9 Storytelling Myths that Beginning Writers Keep Falling For

Bookfox March 20, 2025
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Bookfox

@bookfox

About

I'm John Matthew Fox of Bookfox and I help authors write better fiction. Authors who worked with me have been published by Random House, sold more than 100,000 copies, and received Kirkus Starred Reviews. I've also taught writing at Chapman University and the University of Southern California (USC). I'm the author of two books, "I Will Shout Your Name" (Press 53) and my nonfiction book for writers: "The Linchpin Writer: Crafting Your Novel's Key Moments" You can take 10 writing courses from me with Bookfox Academy (link below). You can also join my coaching program, Bookfox Lab, which offers weekly feedback on your writing, provides one-on-one mentorship, and guides you through the process of writing your book. (link below)

Video Description

The Novel course I mention in the video: https://thejohnfox.com/writing-courses/write-your-best-novel/ COACHING: Join my coaching program for writers, BOOKFOX LAB: https://thejohnfox.com/bookfox-lab/ COURSES: Use my 10 courses in Bookfox Academy, with 230+ videos, to write your novel: https://thejohnfox.com/writing-courses/ EMAILS: Get emails about writing from me: https://thejohnfox.com/subscribe/ MY BOOK: Buy my book, "The Linchpin Writer": https://amzn.to/3U5ul14 Timeline 0:00 Intro 0:24 Surprises Are Better Than Suspense 1:25 Extrapolating Chekhov’s Gun Principles to the Whole Story 2:53 The Story Happens Before the Secret is Revealed 4:28 Narrative Efficiency is Always Better Than Digression 6:26 Payoff Should Come Quickly After the Set-Up 8:03 “And Then” is Good Enough 9:36 Staying Within the Circle of the Story 10:47 Originality is the Highest Goal 12:02 Showing is Always Better than Telling

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