Abi Wurdeman

Abi Wurdeman

Abi Wurdeman is the author of Cross-Section of a Human Heart: A Memoir of Early Adulthood, as well as the novella, Holiday Gifts for Insufferable People. She also writes for film and television with her brother and writing partner, Phil Wurdeman. On occasion, Abi pretends to be a poet. One of her poems is (legally) stamped into a sidewalk in Santa Clarita, California. When she’s not writing, Abi is most likely hiking, reading, or texting her mother pictures of her houseplants to ask why they look like that.

The Creative Writer’s Ultimate Guide to Science Fantasy

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?

​​Subgenres of Fantasy You’re Gonna Want to Know About

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.

Must-Know Fantasy Tropes for Aspiring Authors

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.

Clearing the Clog: How to Get Rid of Writer’s Block and Write Even Better

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.

68 Sci-Fi Tropes You’re Gonna Want to Know About

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.

How to Write Cosmic Horror and Unleash an Abomination

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.

Books vs. Movies: Which is Better? (And Why Do We Care?)

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.

The Very, Very Best Google Docs Alternatives for Authors

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.

Creative Screenwriting: How to Write Star-Worthy Stories

Want to try your hand at writing a movie? Learn how to get started with this quick guide to screenwriting.

9 Clever Li’l Tricks to Boost Book Sales for Indie Authors

In self-publishing, the author holds all the power. Here's how to wield yours to sell more books and build a sustainable career.

How to Create a Book Marketing Plan in Three Tidy Phases

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.

How to Do an Author Study and Learn From the World’s Best

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.

What’s a Hybrid Genre? Learn the Art of the Literary Mash-Up

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.

How to Write a Narrative Poem: Master an Ancient Craft

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.

Master Storytelling With 4 Types of Narrative Writing

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.

Writing Groups: Where to Find ‘Em and Why to Join ‘Em

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.

6 Types of Writing Styles Every Writer Should Know

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.

Studying Creative Writing on Any Schedule or Budget

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.

Creative Truth Telling 101: How to Write a Narrative Essay

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.

Creative Writing Classes: Are They Really Worth It?

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.

What is Dark Fantasy? Your Guide to Literary Devastation

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.

Copyright Laws for Authors (in Words We Can All Understand)

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.

Memoir vs. Autobiography: How Will You Tell Your Life Story?

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.

Technical Writing Skills for the Technically Curious

Technical writers are pretty much always in demand. Learn what it takes to survive and thrive in this line of work.

Mental Health and Writing: When Wordsmithing is Self-Care

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.

Translation and Global Publishing: A World of Possibility

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.

40 Sci-Fi Writing Prompts to Supercharge Your Imagination

Struggling to come up with a fresh idea for a science fiction story? Wake up your imagination with these unique sci-fi writing prompts.

What is Magical Realism? Find the Fantastical in the Familiar

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 Examples (Plus Tips for Writing Your Own)

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.

How to Start a Publishing Company: A Great Big Overview

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.

What is a Ghostwriter? A Peek Behind the Literary Veil

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.

Book Cover Ideas to Inspire Your Next Eye-Catching Release

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.

How to Write an E-book and Get It Into Your Future Fans’ Hands

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.

Examples of Creative Nonfiction for the Slightly Confused

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.

Dabble vs. Squibler: Which Writing Software is Best for You?

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

Squibler Alternatives: What Else is Out There for Writers?

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

Copy Editing for Authors: What It Is and Why You Need It

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.

Proofreading: All the Tricks for Producing a Polished Novel

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.

How to Plan an Utterly Unforgettable Book Signing Event

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.

What is an Anti-hero? Simple Guide, Complicated Character

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.

What’s a Sensitivity Reader and Where Do You Find One?

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.

Critical Feedback for Writers: Why You Need It, How to Love It

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.

How to Handle Criticism: An Honest Guide for Writers

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.

Science Fiction Themes That’ll Hit Like an Asteroid

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.

Character/Man vs. Nature: Exploring the Wildest Story Conflict

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.

Literary Trope Examples (Also, What’s a Trope?)

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 Exactly is an Archetype in Literature?

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.

Unlocking the Universal Power of Cosmic Irony

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.

All the Must-Have Parts of a Story: A Guide for New Writers

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.

Is a Creative Writing Degree Worth It? Let’s Get Into It.

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.

Purple Prose: What Is It and Why Is It Such a Crime?

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.

A Guide to Memoir and the Scary Art of Personal Storytelling

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.

The Beautiful and Necessary Art of Messy First Drafts

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 is an Epilogue? A Peek Into the World Beyond “The End”

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.

What is Tone? Unpacking the Secret to Your Story’s Vibe

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.

Foreshadowing: The Writer’s Guide to Building Anticipation

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

Does Your Detective Need a Sidekick? Let’s Confer.

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.

Your Guide to the Manipulative Art of Socratic Irony

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.

The Four Types of Irony Every Writer Should Understand

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.

91+ Literary Terms Every Fiction Writer Should Know

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.

How to Write an Epilogue (and When You Shouldn’t)

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.

Character Diction: The Writer’s Secret for Stellar Dialogue

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.

8 Traits a Negative Character Arc Absolutely Must Have

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.

Crafting the Lie Your Character Believes in 5 Tidy Little Steps

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.

How to Write an Amazing Detective in a Mystery

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

The Plot Thickens: Writing Twists in Mystery Stories

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.

Verbal Irony: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why We Even Care

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.

The Delightfully Unbearable Suspense of Dramatic Irony

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 Makes a Good Clue in a Mystery? Here’s the Big Reveal.

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.

How to Write a Cozy Mystery Novel They’ll Devour in One Day

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.

This Article is About Writing Unreliable Narrators. Or is It?

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.

Should Your Mystery Include Red Herrings? Let’s Solve This.

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 to Write Young Adult Novels With Dabble (Guide + Template!)

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.

How to Write Mystery With Dabble (Guide + Template!)

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!

How to Write Historical Fiction With Dabble (Guide + Template)

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.

How to Write Middle Grade With Dabble (Guide + Template!)

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.

Writing a Likeable Flawed Protagonist (And Why You Have To)

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 vs. First Draft Pro: Which One Makes Writing Easier?

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.

How to Write Romance With Dabble (Guide + Template!)

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.

Author Branding Strategies That Won’t Kill Your Creativity

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.

How to Get the Most Out of a Writing Conference

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.

Writing for Different Age Groups Like a Total Pro

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.

Flashback and Foreshadowing Techniques for Clever Writers

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.

How to Use Beta Reader Feedback: The Ultimate Guide

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.

How to Create a Setting for Middle Grade Fiction in 4 Steps

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.

How to Create a Setting for Historical Fiction in 7 Steps

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.

Real Talk: Why is Everybody Hating on the Nice Guy Trope?

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.

How the Most Successful Authors Made It Happen

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.

How to Dream up Pen Name Ideas That Are Full-On Brilliant

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.

How to Use Subtext to Write a Story That Speaks to the Soul

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.

Alternatives to Scapple: Best Mind Mapping Tools for Writers

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.

Alternatives to Novlr: Exploring the Best Novel Writing Software

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.

Best Plottr Alternatives: Find Your Perfect Plotting Tool

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.

Alternatives to Microsoft Word for the Rebellious Writer

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.

Alternatives to NovelPad: Find the Best Writing Tool for You

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

How Dabble Can Help You Write Faster, Better, and More Successfully

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.

How to Work With a Co-Author (and Why You’d Want To)

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.

Fabulous or Formulaic? Understanding Literary Genres

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.

How to Start Writing

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

A Seriously Long List of Jobs That Involve Creative Writing

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.

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