A little understanding of copyright law can go a long way when it comes to protecting your work, maximizing your income, and avoiding accidental infringement. Here's a simple, straightforward guide to get you started.

Magical realism is an enthralling genre that somehow manages to illuminate truth by deviating from reality. If you've been curious about this fantastical literary style, here's everything you need to know.

Rising action takes up a massive chunk of your novel. About 50-70% of it, in fact. No wonder so many writers freeze up when it's time to tackle it. If you're one of them, this article can help.

Whether you want to start a publishing company to put your own work into the world or you plan to build a catalog full of other authors' works, this is your guide to the best strategies for building your literary empire.

Ghostwriting is a frequently misunderstood form of professional writing—when it's even known of at all. Consider this your comprehensive guide to all things ghostwriting: what it is, how it's done, and if it's even ethical.

Your book cover is your first and most important marketing tool. If you could use a little inspiration (plus guidance!) for your next cover design, you've come to the right place.

More people than ever before are writing e-books, whether they're hoping to build an author career, promote their own brand, or just want to put a little art into the world. If you're looking to do a little e-book writing yourself, this guide can help.

What is creative nonfiction? Oh, it's only a super fun way to tell the truth. Learn more about what it is, how to write it, and where you've seen it right here.

Trying to find your ideal writing software? Examine two top contenders side by side in this comprehensive guide.

Eyeballing Squibler but still curious about the other writing programs out there? Here's everything you need to know about the top Squibler alternatives.

What is copy editing? How is it different from all the other bajillion types of editing? Do you need to hire an editor or can you do it yourself? Find all those answers and more right here.

A thorough proofreading is an absolutely crucial step in the writing process, whether you plan to self-publish or publish traditionally. Here's everything you need to know about getting the job done well... and when it might be time to hire a professional.

A book signing event is a great opportunity to build relationships with readers, local businesses, and the literary community. But planning it, preparing for it, and pulling it off takes some serious work. Here's how to get it done.

The anti-hero is an undeniably compelling character archetype. It's also wildly complex and easy to confuse with other types of characters. Don't worry. You're about to get all the clarification you need to become a bonafide anti-hero expert.

Sensitivity writers are more prevalent than ever before, and for many authors, they're an essential part of the editing process. But what do they do exactly? And how do you know if you need one? We've got those answers right here.

There's no avoiding it: critical feedback is an essential for becoming a great writer. Here's how to navigate the process with grace, create excellent work as a result, and get through it all with your self-confidence intact.

Being a writer means receiving a lot of feedback—both solicited and unsolicited. Here's how you can handle criticism, improve through outside input, and keep your ego intact.

Whether you need ideas for science fiction themes, want to know how to work a theme into your sci-fi novel, or just like talking robots and outer space, you've found your article.

What happens when your character's greatest antagonist is nature itself? Some pretty thrilling storytelling, usually. Here's everything you need to know to write a nail-biting character vs. nature conflict.

If you're a confused about what a trope actually is, you've got good reason to be. This one literary term covers a ton of storytelling devices, and nailing down the definition isn't always easy. Fortunately, we've got a whole bunch of trope examples to help clarify things.

Got a lot of writerly types around you talking about archetypes but have no idea what they're going on about? No worries! You can find a full explanation here and learn how to use archetypes to write a story that resonates.

Is the entire universe conspiring against your characters? Then you might be dabbling in cosmic irony. Enjoy this guide to all things cosmically ironic, from where you've seen it to how to write it yourself.

There's a difference between the way we tell a story to a friend and the way we craft a story for an audience of readers. Want to want to write a story that keeps readers enthralled? Consider this your introductory guide to the must-have parts of a story.

Wondering if it's high time you got a proper degree in creative writing? This guide will help you think through the pros and cons, learn what to expect from a creative writing program, and consider your job prospects after you graduate.

You may have heard people talk about purple prose. More specifically, you may have heard the phrase "purple prose" used an explanation for why someone didn't like a book or doesn't read a particular author. But what is purple prose? Why is it so bad? And how do you avoid it in your own writing? Find all those answers here.

Memoirs give us a glimpse into the hearts, minds, and experiences of people we’ll never meet. It's a powerful art form, but it can also be tough to master. If you're looking to write a memoir, this guide will demystify the process.

It's one of the less charming truths about the writing life: if you want to create something brilliant, you must be willing to make a mess first. Consider this your friendly guide to the beautiful, inspiring, terrifying, chaotic art of the messy first draft.

What's the purpose of an epilogue? Do readers prefer to have one? How do you know if your story needs a little something extra beyond the happily ever after? Find the answers to your most urgent epilogue questions right here.

Tone is one of the most powerful tools for writing a novel that hooks readers and keeps them engaged until the very last page. Discover what it takes to nail your narrative tone.

Ready to build some suspense and keep your readers frantically flipping pages? Then you'll want to check out this guide to foreshadowing.

What makes for a more compelling mystery novel: a crime-solving duo with an interesting dynamic or a lone wolf detective who has no choice but to go it alone? This guide will help you think through the larger role of the sidekick.

Socratic irony is sneaky, manipulative, and a great way to make a big reveal even more delicious. If you want to learn how to incorporate this device in your own story—or if you just want to get better at identifying it—you've come to the right place.

What's the difference between situational and dramatic irony? How does verbal irony fit in? What the heck is Socratic irony? And do you really need to know all this? This guide untangles irony and shows you how you can use it in your own stories.

Ever feel a bit lost when other writers start flinging literary terms around? Don't stress. We've got a list of the must-know terminology, with crystal-clear definitions, examples, and even a few tips for putting these concepts to work in your own writing.

An epilogue is a crystal ball, offering your readers a sneaky little glance into your characters' future. But is it always a good thing? And how do you write an epilogue that doesn't step on your carefully crafted final chapter? We've got some hot tips for you.

Diction is about so much more than choosing the right words. This aspect of your writing can help you create engaging characters with realistic voices. Here's how.

Want to create a disturbingly compelling negative character arc? The secret is to make your character's downfall feel plausible—even inevitable. Here's how.

The Lie Your Character Believes is the key to their character arc, the central conflict, and even the theme of your story. But, like... what does that mean exactly? And how do you come up with a Lie compelling enough to drive a whole novel? Here's everything you need to know.

Here's everything you need to know to write a spectacular sleuth that mystery readers will immediately love and never forget.

Plot twists are a thrill for the reader, but they can be pretty overwhelming for the writer. How do you craft a shocking reversal that totally makes sense but still catches your audience by surprise? We've got the answers right here.

What's verbal irony? How do you know when a statement is ironic? Is this a tool you should be using in your own writing? If so, how does it work? If your head is spinning, don't worry. We got you.

Dramatic irony is a fantastic tool for ramping up tension, building suspense, and stressing your readers out in the best possible way. Read on to learn what it is, what it isn't, and how it works.

The puzzle makes the mystery. Everyone knows that. But how do you come up with clues that move the story forward without giving away the ending? Here's everything you need to know.

What does it take to write a cozy mystery novel that readers can't put down? Here's your full guide to all things cozy, from delightful protagonists to dizzying plot twists.

How can you write an unreliable narrator without making your readers crazy? And why would you want to write one in the first place? This article covers everything you ever wanted to know about telling a story through a less-than-credible voice.

Are red herrings essential ingredients for an unputdownable mystery novel? Or blatant manipulations guaranteed to irritate your reader? Learn when and why you need this mystery device and how to use it without making your audience feel duped.

Teenagers are complicated... even when they're fictional. But if you're struggling to keep track of your YA characters and their delightfully messy conflicts, Dabble can help. Here's our step-by-step guide to writing your young adult book with this cutting-edge tool.

Need an easier way to keep track of all of your mystery novel's plot lines, red herrings, and shady suspects? Dabble is on the case. Here are our best tips for writing mystery with Dabble... plus a template you can use to start planning your story today!

Loads of research, interweaving plot lines, complex characters evolving through major historical moments... historical fiction writers have a lot to keep track of. Here's how Dabble can make the whole process much easier.

Looking for the perfect all-in-one writing tool to help you knock out a fantastic middle grade novel? Allow us to introduce Dabble... and all the features every MG author should know about.

There's a delicate balance when it comes to creating a protagonist readers will root for. Your main character has to be easy to like but also undeniably flawed. How do you pull that off? Here's everything you need to know.

Dabble and First Draft Pro are both great novel writing tools for anyone who wants author-friendly features without a steep learning curve. But which program fits best in your writing process? Here's a side-by-side comparison.

There's no way around it: writing a romance novel will always be hard work. But when you know how to make the most of Dabble's best tricks, you can at least get the job done with a little more speed and a lot less pain.

It's true what they say: having a clear author brand is key to your success in publishing. Here's how to brand yourself without compromising on authenticity or creative spontaneity.

A writing conference offers endless opportunities to learn, network, and take a huge step forward in your career. It's also an overwhelming marathon of non-stop sessions, events, and parties. Here's how you can seize this golden opportunity... without burning out.

What's the difference between chapter books and middle grade fiction? Can you write for more than one age group? Is young adult really that different from adult fiction? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about connecting with readers of all ages.

Flashbacks and foreshadowing are great tools for creating a more immersive experience for your readers. But using them effectively is a craft unto itself. Here are some of the best techniques for putting these time-jumping devices to work in your novel.

Beta readers are magical creatures who spend hours reading your novel and offering invaluable feedback (usually for free) so you can create a marketable masterpiece. But how do you use their feedback? What if you disagree with it? And what happens if you get contradictory advice? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of beta reader feedback.

Want to create a fictional world young readers love to lose themselves in? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about writing the perfect middle grade setting.

Creating a historical fiction requires both imagination and a ton of research. But how do you manage this balance of fact and fiction? We've got the answers you've been looking for.

Is the Nice Guy trope really all that bad? Why are we suddenly giving the side-eye to all our classic romantic heroes? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the Nice Guy, from the trope's influence on culture to its evolution in a new age of storytelling.

If you dream of being a wildly successful author, it pays to learn about the careers of the writers who've already crushed it. Here's how a few literary legends got where they are and what you can do to boost your own odds of success.

So you've decided you want to write under a pen name but you're struggling to think of a good one. We got your back. Here are some tried-and-true techniques for finding your perfect nom de plume.

Sometimes it's the words you don't write that move your reader the most. Sounds crazy, we know, but we can explain. We've got your full guide to subtext right here: what it is, why it matters, and how to master it.

In the market for mind-mapping software but not sure if Scapple's for you? Here are several alternatives that might meet your unique needs more effectively.

Novlr is popular for its intuitive interface, distraction-free presentation, and productivity analytics. But is it the best writing tool for you? Here are six Novlr alternatives worth your consideration.

There's no question that Plottr is an excellent story outlining tool. But does it meet all your needs as a novelist? Get to know these alternatives so you can make the best decision for your own writing journey.

Microsoft Word is wildly popular, but it's not the only writing software out there. If you've ever wondered if there's another way to get from "Once upon a time" to "The end", here's your answer.

Google Docs is easy to use and great for collaboration, but is it the best program for authors? Here are some great Google Docs alternatives if your old go-to just isn't cutting it anymore.

NovelPad is an impressive and popular writing tool, but is it the best option for you? Here are a few NovelPad alternatives worth considering.

Dabble wasn't just made to help you write a book; it's designed to help you tap into your best writer self. Here are just a few of the ways you can use this writing tool to improve your productivity and craft.

Working with co-author can open the doors for more productivity, cross-promotion, and a lot of other smart business stuff. But how does it work exactly? And is it the right strategy for you? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about writing with a partner.

You may have heard that your success as an author depends on your ability to write within the confines of your literary genre. But does that mean you have to produce dull, cookie-cutter novels? Here are the answers to your biggest questions about genre.

Unsure of how to start writing? This easy guide and checklist will help you turn your writing dreams into a reality.

Believe it or not, you can make a decent living with your creative writing skills. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about finding work as a writer.

Oh hey, look at this! It's a free, downloadable character arc template to help you craft fascinating journeys for your characters. Plus, learn what it takes to create an arc-worthy character and how to weave their arc into your plot.

Snag this free, downloadable character development worksheet, designed to help you craft compelling characters and write an unputdownable story.

From understanding the role setting plays in your romance novel to brainstorming soul-stirring locations, here's everything you need to know to enchant both your characters and readers with a world that’s ripe for romance.

Want to create a world your YA readers are sure to get lost in? You've come to the right place! Here's everything you need to know about setting the scene for a young adult novel.

A captivating setting draws your reader into the world of your mystery novel. It sets the tone, reveals clues, and even interferes with the investigation. There's no doubt setting has a lot of work to do. Here's everything you need to know to make yours gets the job done.

Here's everything you ever needed to know about writing unforgettable YA characters—from tapping into teenage motivation to finding authentic voices.

Puzzling over how to create your mystery characters? This guide reveals all the clues you need, from crafting an unforgettable sleuth to designing convincing red herrings.

What types of characters resonate best with middle grade readers? How can you bring a kid's perspective into your storytelling? And how complex do middle grade characters need to be? Find those answers and more right here.

There's never been a better time to create an audiobook. But how do you do it? More importantly, how do you make sure your self-published audiobook is a quality product? Here's everything you need to know.

If you're looking for a guide to literary agents, this one has ev-er-y-thing. Get all your questions answered, including how to find an agent, how to work with one, how much you have to pay them, and much more.

Ready to get inspired by some of the best opening lines in literature? Here are some of our favorites, why they're so brilliant, and how you can write a stellar first line that draws readers into the world of your story.

What does it take to find a publisher for your book? How do you know when you've found the right publisher? And how do you convince the right publisher to bet on your novel? We've got all those answers and more right here.

The romance genre is defined by its characters—all the ways they connect, clash, and come together. Here's everything you need to know about creating swoon-worthy characters.

Now that you've polished your manuscript within an inch of its life, you're ready to get your book published. If you plan to go the traditional route, here's everything you need to know.

You've got your work cut out for you when it comes to creating characters to populate your historical fiction novel. But with a little guidance, you can handle it. Here's everything you need to know, from researching your characters' world to perfecting their voices.

Want to learn the secret of how to get rid of writer's block? You've got to get to the root of the problem. We can help with multiple angles to clear the clog and get you writing again.

You've heard it before: becoming an author is a terrible get-rich-quick scheme. But what about bestselling authors? Aren't they rolling in it? Here's everything you wanted to know about the earnings of the elite few.

Want to write a book pitch that snags an agents attention, intrigues publishers, and gets readers clicking "buy"? Here's everything you know about composing the perfect sales pitch for your novel.

Feeling a little lost, discouraged, or stuck in your writing career? The stories of these inspirational authors are sure to reignite your create passion and spark new ideas.

The Nice Guy trope: it's gotten increasingly controversial in the last few years, but it is it all bad? What defines this trope and how do authors adapt it for the modern world? We've got those answers right here.

Which of the three major publishing processes matches your vision for your author career? How long do they take? Which is most profitable? You'll find all those answers right here.

Looking for a sad story idea that will absolutely destroy your readers (in a good way)? Here are 50 ideas you're free to steal, plus a few bonus tips on getting your audience to feel those feels.

The protagonist vs. antagonist relationship is what makes your story a story. Learn how to craft each of these characters brilliantly and create conflict your readers will keep thinking about long after "the end."

Knowing how to pace a story is absolutely mandatory if you hope to write an unputdownable novel. The tricky part? The formula isn't the same for every book. Use this guide to learn how to pace your one-of-a-kind tale.

Here's everything you wanted to know about all the types of characters in fiction. Learn how to define and write tertiary characters, protagonists, foils, and everything in between.