Many of the conversations online that concern “genre fiction” generally mean sci/fi, fantasy and horror. This stuff is distinguished from “mainstream” genres like contemporary dramas and comedies, and period pieces that are…well, dramas and comedies. it also doesn't include big genres like romance and psychological thrillers.
The ...

The Crime Genre
Banes at 12:00AM, Dec. 17, 2020getting on track with subplots
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Dec. 11, 2020
A subplot is a co-current narrative that runs alongside the main plot, often providing context, character development or further world building. They can be used to build further tension, explore other perspectives or themes.
The theme is what the overall story means. A subplot allows you to lend more emotional ...
Danko's Flaming Heart
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Dec. 5, 2020
I couldn't have been older than 11 when I read The Flaming Heart of Danko by Maxim Gorky. And boy, did it cut me with the finest of fine glass. Even now thinking about the short story hurts somewhere deep in my soul.
And yet, I love it so ...
Secret Santa 2020 Sign-Ups
kawaiidaigakusei at 12:00AM, Nov. 30, 2020
Link:
https://www.theduckwebcomics.com/forum/topic/178553/
While staring at the calendar this afternoon, I noticed: 1) It is still November and 2) it is still 2020. If anyone is looking for a small project to devote a whole afternoon, or looking to receive a bit of holiday cheer ...
The Significance of Names (Part 2)
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Nov. 28, 2020
When constructing your world, be it in fantasy or within a realistic/historical/existing place, the names you pick are very important.
They are important for suspension of disbelief and immersion: how consistent the names are, how congruent with what reality the audience reasonably comes to expect within the framework ...
"Just practice" - Giving better advice
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Nov. 20, 2020
I remember when I was younger and looking to improve my skills, I was often met with “Just practice,”. Although the intentions behind the adage were well meaning, that did not help me improve. As I’ve gotten older, I found myself at times, usually when I was tired myself ...
Evolving Tools of the Trade
kawaiidaigakusei at 12:00AM, Nov. 16, 2020
The chances are high that creating comics was something worthwhile after reading the daily newspaper “funnies” section; or reading a few panels of the Sunday comics after it had been used as gift wrap for a birthday present; or it could have been as simple as reading a printed comic ...
When characters don't follow the plan
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Nov. 13, 2020
I’ve been revisiting a fantasy novel that I had fallen in love with as a teenager, The Axis Trilogy. As I was reading it I remembered what the author had said about the character Faraday and her intentions for her fate. She commented in an interview, “She was never ...
Shuffling a character off this mortal coil
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Oct. 30, 2020
Whether it be planned from the beginning, or a sudden decision, some characters just have to go. As a creator, one should endeavour to do it for the right reasons. Shuffling off this mortal coil may be a catalysing event for the plot, a much needed kick for the protagonist ...
Monty Oum - "Keep moving forward"
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Oct. 23, 2020
Recently I have been procrastinating on publishing a video. I have all the elements in there, it just needs the final touches, but when I look over it, I keep thinking, “Is this good enough?” “Will this be enough?” “Am I a fraud?” These questions plague me as I create ...