Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

How to Start Writing a Story: Mindset & Drafting Tips From Experts

Do you have a great idea for a story and wonder how to actually get something down on paper? Where should your mindset be? Should you map out the plot first? When you’re ready to write the first draft of your story, you’ll likely benefit from the wisdom of some experts in the field. We’ve put together some advice from Stephen King, Elizabeth Gilbert, Robert McKee, and others on the drafting mindset and specific drafting strategies. Continue reading to learn how to start writing a story.

Free Will by Sam Harris: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

Why does Sam Harris think we should reject the concept of free will? How does he think we operate instead? In Free Will, Sam Harris defines free will and argues that it’s an illusion. He explains why it matters whether we have free will and outlines the ways in which he thinks we can let go of free will without losing our sense of self. Continue reading for an overview of this book that might have you rethinking everything.

Stoked by Woke: The Rise of Societal Violence in the West

Are acts of violence in the name of social justice justified? Will they provoke retaliation that’s even worse? Douglas Murray predicts serious consequences for our civilization if we’re not able to effectively stem the tide of the woke ideology. One of the effects he explores in The Madness of Crowds is the increased risk of societal violence. Keep reading to learn about Murray’s concerns.

An Example of Post-Traumatic Growth: Paul Millerd’s Big Switch

Have you experienced trauma? How might you turn it into something of value? Paul Millerd embarked on a conventional career path by default. Two difficult events taught him one major lesson: stop prioritizing work, and start prioritizing life. He considers the shift he made to be an example of post-traumatic growth. Continue reading to be inspired by Millerd’s story.

What Is Libertarian Free Will? Sam Harris Explains

What is libertarian free will? What part of the view does Sam Harris disagree with? Libertarian free will describes a philosophy that contends that external factors affect but don’t determine our actions. In his book Free Will, Sam Harris explains the concept and discusses how he thinks the theory is right in one respect and wrong in another. Keep reading to learn about libertarian free will.

6 Steps in Writing a Story: Strategies From Storytelling Experts

Is a story outline the right strategy for you? What tactic makes it easier for you to “kill your darlings” when it’s time? What trait might you need to overcome to complete the last step in the writing process? We’ve drawn on the advice of several storytelling experts to distill the story-writing process into six steps. You’ll get advice on how to find story ideas, get into the right mindset, write a first draft, take a break, revise your story, and share your finished story with others. Keep reading to learn the steps in writing a story with insights from

Origins of Woke Ideology: Douglas Murray on 4 Social Shifts

How did wokeism become a major ideology in the West? Does it fill a particular vacuum? How has social media made a difference? In The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray explains how woke ideology has gained a foothold in mainstream Western society. He identifies four major societal shifts that he believes influenced these ideological changes. Read more to learn about the origins of woke ideology.

2 Personal Beliefs About Success You Should Leave Behind

How do the people around you define success? Do they get it right, or do their expectations make you feel like you come up short? Author Paul Millerd contends that many people hold two mistaken personal beliefs about success. First, you must meet certain cultural benchmarks to be considered successful. Second, there’s a certain “happiness destination” you should aim for. Read more to learn about these beliefs and what Millerd recommends you embrace instead.

Sam Harris on Determinism: Every Event Is Caused by Other Events

What’s determinism? Why does Sam Harris adopt this philosophy? Does it necessarily imply fatalism? According to Sam Harris, determinism is the way the world works: We don’t (and can’t) have free will. Like other determinists, he believes that what we feel about our agency misleads us; what we experience when we’re thinking about a decision doesn’t indicate the true causes of our thoughts and actions. Read more for Harris’s explanation of the determinist perspective in the debate over free will.

How to Write Complex Characters Your Readers Can Relate To

How is it possible that people can relate to a fish named Nemo? Why is Annie Wilkes (the kidnapper in Stephen King’s Misery) so terrifying? You’re not one-dimensional, nor is anyone else. Real people are complex, and fictional characters must reflect that complexity if they’re going to be true to life and relatable. We’ve put together some insights into complex characters from Stephen King, Robert McKee, Lisa Cron, and Thomas C. Foster. Keep reading to learn how to write complex characters that will help bring your story to life.