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Articles about literary devices

ProWritingAid in the Classroom

Action Beats: The Author's Multi-Tool

Action beats are often used in lieu of dialogue tags to show body language and to denote who is talking. But action beats are also useful for showing characterization, setting, and even world-building!

Essential Poetry: What’s the Difference Between Enjambment and Caesura?

Exploring poetry techniques: find out how and why poets use caesura and enjambment. This simple guide includes definitions, use, and famous examples from literature.

Villain vs Antagonist: How to Use Each in Your Book

Know the difference between antagonist and villain. Read this article for tips on how to use them in your story to create obstacles for your protagonist and build tension for your reader.

Let’s Get Possessive

Defining possessive nouns is tricky. There are several unique rules that can confuse even the most seasoned writer.

How to Use Caricature in Writing: Definition, Use, Examples

Learn everything you need to know about caricature. This comprehensive explanation comes complete with examples and definition. Perfect for writers, students, and educators alike.

Empathy vs Sympathy: Which One Are You Feeling?

Empathy vs Sympathy: are you confused? Here's a simple guide to help you tell the difference.

How to Write a Mind-Blowing Plot Twist like Gone Girl

As an author, don’t you want to create the mind-blowing plot twist that leaves readers begging you to write more books? Maybe the kind that result in big movie deals… Wait. If your writing is a means to an end, it’s doubtful your plot twist will make the big bang needed to get on the big screen. Because you can’t force a plot twist; readers will smell it a mile away. Do it authentically and you’ll create a feverish tension that keeps readers turning the pages to see how this new twist will play out next. Or you’ll end on a final piece of information that changes everything, resonating with readers long after the last page. Here’s how it works.

Allusion: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively

What is allusion and how can it help your writing? We'll show you!

Simile vs Metaphor: What's the Difference?

Confused by similes and metaphors? Find out the difference, along with common mistakes to avoid when using them in your writing.

How to Balance Surprise and Suspense in Your Novel

Learn the difference between surprise and suspense and how to use them in your story. In this article, writer Zara Altair breaks down when and where to use each.

Crash, Bang! How to Use Onomatopoeia Effectively

Onomatopoeia is a literary device that describes sound. When used effectively, it can be a powerful way of showing instead of telling, which brings your story to life.

Creative Writing in the Classroom: Start with a Stimulus

A stimulus can transform creative writing in the classroom. Use these simple ideas to improve writing outcomes and get the excitement back into your lessons.

What Are Idioms and How Do I Use Them?

Idioms can be difficult but when used properly, they are a powerful and fun literary device. Find out everything you need to know about idioms.

ProWritingAid is Supporting the International Literacy Association for Black Friday this Year

Why did we decide to partner with the International Literacy Association this year? They are doing incredible work both nationally and globally to empower people to read, write, teach, and learn to their best potential. Just as ProWritingAid helps people achieve new heights, International Literacy Association (ILA) has elevated educators and students alike to a whole new level. Since 1956, the organization has served as a tireless advocate for literacy, inspiring industry leaders across the globe to better their communities by equipping them with a plethora of literacy and educational resources.

Red Herrings: Mystery Clues that Aren’t Clues

What is a red herring in a story? This article contains tips for successful use of red herrings to confound your protagonist and your readers.

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You're Currently Browsing:

Articles about literary devices

The Writing Process

Blogging and Content Writing

Grammar Rules

Business Writing

Writing Apps

How to Use ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid in the Classroom

Action Beats: The Author's Multi-Tool

Essential Poetry: What’s the Difference Between Enjambment and Caesura?

Villain vs Antagonist: How to Use Each in Your Book

Let’s Get Possessive

How to Use Caricature in Writing: Definition, Use, Examples

Empathy vs Sympathy: Which One Are You Feeling?

How to Write a Mind-Blowing Plot Twist like Gone Girl

Allusion: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively

Simile vs Metaphor: What's the Difference?

How to Balance Surprise and Suspense in Your Novel

Crash, Bang! How to Use Onomatopoeia Effectively

Creative Writing in the Classroom: Start with a Stimulus

What Are Idioms and How Do I Use Them?

ProWritingAid is Supporting the International Literacy Association for Black Friday this Year

Red Herrings: Mystery Clues that Aren’t Clues

Grammar Guide

You're Currently Browsing:

Articles about literary devices

The Writing Process

Blogging and Content Writing

Grammar Rules

Business Writing

Writing Apps

How to Use ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid in the Classroom

Action Beats: The Author's Multi-Tool

Essential Poetry: What’s the Difference Between Enjambment and Caesura?

Villain vs Antagonist: How to Use Each in Your Book

Let’s Get Possessive

How to Use Caricature in Writing: Definition, Use, Examples

Empathy vs Sympathy: Which One Are You Feeling?

How to Write a Mind-Blowing Plot Twist like Gone Girl

Allusion: What It Is and How to Use It Effectively

Simile vs Metaphor: What's the Difference?

How to Balance Surprise and Suspense in Your Novel

Crash, Bang! How to Use Onomatopoeia Effectively

Creative Writing in the Classroom: Start with a Stimulus

What Are Idioms and How Do I Use Them?

ProWritingAid is Supporting the International Literacy Association for Black Friday this Year

Red Herrings: Mystery Clues that Aren’t Clues

Grammar Guide

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