A life of prose

When I was younger, I didn’t understand how stories work—but I still devoured them. Some stayed with me for days, weeks, or even years after I turned the final page. Others were enjoyable but fleeting, leaving me wondering: What makes one story unforgettable and another easily forgotten? The answer, I’ve learned, lies in understanding how stories work.  Authors use specific tools—structure, characters, and themes—to connect with us on a deep, emotional level. The more I uncovered these techniques, the more I enjoyed reading and,