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.
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.
What's the defining line between sci-fi and fantasy? There's actually a lot more to it than magic versus technology.
Does science fiction alone feel too limiting for your vast imagination? Do you feel like your fantasy world could use a dash of futuristic technology?
What subgenre does your fantasy novel fall under? What does that mean for your readers' expectations? And why does any of this matter? If you don't know, you're about to find out.
Want to write the kind of fantasy stories that draw readers in and get them hooked? Then you need to know your fantasy tropes. Here's a quick guide to the most popular conventions of the genre.
Sci-fi tropes are key to writing science fiction that resonates with fans of the genre. Here are 68 tropes worth knowing, plus a few tips for making them feel brand new.
Bone-chilling monsters, powerless humans, and absolute buckets of existential dread? Must be cosmic horror. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about writing this nightmare genre.
Which was better: the book or the movie? That question isn't just a fun debate starter. It can also lead to meaningful insights about what it takes to write a great story.
Want to try your hand at writing a movie? Learn how to get started with this quick guide to screenwriting.
In self-publishing, the author holds all the power. Here's how to wield yours to sell more books and build a sustainable career.
The bad news is that your books won't sell themselves. The good news is that there are more ways than ever to get your novel in front of readers. Here's how to create a marketing strategy that connects you with your future superfans.
Whether you're trying to learn the craft of writing or find your way in the publishing business, it always helps to study those who have gone before. Here's how to do an author study that will inspire your own journey.
Kinda wish you didn't have to choose between genres when you write your next novel? Maybe you don't have to! Get to know hybrid genres and what it takes to write a great cross-genre story.
Looking for tips on how to write an engaging story all in verse? You'll find everything you need to know in this article, from crafting your narrative to managing your meter.
Narrative writing shows up in multiple forms and nearly every genre. Get to know the four most common types of narrative writing and learn how to tell a great story in any context.
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.
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.
Narrative essays are proof that you don't have to stretch the truth to tell a good story. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about turning reality into a compelling tale.
If you dream of a writing career, studying creative writing is an absolute must. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can pull that off. Check out our guide to learning the craft, from where to find courses to which topics you should prioritize.
What's the difference between narrative writing and expository writing? What does a technical writer do? How do you nail descriptive writing? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the most common types of writing styles.
Is it true what they say? Can a writing group really improve your work and boost your author career? Here's everything you ever wanted to know about joining (or starting) a writers' group.
Learn how to write dark fantasy, the subgenre that invites you to explore nightmarish landscapes, meet darkly complex characters, and ask unsettling questions about morality.
There are countless ways to master the craft of writing. Is a creative writing class really necessary? It depends! Here's everything you ever wanted to know about taking a writing course, plus tips for picking the best class for you.
Struggling to come up with a fresh idea for a science fiction story? Wake up your imagination with these unique sci-fi writing prompts.
Could you boosts your book's earning power and build a bigger following by publishing in foreign markets? The answer is... complicated. Here's everything you need to know about going global.
Research shows that writing comes with loads of mental health benefits, from sharpening your focus to easing anxiety and depression. Here's how it works and how you can integrate more writing into your life.
Technical writers are pretty much always in demand. Learn what it takes to survive and thrive in this line of work.
The terms "memoir" and "autobiography" are often used interchangeably, but these two styles of personal storytelling are actually very different. Here's how to tell one from the other... and how to decide which is best for your life story.
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.
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.
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.
Eyeballing Squibler but still curious about the other writing programs out there? Here's everything you need to know about the top Squibler alternatives.
Trying to find your ideal writing software? Examine two top contenders side by side in this comprehensive guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to build some suspense and keep your readers frantically flipping pages? Then you'll want to check out this guide to foreshadowing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Here's everything you need to know to write a spectacular sleuth that mystery readers will immediately love and never forget.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NovelPad is an impressive and popular writing tool, but is it the best option for you? Here are a few NovelPad alternatives worth considering.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.