Tag: writing

What are Tropes?

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

You have likely heard the term trope used today in reference to common themes in popular media, especially movies and television, especially ones that are overused in each genre. In fact, there's a very popular website that's been around for a long time dedicated to finding and calling out these things, called TV Tropes, which I encourage everyone to get lost exploring whenever you can. Today's use of the word has taken on a negative connotation, but the true definition of the word trope doesn't have to always mean "lazy, over-used piece of writing."

What is a MacGuffin?

Andrew Michael Miller2 Comments

One of the most commonly used plot devices out there is the MacGuffin. Popularized by Alfred Hitchcock, the term typically describes an object that is important to the characters in some way and helps move the plot forward. In Hitchcock's original description of the term, he also mentions that the MacGuffin doesn't actually have to be important aside from to the characters at that specific point of the story. Once it has served its purpose, it often becomes far less useful to the characters.

3 Tips for Finding Sources of Creative Inspiration

Andrew Michael MillerLeave a comment

We've all been there before. We get into our creative place, set aside plenty of time for ourselves, and then we freeze. Often times this leads to distraction, and then before we know it we lose track of time and ultimately end up with nothing to show for it. We walk away frustrated, knowing we floundered when we could have been focusing for all that time. We get too caught up in our own head and then we have nothing to show for it. We begin to doubt ourselves and end up worse for the wear. So, what can we do to avoid falling into this trap? For starters, it helps to be prepared before ever getting into our creative space. Here's a few tips on how you can prepare yourself with plenty of sources of inspiration when there are just none to be found.

Should You Use Music to Fuel Your Creativity?

Andrew Michael Miller2 Comments

Have you ever gotten to the point where you know it's time to create something, but when you set about doing it, you can't find the right inspiration? If you're a writer, maybe the right words don't seem to be coming to you. If you're an artist, maybe you're having trouble painting that first stroke or finding the first shape in a sculpture. Maybe you're a musician, and no riffs are coming together for your song. Taking the first steps to create are always the hardest. Once you're in the zone, the momentum can easily carry you through, but getting there is the real challenge. Do you have a method that works best to get you started? If you don't already use music to get you in the right mood for your work, then maybe it's time you did.

The Forces in Your Life and What You Write

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

I don't have to tell you that we live in "interesting times," and I'm not writing to preach to you about the events that happened yesterday in our nation's capital. In a time such as ours, you already get enough of that from other sources, and I'm certain you have your own opinion on the matter. With that said, we all still have to live here, in this time. For those of us who create, whether it be writing or art or music, the things that happen around us often bear a heavy influence on the things we make. Should we allow these forces to influence us in those ways, or should we pretend they don't exist as we create?