What is Speculative Fiction? Definition and Writing Tips

What is speculative fiction?

What is speculative fiction? Take a look at objective reality. Now, change something about that reality—put it on Mars, in the year 3,000, add some magical mayhem, etc. Speculative fiction is all about extraordinary circumstances, where characters have to navigate conflicts that don’t exist in our reality. Many types of genre fiction fall under the…

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Common Rhetorical Devices List: The Art of Argument

common rhetorical devices list

Rhetorical devices are techniques in writing and speech that try to persuade the audience. A rhetorical device uses language to shape ideas into arguments, convincing the reader through a plethora of literary strategies. Why study rhetorical devices? Understanding how writers wield words to persuade you will help you read critically and carefully. And, if you’re…

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Villanelle Definition: How to Write a Villanelle

A villanelle poem is a 19-lined formal poem that, although developed in the 17th century, was particularly prominent in the 20th. In fact, you have probably read or studied some villanelle examples in high school or beyond, such as Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art” or Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle into that good night.” The…

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Parallelism Definition: Writing With Parallel Structure

what is parallelism in literature?

Parallelism, or parallel structure, describes a type of sentence structure common in the English language. When poets and prose stylists effectively employ grammatical parallelism, they strengthen the connections between ideas and objects, embedding relationships in syntax. It might seem silly to write an entire article on a singular sentence structure. Writing parallelism certainly isn’t difficult,…

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Lyric Poetry Definition: How to Write a Lyric Poem

lyric poetry definition: how to write a lyric poem

Lyric poetry has a rich, surprising history. As one of the oldest forms of literature, the lyric poem has moved and captivated audiences with its emphasis on language, sound, and the vast lexicon of human emotion. It is also a form that is frequently misdefined or misunderstood. What is lyric poetry? While definitions vary, a…

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