Using Contradictions to Create Microtension – Part 6

One of the most powerful ways to create microtension is through contradictions between a character’s internal state and the setting...
The post Using Contradictions to Create Microtension – Part 6 appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2026/03/10/using-contradictions-to-create-microtension-part-6/

#Fiction #NailingSceneStructure #NovelStructure #microtension #setting

Using Contradictions to Create Microtension – Part 5

We’ve been looking at how to craft powerful mictotension (a must in fiction!) in these last few posts. In this...
The post Using Contradictions to Create Microtension – Part 5 appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2026/03/06/33567/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #Backstory #microtension

Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension – Part 4

When writers think about tension in action, they often focus on movement—what physically happens in a scene. That can create...
The post Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension – Part 4 appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2026/03/02/using-contradictions-to-create-masterful-microtension-part-4/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #microtension

Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension – Part 3

We’re continuing our look at how to use contradictions to create masterful microtension in our fiction. In this post, we’ll...
The post Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension – Part 3 appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2026/02/23/using-contradictions-to-create-masterful-microtension-part-3/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #microtension

Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension – Part 2

We’re continuing our look at microtension in fiction and how to use contradictions to craft it masterfully (click here to...
The post Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension – Part 2 appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2026/02/16/using-contradictions-to-create-masterful-microtension-part-2/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #microtension

Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension

I can’t say this enough: masterful microtension in fiction, on every page, is what turns a good novel (or short...
The post Using Contradictions to Create Masterful Microtension appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2026/02/10/using-contradictions-to-create-masterful-microtension/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #microtension

8 Tips for Masterful Scene Revision

Scene revision is the most important process of taking a manuscript from good to great. It’s the moment when a...
The post 8 Tips for Masterful Scene Revision appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2025/12/29/8-tips-for-masterful-scene-revision/

#Fiction #NailingSceneStructure #NovelStructure #Revisions

Microtension – A MUST in Your Fiction

Microtension. What is it? Just what the word implies: tension in story on a micro or small level. The word...
The post Microtension – A MUST in Your Fiction appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2025/11/17/microtension-a-must-in-your-fiction/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #microtension

Insights into the Shape of a Scene

Novels are made up of scenes—obviously. Like a string of pearls on a necklace, each scene must be complete, presenting...
The post Insights into the Shape of a Scene appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2025/11/12/insights-into-the-shape-of-a-scene/

#Fiction #NailingSceneStructure #NovelStructure #anchorpoints #Beats

The Art of Crafting Real Relationships between Characters

Stories live and breathe through relationships (just as our own lives do). Every memorable tale—whether it’s a sweeping epic, a...
The post The Art of Crafting Real Relationships between Characters appeared first on C. S. Lakin.
https://www.livewritethrive.com/2025/10/25/the-art-of-crafting-real-relationships-between-characters/

#Fiction #NovelStructure #characters #secondarycharacters