Author Archives: Melanie Anne Phillips

Do You Want To Write a Tale or a Story?

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

The difference between a tale and a story is that a tale is just a linear step by step progression through plot events and character growth in which the next step can be anything at all, as long it makes … Continue reading →

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The Origin of Archetypes

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Another excerpt from our book, Archetypes – Characters, Narrative and Mind – If archetypes represent basic human qualities, each assigned to a different character, then how would such a convention of story structure come to be? The answer lies in the manner … Continue reading →

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An Unpleasant Customer – Think Twice, Post Once

Posted on July 9, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Email correspondence with a less than pleasant potential purchaser: Customer: Hello, I recently came across your site as I am needing to purchase Move Magic Screenwriting 6. I see that you beat other authorized online pricing. I almost purchased one … Continue reading →

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Characters: Lost In Their Own Spotlight

Posted on July 7, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

True of people; true of characters: When hit with great personal grief, how many of us stop to think about how all those around us are coping – especially those whose approach to life is to keep it all inside? … Continue reading →

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How to Beat Writer’s Block

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Ever find yourself in a creative log jam? Try the following technique excerpted from the StoryWeaver story development software to help regain your inspiration: 1. Inspiration Inspiration can come from many sources: a conversation overheard at a coffee shop, a … Continue reading →

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Story Structure with the Muse in Mind

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Story Structure can be a straight-jacket for your Muse. On the one hand, structure is necessary for a story to have a point or even just to make sense!  But on the other hand, structure tends to channel ideas down … Continue reading →

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Narrative Dynamics 4 – The Interface Conundrum

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Unlike my usual articles, this piece is not intended to document an existing part of the Dramatica theory nor to reveal a part newly developed.  Rather, I will be sharing my speculations on a life-long thought problem of mine and, … Continue reading →

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