Learn how to craft a story ending that resonates deeply with readers, using practical steps, examples, and creative prompts to bring your conclusion to life.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Story endings overview
• 10 ways to end a story: examples + exercises 
• How to write your story's ending: 3 steps

Story endings overview

10 ways to end a...

Learn how to start a story using 12 unique methods, with examples and actionable steps to craft an opening that hooks readers from the first line.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• The beginning of a story: an overview
• How to start a story: 12 methods + examples
• How to write the beginning of a story: 3 steps

The beginning of a story: an overview

The beginning of your story is your first—and perhaps only—chance to hook readers. A strong opening doesn’t just grab attention; it sets the tone, introduces the character’s predicament, and reveals the central conflict. These elements are non-negotiable, but how you present them is where creativity shines.

Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy, a cozy mystery, or a contemporary romance, the way you open your story should align with your themes, genre, and the emotional experience you want to create for readers. From diving straight into the action to opening with a subtle, symbolic detail, you have many options...

Discover the role of conflict in a story, different types of story conflict, and the steps to creating meaningful conflict in your story.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is conflict in a story?
• Types of story conflict
• The purpose of story conflict 
• Story conflict examples
• How to create conflict in your story: 6 steps

What is conflict in a story?

Story conflict is the central problem, challenge, or dilemma that the main character must confront to reach their goal. It’s the force that drives the character’s journey and keeps readers engaged. Conflict creates obstacles, stakes, and tension as the character navigates difficult situations that stand in the way of their desires.

Often, the conflict and the character’s goal are intertwined. For example, imagine a commoner and a prince in love, hoping to marry, only to be blocked by a disapproving royal family. The story unfolds as they strive to convince the royals to bless their union—or consider...

Practice eight advanced strategies for developing a stand-out writing style readers crave. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Overview
• 8 advanced writing style strategies 
• Final writing style thoughts

Overview

Discover easy steps you can take to transform your writing in minutes. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Writing style overview
• 6 easy writing style tips
• Final writing style considerations

Writing style overview

What is writing style? Writing style refers to the unique way you express yourself in words. It includes sentence structure, tone, and word choice, as well as how these elements relate to the overall message and meaning of a piece of writing.

No matter your genre—fiction, blogging, content marketing, or creative nonfiction—improving your writing style makes your work more engaging. It helps you communicate ideas with your readers more effectively.

Below, you'll find 6 quick tips you can apply to a short writing sample to see instant results.

6 easy writing tips 

Grab a short sample of your writing, something that matters to you, in any genre. Then, use these tips to refine the sample quickly and see improvements right away. This is your chance to...

Explore 14 diverse styles of creative writing and experiment with different techniques to develop your own style. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is style in creative writing?
• Why do you need a writing style?
• 14 creative writing styles
• 5 writing style exercises 

What is style in creative writing? 

Style in creative writing refers to the distinct way a writer uses language to express ideas, create atmosphere, and shape the reader’s experience. It encompasses the choices you make at the sentence level, including word choice, syntax, rhythm, and tone, to achieve a particular effect and set your work apart.

Beyond these smaller components, creative writing style can include broader elements like narrative voice, pacing, and structure, all of which reflect the themes, characters, and emotions of your story.

Let's consider some examples:

• You might tell a story about a lonely, isolated widow using a somber, melancholy style, with sparse, understated...