5 Tips on Writing: With Kayla Parent
I’m a Narrative Designer, Editorial Director, and Lead Copywriter, but all of those are just fancy titles that say the same thing: I’m a writer! I’ve written over 150 digital stories and amassed hundreds of millions of reads across a dozen different platforms. I love writing
both romance and horror. My goal is to either make you fall in love with my characters, or frighten you enough to worry that one of them is hiding under your bed.
I currently live in Massachusetts with my swoon-worthy husband Jimmy, my sweet son Garrett, and my mischievous beagle Gus. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading. I’m enamored with historical romance, mythology, folk tales, and true-life crime. I’m a self-proclaimed champagne enthusiast, a chronic daydreamer, and popcorn fanatic.
I’ve written professionally for companies like WWE, Episode, Netflix Games, Hooked, and ReelShort. But my favorite writing is the stories I get to create during my down time.
Hooking Your Audience
The first line is EVERYTHING.
It’s so crucial because it has the potential to make or break a story—especially considering the average attention span these days. There’s so many other things a consumer can be reading, watching, or doing. But a thrilling first line will grab their attention and set the stage for what’s to come. It will create curiosity, intrigue, hint at the tone, and give a glimpse into the world they’re about to enter. A strong opening line can make readers want to continue, or tap out right away.
Mastering Plot Development
Focus on the characters’ motivations and goals!
Make sure that each character has clear desires that are driving their actions and decisions. Readers need to be emotionally invested in seeing how the characters overcome challenges and achieve their goals. And a character’s goal doesn’t have to be something totally relatable either, what matters is the emotion behind it. Readers may not have experienced the exact situation your character is in, but they can connect with the feelings of love, fear, ambition, or loss. If you’re real about how you present those emotions, you create a bond between the character and the reader. This emotional connection keeps readers invested in the story, regardless of the specifics of the plot, as they empathize with the character’s journey and struggles.
Effective World-Building Strategies
Have fun with it!
Create quirky, memorable details that bring your world to life. Think about unique customs, odd local foods, or peculiar habits that make your world distinct and stand out. These little touches can add depth and personality, making your world feel more real and immersive. For example, maybe in your world, people communicate through elaborate hand gestures or have a yearly festival dedicated to a peculiar, magical creature. It’s these playful details that make your world shine and capture the imagination.
Techniques for Character Development
No one is perfect! And your characters shouldn’t be either.
They need flaws and imperfections. Perfect characters can feel unrealistic and distant, but flaws make them relatable and compelling. By showing how your characters struggle with their weaknesses and how they grow from these challenges, you create more dynamic and engaging personalities. This not only adds depth to your characters but also allows readers to connect with them on a more personal level, making their journey and development throughout the story more impactful.
Crafting Meaningful Decisions
Make sure each choice has value.
And that they have meaningful consequences. Who wants a choice that leads to something lame that does nothing to add to the plot? Go for big decisions that impact the narrative, character relationships, or the game world itself. This makes players feel that their choices truly matter and encourages them to engage more deeply with the story. And make sure that the consequences are happen fast and effect the character for the long-haul. What’s fun without a bit of risk?
What are your strengths in writing and narrative design?
I like to think I’ve got a real talent for writing romantic dialogue that pops! I love getting into the nitty-gritty of emotions and making conversations between characters feel super genuine and engaging. Whether it’s sweet confessions, flirty banter, or those intense heart-to-hearts, I’m all about drawing readers in and making them feel the spark between characters.
Which games or stories have you worked on?
My top three:
Trevor and the Virgin 1&2 – As seen on Hooked, ReelShort, and Snapchat
Too Hot To Handle – Netflix Games
Dear Mona series (12+ seasons) – Nanobit
Exploring Favourites
Two come to mind:
I love the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn! Before it ever became the success it is today, my best friend and I read them over and over together when we were in high school. They were like our little secret and a hidden gem we felt like was just ours. When we heard they were making it to the big screen and were shocked. But it’s been so much fun to see it all come to life.
I can’t not mention Harry Potter. This book series made me want to become a writer because I was so enraptured by the story.
A Wish for Interactive Audio Stories
I’d love a total Sierra King’s Quest reboot! It’s already an interactive audio story in a way, so wouldn’t be too much of a life. Any takers?
Register for our Free Writing Workshop now!
If you are interested in creating your own interactive audio story, you can apply for our free webinar! It will introduce you to our interactive story game engine, TWIST, and teach you how to use it to create interactive audio stories.
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