Brandon Cornett's Blog, page 6
July 1, 2023
How to Develop Your Own Voice and Style When Writing Fiction
All fiction writers have their own unique voice and style. It’s what makes their writing stand out from the crowd and connect with readers on a personal level.
But as writers, we don’t always realize we’re writing with a certain voice or style. It just comes out that way, below the radar and without detection. It flows naturally, without being forced.
The truth is, writing “style” cannot be taught or coached. It’s something you develop on your own, through the regular practice of writing. ...
June 23, 2023
Novel Pacing Guide: How to Manage the Rhythm and Tempo of Your Story
Authors have a lot of tools they can use to keep readers engrossed and turning pages — and pacing ranks right up there at the top. An effective novel pace can help you accomplish the following:
Create tension, suspense and emotional impactHeighten the impact of key momentsGenerate anticipationCreate a sense of urgencyMake the story more compelling and memorableIn short, pacing can make or break a novel’s ability to captivate readers. It helps maintain the reader’s intere...
June 18, 2023
How to Outline a Novel, and When It Makes Sense to Do So
Do I need to outline my novel, or can I figure things out as I go along? What are the benefits of outlining? What are the different types of novel outlines, and how much detail should they include?
These are common questions among first-time fiction writers, and it’s easy to understand why. The educational system teaches students to create a detailed outline before writing an essay or paper. It gets drilled into us from a young age.
But what about fiction? Do authors need to use an outline...
March 28, 2023
How to Write a Science Fiction Story About Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This article explains how to write science fiction about artificial intelligence. It’s not about using AI for writing purposes. If you have a program like ChatGPT write a science fiction story for you, you’re not a true writer. You’re a copy-and-paster. Don’t be a machine-dependent drone. Be an artist!
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity and capability over the past year or so. I probably don’t need to tell you this, since it appears on the news almost every week.
New A...
Writing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Science Fiction Story
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity and capability over the past year or so. I probably don’t need to tell you this, since it appears on the news almost every week.
New AI platforms like ChatGPT have spurred wide-ranging reactions from experts and the general public alike. Some people are enthusiastic about the possibilities of these applications, while others are sounding a loud alarm about the potential dangers they could bring.
But I’m not here to preach or pontifica...
February 1, 2023
10 of the Best Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios from Books, Movies and TV
In this article: ten of the best post-apocalyptic scenarios from books, movies and TV shows, based on originality and lasting impact.
From The Walking Dead to The Road, the post-apocalyptic fiction genre has produced some truly memorable scenarios, each unique in its own way. But which ones are the best? The most original? The most influential and memorable?
In this article, I’ll be serving up ten of the best post-apocalyptic scenarios in fiction, based on three key factors: originality, i...
January 30, 2023
Differences Between Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction (and Why They Matter)
Post-apocalyptic and dystopian books have certain things in common. They both take place in worlds that have experienced major upheaval. They both portray characters struggling against various threats or dangers. But they’re not the same thing.
The main difference between these two genres has to do with the state of the world in which the characters exist, and how it has changed.
Post-apocalyptic stories take place in a world that has been fundamentally altered by a major disaster, like an...
January 27, 2023
Beyond Survival: Exploring Friendship in YA Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
This article explores the role of friendship in YA post-apocalyptic fiction, and how it helps the characters in their struggles.
Friends can help us through tough times. That’s a simple concept, on the surface. But when we enter the dangerous world of young adult (YA) post-apocalyptic fiction, friendship becomes even more important.
It can make the difference between life or death. Literally.
When I was writing The Holdbacks, the first book in a young adult post-apocalyptic series, I sp...
January 19, 2023
Viking Berserkers: Elite Warriors and Shock Troops of the Middle Ages
Who were the Viking berserkers, exactly? Where did the name berserker come from? Did they really exist, or were they just a legend? And if they did exist, how did they fight? What purpose did they serve?
These are some of the questions I had while researching for my “Ages of Evil” book series (a combination of historical dark fantasy and sword and sorcery). And in this post, I’ll share some of the interesting facts I learned about the Viking berserkers.
What Is a Viking Berserker?Let’s...
January 14, 2023
The Sword and Sorcery Fantasy Genre: From Conan to Game of Thrones
Gather round, ye lords and ladies, as we travel to the lands of barbarians, sorcerers, and epic battles. Yes, I’m talking about sword and sorcery fantasy fiction!
The sword and sorcery (S&S) genre has captivated fantasy fans for decades. In this article, we will explore the evolution of this genre, from its humble beginnings to its current state of glory. From Robert E. Howard, the father of sword and sorcery, to George R.R. Martin, the king of political intrigue and epic fantasy.
Robert E...
