Writing Tips and Tools

Oyan-blog-writing-weaknesses-01-pinterest

Veteran Students on Overcoming Writing Weaknesses, Part 1

Compiled by Staff We asked several One Year Adventure Novel (OYAN) students to tell us what their biggest area of weakness is in writing, and what strategies they employ to overcome it. This week, we feature eight different students and their responses.
Read More
Oyan-blog-multiple-narrators-pinterest

Writing a Novel with Multiple Narrators

Gabrielle Schwabauer, Staff Writer How can I demonstrate the variety of cultures and people groups in my story world without detracting from the main thread of the story? Surely one-off visits to unfamiliar cultures with one or two other characters (soon to be left behind) would quickly move from a novelty to a gimmick. Reluctantly, I began to consider multiple perspectives.
Read More
Reentry Stress Character Change Graphic

What Re-Entry Stress Can Teach You about Your Changed Character

Jake Buller, Guest Contributor Sometimes when people talk about cross-cultural interactions, they put the emphasis on culture shock. What is more rarely spoken of (but common to the experience of those who cross cultures) is what is sometimes called reverse culture shock. It's getting culture shock in your own culture. It's also an aspect of story that is sometimes neglected by writers.
Read More
How Culture Shock Can Help Your Writing

How Culture Shock Can Help Your Writing

Jake Buller, Guest Contributor The very first time I set foot on African soil, I went straight to a village of mud-brick houses and took selfies with Liberian kids. Then, after nine months of helping people better themselves, I returned to the USA and slipped right back into my old life. Just kidding. That's not actually how it went.
Read More
Back To Top