply to any consonant sound, it works best with “percussive” sounds like K, T, B, P, Ch, etc, or[…]
How to Write Contrast Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying: “Tim was a kind man, while Martha was mean,” show the contrast! Otherwise, the contrast is too obvious for your reader.[…]
How to Write Drama Start with characters. The best dramas are usually character-driven. They have a cast of main characters (usually fewer than 10), plus a handful of supporting characters.[…]
How to Write Epitaphs In order to use an epitaph, Consider what was most important to a person: their achievements, beauty, love, family, or something else. OR: Consider what was[…]
How to Write Hyperbatons Using hyperbaton is a lot like turning on a blender and throwing the sentence in. In order to use hyperbaton, Begin with a normal sentence. Thoughtfully[…]
How to Write Kairos There aren’t any easy rules for writing with good kairos. You have to think hard about your audience, the times you’re living in, and what message is needed[…]
How to Write Limericks The key to a limerick is its rhythm. Read the examples in this article out loud and try tapping along to the beat, or using a[…]
How to write Litotes Litotes is generally a feature of idiomatic expressions, not a technique. So there’s no reason to practice writing it. When it needs to show up in[…]
How to Write Pastiche Writing pastiche is quite simple – just imitate! Read/watch/listen to as many original works as possible in the style that you want to make a pastiche[…]
How to Write Poetry Older forms of poetry had specific rules for meter and rhyme, which you must learn individually in order to write poems in the classical styles. Most[…]
How to Write Polysyndeton You can include polysyndeton in your writing very easily. Anytime you have to list multiple items, simply connect them with a repeated conjunction. Example 1 Normal[…]
How to Write Red Herrings A red herring has to tread a very fine line: it has to be visible enough that most readers will pick up on it. If the[…]
How to Write Romance When writing a romance story make sure to use age-appropriate behaviors and conversation. Many stories aimed toward the Young Adult category display intimacy that may lead teens to[…]
How to Write Sardonically Sardonic humor arises from your attitude towards life and people and you can’t fake it. You need to have sardonic perceptions in order to say sardonic[…]
How to Write Satire Because satire is such a diverse category, there’s no simple end-to-end guide to writing it. But the first step is always to come up with an[…]
How to Write Surrealism Writing surrealism requires an extremely open mind. We all have an internal editor that constantly says “don’t write that – it doesn’t make sense,” and this[…]
How to Write Tragedy Start with the hero. The hero is the main element of any tragedy. The hero should be doing well in the beginning – respected, skilled, and[…]
How to Write Tropes If you write, you’re probably already using tropes. It’s almost a guarantee. If you write fantasy stories, for example, you’ve been inspired to do that by[…]
How to Write Wit Unfortunately, wit really can’t be taught – some people just have an instinct for it. The best way to learn wit is to spend time around[…]
How to Write Within a Genre In order to write within a genre, it is important to be aware of a genre’s limits. Choose a genre. Write a story using[…]
How to Avoid Truisms Because truisms are subjective, you can never avoid them entirely. If you’re trying to make wise or insightful statements, you always run the risk that some[…]
How to Choose a Narrator Choosing a narrator is one of the most important steps in writing a story. To do so, you have to think about whose point[…]
How to Develop a Voice Authors develop distinct voices to accomplish specific goals with their writing. To help develop the voice of your writing, consider these questions: From whose perspective[…]
How to use a Dilemma As mentioned, dilemmas are problems, and so the most important thing to know about how to use one is that it needs to create visible[…]
How to use a Flash-forward The most important thing to remember when using a flash-forward is that it must actually move the narrative forward in time. Accordingly, to use a[…]
How to use a Foreword A foreword is different than an introduction or a preface (see Related Terms) and plays a different role. It doesn’t always include information that is[…]
How to use a Legend Legends are adapted in modern literature and media more often than you think. . They’ve remained an important part of literature and storytelling because they[…]
How to Use an Ellipsis When using ellipsis stylistically, there are not many rules to follow. Most importantly, make sure that your information flows smoothly and that your audience can[…]
How to Use Characterization So you’re writing a story, and you want to tell the reader about your protagonist. Where to begin? Before you can characterize your character, you[…]
How to Use Chronology When writing, establishing a chronology can be relatively easy, especially in fiction, when the timeline of events is completely up to you! Overall, the best way[…]