Storytelling
My Top 10 Most-Read Posts of 2017
From story problems in Blade Runner to the great irony of The Walking Dead, here are my top 10 blog posts that attracted the most readers in 2017.
Social Media
7 Blog Traffic-Boosting Lessons
After not actively blogging for several years, here’s what I learned (and remembered) while doubling the blog traffic increase for two different websites.
Armchair Sociology
17 Storytelling Moments That Defined 2017
From Donald Trump to The Last Jedi, here are 17 of the stories that defined us politically, culturally, scientifically, financially, and socially in 2017.
Storytelling
Why Outlander Is the Show America Needs Now
How do the big differences between two of TV’s most talked-about prestige dramas reflect a vast gap in pop culture?
Storytelling
The Tone Problems in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
As I was watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 yesterday, one thought kept running through my head: Marvel movies have two problems when it comes to onscreen violence: tone and stakes. This problem is actually most noticeable in Deadpool 2, but it first became obvious here. The Tone Paradox Read more…
Storytelling
The Secret to Never Getting Writer’s Block Again
Writer’s block is every storyteller’s worst nightmare. Here’s how to retrain your brain to get through it, including tips for some of the most common cases.
Social Media
2017 Social Media Survey Results
I asked my readers 15 questions about their social media habits in 2017. Here’s what they love, what they hate, and what they wish would improve.
Storytelling
The Downside to the Avengers: Infinity War Trailer
Does the Avengers: Infinity War trailer reveal too much of a good thing?
Storytelling
The Surprising Theme in Pixar’s Coco
For a hero’s journey story, Pixar’s Coco has an unusual character arc… but its underlying theme is even more surprising.
Armchair Sociology
Your Awkward Holiday Conversation Survival Guide
Here’s how to keep your next family gathering from turning into a minefield of awkward conversations.