Why Star Wars: A New Hope Works (and The Last Jedi Doesn’t): Understanding the Power of a Controlling Idea
Discover why A New Hope became a storytelling classic while The Last Jedi divided fans—through the lens of Robert McKee’s concept of the controlling idea. A must-read for fiction writers who want to master theme.
Setting the Stage for Suspense: How to Use Atmosphere to Raise the Stakes
Writing coach Kevin T. Johns shows how setting can do more than describe a scene—it can raise the stakes, deepen conflict, and drive suspense in fiction.
Before Pixar Animates Anything, They Do This…
Before Pixar animates even a single frame of a film, they do something that might surprise you: They plan. Extensively. Pixar’s movies—be it Up, Inside Out, or my personal favourite, Moana—don’t start with flashy visuals or clever jokes but with story structure. Scenes are mapped out on whiteboards. Character arcs are tested. Emotional beats are pulled apart, rebuilt, and refined.…
How to Escalate Conflict Without Losing Control: A Writing Coach’s Proven Method
Discover writing coach Kevin T. Johns’ proven method for escalating story conflict while keeping control of your narrative and structure. Perfect for thriller, mystery, fantasy, and more.
Hero vs. Villain: How to Build High Stakes Through Character Conflict (Advice from a Writing Coach)
Discover how writing coach Kevin T. Johns helps authors craft compelling protagonists and antagonists that fuel high-stakes conflict in thrillers, mysteries, fantasy, and more.
Kevin’s CTE Formula: A Writing Coach’s 3-Step Method for Raising Stakes (that Actually Works)
Discover Kevin T. Johns’ CTE Formula—Clarity, Tension, Escalation—and learn how to write gripping conflict that raises stakes and keeps readers turning the page.
Beyond Bad Guys: Exploring Core Conflicts in Fiction
Conflict is what gives your story tension, stakes, and soul—but it’s not always about a cape-wearing villain twirling a mustache. In this post, we’ll revisit the four classic types of conflict every writer should know and explore how you can use them to supercharge your storytelling. Whether your antagonist is a supervillain, a snowstorm, a societal structure, or your hero’s own worst impulses, this breakdown will help you craft richer, more compelling narratives.
How to Structure a Romance: From Subplots to Full-On Love Stories
Learn how to structure a romance story with writing coach Kevin T. Johns. Explore romance beats, plot outlines, and popular frameworks—from simple four-beat subplots to Gwen Hayes’s Romancing the Beat. Perfect for novelists writing full-length romance or adding romantic subplots to other genres.
Stephen Weinstock on Music, Theater, and Writing — The Writing Coach 214
In the latest episode of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with musician, educator, and author Steve Weinstock.
Douglas Vigliotti on Aristotle for Novelists — The Writing Coach 213
In this The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with author Douglas Vigliotti about his new book, Aristotle for Novelists.
