John Wong

Born in Vancouver BC, John Wong is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Capilano University with a degree in computer science. He has workshopped his writing at UBC, Capilano University, and Langara College, and his writing is focused in the genres of science fiction and fantasy, with occasional forays into contemporary. His short story, Broken Promises, appears in the Iron Pen Anthology. Like many Canadians, he loves watching and playing hockey, and still fantasizes about being drafted one day by his hometown Canucks.

The Metrics of Writing

by John Wong

When I first started writing, during the pre-internet days, I didn’t have any idea how many words were in a novel, a short story, a novella, etc. I just wrote, but had no idea if I was producing at a good pace or if my stories were a good length. All I knew was after … Read more

Big Picture Story Structure – Part 3: Seven-Point Plot Structure

by John Wong

This is the third part of a three-part series on story structure.

The first part began a discussion on the Three-Act Structure. The second part continued that discussion. This third part explores Seven-Point Story Structure and plot weaving.

So where were we?

Oh yes, we had just finished breaking down Star Wars into the key components of the Three-Act Structure. And I’m here to say we’re here to do it again, but with Dan Well’s Seven-Point Story Structure.

Big Picture Story Structure – Part 2: Three-Act Structure

by John Wong

This is the second part of a three-part series on story structure.

The first part began a discussion on the Three-Act Structure. This part continues that discussion. Part three will discuss Seven-Point Story Structure and plot weaving.

When I last left you, I had just addressed breaking into Act-2.

Now, it’s on to Act-2 and the story world.

Big Picture Story Structure – Part 1: Three-Act Structure

by John Wong

Before I start, I want to let you know in order to do this subject justice, I need a lot more space than one article is normally allotted. So, it’s divided into three parts.

The first part begins a discussion on the Three-Act Structure, the second part will finish it off before we move on to the third part, which will discuss Seven-Point Story Structure and plot weaving.

So fair warning, timbers be shivered. Cliffhangers be ahead.

Do Writers Really Need to Know Theory?

by John Wong

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had ideas for stories. When I was young, many involved Gary-Sue-ing myself into my favorite TV shows and movies, as a security officer with Borg implants on ST:NG or as a cryogenically frozen Jedi from the Old Republic.

As I got older, my desire to explore my own universes grew. ‘Original’ ideas filled my head, and I believed I could tell a fun tale or two. Unfortunately, I thought stories only came from the magical places in my head called talent and creativity, and once tapped, the words would flow like a river. I expected the story to appear on the page complete and perfect and ready to publish. And when it didn’t, I felt like a failure and a fraud.