Story Embers | Gabrielle Pollack | Activity https://storyembers.org/members/gabriellepollack/activity/ Activity feed for Gabrielle Pollack. Fri, 01 May 2026 19:29:48 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en 30 hourly 2 0f278905dbe22a44bd021028e87987f0 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=149561 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 20:00:26 -0400 Why Consequences Are the Answer to the Plot vs. Character Dilemma Which is more important: characters or plot? Writers have been locked in that debate for centuries. Plot-oriented writers argue that conflict engages […]

]]> aea4ff2de6609058485b25d6c0855d85 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=147352 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:00:05 -0400 For the first six years of my writing life, I didn’t know how to find the exact spot where a story sinks into a bottomless pit of darkness.
 
Nobody around me could agree on which kinds of content deserved an R […]

]]> ba4911efa78b83d39066bd1133b95d03 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=105539 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:00:05 -0400 As long as a villain has a reason for his wicked behavior, he’ll seem real. Right? Or will he?
 
Shoppers grow hungry but don’t steal. Bank tellers get angry but don’t beat up customers. Hardships tempt people […]

]]> d4332926e745b06e380fb8dd6c6ce1a7 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=158985 Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:00:12 -0400 Crafting a murder mystery for the first time is like learning the violin.
 
After listening to a compelling performance on Youtube, a burst of excitement overwhelms you. You’re sure that, with minimal pr […]

]]> f1380407077b1d1c9cd88453ce582e46 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=158688 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:00:27 -0400 If you’ve read widely, you’ve visited many intriguing places. You’ve traveled with a hobbit who learns to embrace his Tookish side and saves his friends. You’ve walked beside a Victorian woman through a series […]

]]> 05873a62efcfb98cba1f2fe5ffeb3998 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=93997 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 20:00:34 -0400 We’ve all had heart-pounding experiences alongside fictional characters. We held our breath when Ethan Hunt made a last-ditch attempt to stop an explosion in Mission Impossible, pored over Pride and Prejudice f […]

]]> b7c629432a34440f5402bb78c8987c62 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=157666 Mon, 15 May 2023 22:19:32 -0400 If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably mutilated a daisy at least once to help you guess whether your crush shared your feelings. You’d pluck off the petals one by one, reciting “he loves me” or “he l […]

]]> bad41e71891ce8490c480914dccf1251 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=129412 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 21:00:37 -0400 You’re revising a scene when a vague, restless feeling creeps into your gut. Somewhere, somehow your manuscript has taken a wrong turn. You see this as clearly as if a warning sign suddenly appeared in the m […]

]]> d44f0b4fd28a38aadef17805e11c84ec Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=156053 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 21:00:15 -0400 The most helpful writing advice I learned this year came from the letters of a demon.
 
C. S. Lewis published The Screwtape Letters serially in a newspaper called The Guardian. Eight decades later, I listened […]

]]> f113c81efe6a23d9b1bb3d0939d4f15d Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=151265 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:00:56 -0400 How to Avoid Hurting Readers When You’re Trying to Help Them Heal Editor’s Note: This is the third part of our series exploring the merits of Coral by Sara Ella. You can read the first installment here. Beware that th […]

]]> fb7fa3715cde045b864fe142463da893 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=151147 Mon, 27 Jun 2022 14:00:16 -0400 Every once in a while, I drown in a book. The words form into currents that surge up and over me before I can hold my breath. I not only visualize the character’s situation, I feel every sensation.
 
Prose is th […]

]]> 6abc94e960cb554e9a8c6263a3e0ecb7 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=95219 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:00:27 -0400 How to Create Villains Who Are Actually Intimidating

]]> ccea6cd69df0105a515379a317679d1e Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=150526 Thu, 12 May 2022 14:00:58 -0400 I tend to procrastinate about worldbuilding because it overwhelms me. I’m expected to design an alternate reality that’s as complex and nuanced as my own. Considering the thousands of cultural customs, geo […]

]]> b3cdf80cead428f6029ead336ed87780 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=149245 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 14:00:34 -0400 I have a confession: trying to find the right words takes me ages. I obsess over sentence structure, vocabulary, and descriptions, pouring my time and energy into the black hole of unnecessary edits.
 
It’s a ha […]

]]> b4b61bf076bc8d8cbfe2436759376f6e Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-make-readers-fall-in-love-with-a-romantic-relationship/comment-page-1/#comment-11596 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:45:56 -0400 Yes! Pride and Prejudice is incredible for just that reason. Sacrifice is my favorite thing about any romance, and Austin’s story has plenty.

Thanks for reading!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Have you ever loved a relationship more than the characters in it?   Sure, Mr. and Mrs. Right were likable on their own, but their dynamic was so compelling that both of them […] ]]> 590fb67b333ca550f7e3fa4f6b7dd831 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-make-readers-fall-in-love-with-a-romantic-relationship/comment-page-1/#comment-11595 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:42:08 -0400 Rachel and Allyson,

I’m glad you both enjoyed the article! Good luck with writing your short story and novel!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Have you ever loved a relationship more than the characters in it?   Sure, Mr. and Mrs. Right were likable on their own, but their dynamic was so compelling that both of them […] ]]> 7d0cd0da1acdae6a63b94c4a72adddf1 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-make-readers-fall-in-love-with-a-romantic-relationship/comment-page-1/#comment-11580 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 13:21:03 -0400 Welcome! Thanks for reading!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Have you ever loved a relationship more than the characters in it?   Sure, Mr. and Mrs. Right were likable on their own, but their dynamic was so compelling that both of them […] ]]> 179884561d56084defc642faf0afe613 Gabrielle Pollack changed their profile picture https://storyembers.org/activity/p/99908/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 15:21:29 -0400 0 06ba570fa3248cd37550a73e25977ace Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=148435 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:00:50 -0400 Have you ever loved a relationship more than the characters in it?
 
Sure, Mr. and Mrs. Right were likable on their own, but their dynamic was so compelling that both of them dying would have been less […]

]]> 51af80381b65f54312d3f16ce345699f Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9915 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 19:06:25 -0400 Thanks for reading, Jenny! I’m glad it touched you, and I hope it helps you defeat those lies!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> d55aeb44a80d990a133d790d35e1330a Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9914 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 19:03:01 -0400 So do I! These lies are so subtle, and I think a lot of us struggle with them. I hope you find victory over them, and are reminded daily of God’s love for you. <3

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> ebceb80100ea736c84b90268d8799e77 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9913 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:53:44 -0400 We were happy to write it. Thank you for reading it and for letting us know it helped you. It’s encouraging to us, and we appreciate it. 🙂 I wish you the best on your writing journey and hope you find victory when battling the lies that try to hold you back. <3

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> 2047a3d73472137c846ffe87d385d6f4 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9912 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:48:15 -0400 Thank you for reading, Amy!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> 3d3a1f59dc61138402590a21fe85b8d3 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9911 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:41:07 -0400 I’m glad this article helped! Thank you for reading!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> da59c13f97e56b944a7a0b6657d554ed Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9910 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:40:32 -0400 Thank you for reading, Sarah! I’m glad these articles helped you as a songwriter. 😀

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> b0759d0885a91d292547074b2d9fd49a Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/insecure-writers-dont-need-more-reassurance-they-need-more-surrender/comment-page-1/#comment-9909 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:36:01 -0400 I’m glad it touched you, Julia. <3

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, rea […] ]]> 696a0ae099a3d2cfbc76fda1f9b59405 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=143372 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:00:29 -0400 Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our five-part series on renewing storytellers’ souls. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, read our introductory pos […]

]]> a6159457f456aca3e8311c313a439e7a Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=42956 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:00:54 -0400 Worldbuilding and plotting are two separate processes, right?

 

Wrong. Like every component of fiction, story world and plot are interlinked. Or rather, they can be. When you make the effort to use […]

]]> 37970b4bc4ffbd1c4c0baca7b32cacf2 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=67798 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:00:40 -0400 Somewhere along the road, every fiction writer will be asked to participate in a critique. It’s practically a guarantee.

 

Whether you’re new to critiquing or are already teamed up with an epic partner (who […]

]]> c850f44f452847e659b9a92c1ae3ca9b Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=134812 Mon, 14 Jun 2021 14:00:13 -0400 The Mandalorian. Artemis Fowl. Dustfinger. Kaz Brekker. These antiheroes and countless others have captured the imaginations of viewers, readers, and fangirls with such ferocity that traditional heroes struggle to […]

]]> ea3f83712b460040dfd6574c5abce9c7 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=58167 Thu, 06 May 2021 13:00:13 -0400 For years, short stories remained cloaked in mystery for me. I hadn’t the slightest idea how to write one, much less imbue a theme into it. I stumbled in the dark, creating tales and hoping themes would m […]

]]> 38721c47ed103742dd1019df4f49337f Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=33432 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:00:45 -0400 Have you ever written a scene that you’re just not satisfied with, but you can’t put your finger on what’s wrong with it?

 

Perhaps the pacing inches along at the speed of a crippled snail, or the theme […]

]]> ad29944e96fae11ab4538609437a68d6 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-surprise-readers-with-your-storys-theme/comment-page-1/#comment-6851 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 23:05:06 -0400 So do I, man. So do I. I’m hopping I’ll be skilled enough one day to hide a theme like Patrick Ness does. It’s my favorite thing to experience as a reader.

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post If readers can predict a story’s moral, it’s more likely to disengage them than it is to influence them. This presents us with an imposing ultimatum: either spring a message on r […] ]]> b6ed01bfc7d906d56b45c247b777ee2c Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-overcome-the-two-types-of-long-term-writers-block/comment-page-1/#comment-6850 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 23:02:24 -0400 Hey Emily,

These versions of writer’s block are the absolute worst, but they’re a natural (if unpleasant) part of the process. I hope you find a breakthrough soon (and can stay patient with yourself in the meanwhile).

Blessings,

Gabrielle

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post I recently taught a class of sixth graders about the elements of story. After I finished the bulk of my presentation, I opened the floor for questions. A kid in the back raised […] ]]> 5549bfd0d10a18c02124d34afb78d6ba Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-overcome-the-two-types-of-long-term-writers-block/comment-page-1/#comment-6849 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 22:58:04 -0400 Dear Joelle,

I 100% agree. Peterson is my hero.

The struggle is real. It’s crazy how tempting lighters look when the going gets rough XD. I’m glad this article helped you!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post I recently taught a class of sixth graders about the elements of story. After I finished the bulk of my presentation, I opened the floor for questions. A kid in the back raised […] ]]> 8abedda3bc3faecfe0aa27a6518f1225 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-overcome-the-two-types-of-long-term-writers-block/comment-page-1/#comment-6848 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 22:53:18 -0400 Hey Glynis!

Bird by Bird is fantastic food for the muse! I’m happy to meet another fan.

I’m glad this article came at the right time for you. I know how rough dry spells are, but they also tend to come with growth. At the same time, I hope yours ends soon! Keep your head up, and I wish you the best of luck as you try to press on.

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post I recently taught a class of sixth graders about the elements of story. After I finished the bulk of my presentation, I opened the floor for questions. A kid in the back raised […] ]]> 705ba39ea3ee60d0e9c5ea73edba61e5 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=126573 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:00:35 -0400 I recently taught a class of sixth graders about the elements of story. After I finished the bulk of my presentation, I opened the floor for questions. A kid in the back raised his hand. “Have you ever had w […]

]]> 54b0d00741506889bbad3ec35aafc755 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=125320 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:00:44 -0400 If readers can predict a story’s moral, it’s more likely to disengage them than it is to influence them. This presents us with an imposing ultimatum: either spring a message on readers unexpectedly, or leave them […]

]]> c57503f8142e68a2556af47d263d286a Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=124577 Mon, 08 Feb 2021 14:00:12 -0400 The newest character who’s taken up residence inside your mind is a vibrant being with compelling desires and deep emotions. But the instant you pluck him out and flatten him onto a page, he becomes limper than w […]

]]> e6fdf21279cdaa1f30c8add33d4dc240 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-should-christian-authors-portray-bittersweet-endings/comment-page-1/#comment-5783 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:49:52 -0400 I agree with you there. Dismal situations make hope shine all the brighter in stories.

Setting out to write a good ending, whether it be bittersweet or not, is a great place to start. 🙂 Thanks for reading!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we did this series and how we a […] ]]> 88c5610dbd293a1562de2efc18c94ce6 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-should-christian-authors-portray-bittersweet-endings/comment-page-1/#comment-5782 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:43:11 -0400 I know I had fun writing out my thoughts on this topic, and I’m so glad they resonated with you. Thanks for reading!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we did this series and how we a […] ]]> 2d9f6f9534ce1e448e5090d3073b75a6 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-should-christian-authors-portray-bittersweet-endings/comment-page-1/#comment-5781 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:40:35 -0400 Sad stories can be a drag if they don’t have anything meaningful to say. I don’t usually like sad stories myself, but sometimes the right one comes along and blows me away. Thanks for reading!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we did this series and how we a […] ]]> 13eaa5b8ccce31f403dc39d571d65f79 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-should-christian-authors-portray-bittersweet-endings/comment-page-1/#comment-5780 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:39:01 -0400 Thanks Zachary! And thank you for taking the time to read them.

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we did this series and how we a […] ]]> 16f9cd4ba7ca6580c02b3600c3e99eb5 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-should-christian-authors-portray-bittersweet-endings/comment-page-1/#comment-5779 Sun, 22 Nov 2020 13:38:02 -0400 I need to read A Tale of Two Cities. I’ve heard good things about it. Thanks for reading, Isabelle!

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we did this series and how we a […] ]]> c780db43ca901925c662583b27648e2d Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=121631 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:00:37 -0400 Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we did this series and how we approached the topics, read our i […]

]]> 75fdd33f40c082053a4ac469d0847d3b Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=118964 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 14:00:47 -0400 Numerous books, blog posts, and worksheets claim that filling in hundreds of categories makes a story world complete. But without a goal at the center, your brainstorming will lack direction, and the details you […]

]]> 5f6176dd101c45a1ab5691991315fda5 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/3-lies-about-stylistic-editing-and-why-they-hurt-your-writing/comment-page-1/#comment-5300 Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:43:59 -0400 So do I! It’s so easy to try editing your story into perfect shape without thinking other factors. Thanks for reading, Lily!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Gabrielle Pollack & Brianna Storm Hilvety   Editing is easy to overdo. You open your latest draft to restructure a scene, but as you reread your work to get your bearings, you […] ]]> dd0f26c23157e860bfdb14bb39df3df8 Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-write-happy-endings-that-dont-feel-contrived/comment-page-1/#comment-5299 Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:39:45 -0400 Thanks! I understand that. I love bittersweet stories, but sometimes I don’t want my books to be that sad.

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Happy endings resound with hope, reminding us of God’s ultimate triumph over evil. As we turn the last page, we feel homesick for the moment when He’ll wipe away all our tears and […] ]]> 006ba641f9734224a654b438bb148d79 Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post https://storyembers.org/?p=115304 Mon, 29 Jun 2020 14:00:52 -0400 Happy endings resound with hope, reminding us of God’s ultimate triumph over evil. As we turn the last page, we feel homesick for the moment when He’ll wipe away all our tears and usher in the new heavens and new […]

]]> 8e8dd913289c91259653f832c94e4bcf Gabrielle Pollack posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-evoke-humor-tension-and-sorrow-with-dramatic-irony/comment-page-1/#comment-5243 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 01:07:28 -0400 Thanks Eliza! 😀 This is one of my favorite concepts, and I had a blast geeking out over it.

In reply to - Gabrielle Pollack wrote a new post Writers are lovers of drama. Hit us with a fast-paced shoot-out, a heart-rending rejection, or a tragic death scene, and we’re as happy as larks. Because conflict excites r […] ]]>