Author Archives: Melanie Anne Phillips

How “StoryWeaver” Came to Be

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

When Chris Huntley and I created the Dramatica Theory of Narrative Structure back in the early 90’s, we originally envisioned it as the end-all of story models – the one single paradigm that explained it all. In fact, it was – … Continue reading →

Posted in StoryWeaver Software | Comments Off on How “StoryWeaver” Came to Be

Basic Tips for Beginning Writers

Posted on May 20, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Here’s a short list of our best tips and articles for novice writers to help you find inspiration, get you started, and carry you to completion of your novel or screenplay. Ten Essential Tips for Beginning Writers Character Development Tricks! … Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Writing | Comments Off on Basic Tips for Beginning Writers

Write Your Novel Step By Step

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Write Your Novel Step By Step! Read the complete book free on our web site at http://storymind.com/page31.htm

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on Write Your Novel Step By Step

Free for Writers – All Online Courses, Videos, Articles, and Writing Tips!

Posted on May 18, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

NOW FREE for Writers! All our writing courses, videos, audio programs, articles, and writing tips are NOW FREE on the Storymind.com web site! You’re welcome. The Management

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on Free for Writers – All Online Courses, Videos, Articles, and Writing Tips!

You are only as good as your own talent. GET OVER IT!

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

You are only as good as your own talent. GET OVER IT! You have a gift. Maybe it’s a grand one and maybe you wish you could exchange it. But you can’t. It’s your gift and it’s only as good … Continue reading →

Posted in Creative Writing | Comments Off on You are only as good as your own talent. GET OVER IT!

Anticipatory Targeting of Data Gathering Resources (Part 1)

Posted on April 29, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

From Melanie Anne Phillips, Owner of Storymind.com Here’s the beginning of an article I wrote back a few years ago when I was a consultant for the CIA and the NSA on narrative psychology. I eventually finished the article, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Narrative in the Real World | Comments Off on Anticipatory Targeting of Data Gathering Resources (Part 1)

Do You Want To Change Your Audience?

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Do you want your story to bring your audience to a point of change or to reinforce its current view? Oddly enough, choosing a steadfast Main Character may bring an audience to change and choosing a change character may influence … Continue reading →

Posted in Propaganda, Writing Tip of the Day | Comments Off on Do You Want To Change Your Audience?

Avoid Writer’s Block with “Nonsense”

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

StoryWeaving – Write Your Novel or Screenplay Step By Step Step 2: Nonsense! If you already know what your story is about want to get right to the details, you might want to jump ahead to the “Finding the Holes” … Continue reading →

Posted in Writer's Block, Writing Tip of the Day | Comments Off on Avoid Writer’s Block with “Nonsense”

Who’s Behind This Blog?

Posted on April 19, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Who’s behind this blog? Hi, I’m Melanie Anne Phillips – Owner of Storymind.com, creator of StoryWeaver, and Co-creator of Dramatica. I have two grown children, two grandchildren, and recently turned 65. For 25 years I’ve taught creative writing and story … Continue reading →

Posted in Announcements | Comments Off on Who’s Behind This Blog?

Choosing Your Main Character’s Resolve

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Melanie Anne Phillips

The Main Character represents the audience’s position in the story. Therefore, whether he or she changes or not has a huge impact on the audience’s story experience and the message you are sending to it. Some Main Characters grow to … Continue reading →

Posted in Dramatica Basic Concepts, Main Character | Comments Off on Choosing Your Main Character’s Resolve