Being told your character is "one-dimensional" can feel like a slap to the face. But what does that even mean? And is there a place for one-dimensional characters in books? We discuss all that and more in this article.
Whether writing is your hobby or career, you'll need to deal with the financial side of authorship sooner or later. It's not as fun as coming up with love triangles or magical worlds, but this Deep Dive tells you all you need to know to get a handle on your author finances.
Themes add an important element to our stories, giving them meaning and adding extra depth. We'll cover some common book themes and how to write stories with them in mind.
It isn't easy to write a good villain, at least not without the right ingredients. Let Dabble give you the perfect recipe for a villain!
Your author brand is how you're represented to readers (or prospective readers) even when you aren't around. It's a crucial component of a successful author career. If you want to make a brand that gets your words written, check out this Deep Dive.
Urban fantasy occupies a unique and exciting spot in the fantasy genre, bringing magic and supernatural elements to our modern world. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about how to write urban fantasy, from worldbuilding to common plots and themes.
In this follow-up to our author website Deep Dive, we take a look at how you can maximize your digital home base. Be sure to download our author website cheat sheet, too!
A character sketch is a great tool to flesh out a character and keep your story engaging. In this article, we cover how to write a character sketch to make better characters.
Character archetypes can help you write complex, three-dimensional characters. Learn more about them, including 14 common types, with Dabble.
Conflict is central to every story you write, but actually writing that conflict is tough. No need to fight for information, we've got all you need to write conflict!
Prose describes how you write your book, and it can be challenging to get right. So, in this article, we cover what makes good prose.
In this Dabble Premium Deep Dive, we're taking a look at an under-used but valuable resource: a style sheet. And, of course, that means a free Premium resource, too, which is your very own style sheet template!
In this Dabble Premium Deep Dive, we're looking at character relationships: what's involved with them, how to write them, and what people love about them. Plus, get a FREE downloadable resource to help craft your own relationships.
While they can seem random, cliché, or epic, a surprising amount of thinking should go into what you name your characters. In this article, we break down why names are important, what you need to consider when picking one, and how to name your fictional characters.
Novels are daunting projects to tackle, especially if you're only getting 200 words done at a time. In this article, we cover everything that that can help you write fast and get that book done quickly.
Coming up with a new, original idea for your fantasy story can be as difficult as the grand quests we write about. In this article, we look at ways you can put your own spin on fantasy plot ideas and cover 25 unique prompts across multiple fantasy subgenres.
While it's not for every story, tragic irony can be a great way to mess with both your characters and your readers... in a fun way, of course. Learn all about it in this article.
When it comes to improving the quality of your prose and your story's readability, few are as capable as line editors. In this article, we discuss what line editing is, how it helps, and what working with a line editor is like.
Whether you're looking for a fresh fantasy story idea or just need a bit of prompting to unclog that writer's block, we've got your back with 50 different ideas spread across five different categories: worldbuilding, characters, plot, twists, and magic.
Want to take your author game up a level and make it your day job? Then you need to treat it like a business. It doesn't matter if you have ten books under your belt or are working on your first one, this guide will get you ready to establish your business of writing.
Have you every wondered whether you can make a living as a writer? It is far from easy, but we break down the way you can achieve your dreams as a career author.
Developmental editing, also known as substantive or structural editing, is an intensive look at your story's plot, worldbuilding, characters, themes, and everything else that makes your writing unique. Learn all about the process and how to find a developmental editor in this article!
While memoirs and autobiographies share many characteristics, but they are far from the same. What are the differences? Find out in this article.
There are certain core elements of every work of fiction, some principles you need to know to write a good story. In this article, we cover the most important elements of fiction.
While self-publishing your novel is exciting, it can be overwhelming for the unprepared. Whether you're writing your first book or your fifth, this comprehensive guide will cover all the technical information you need to know to prepare yourself for self-publishing success.
The way you start your novel is one of the most important decisions an author can make. In medias res (literally "in the midst of things") is one of the most effective options you have to open your story. Learn more about it, including how to write an in medias res opening, in this article.
A hook can be a great way to start a story, but it requires skill and a bit of finesse to pull off properly. That's why we've put together this guide to writing good hooks!
Hooks can be incredibly powerful openers, especially to draw your readers into your book from the first line. In this article, we're covering everything you need to write a hook to start your novel.
Metaphors are powerful literary devices to enhance our writing, and the strongest of them is the almighty extended metaphor. Learn all about it and how to incorporate it into your own writing in this article.
Using alliteration in your writing is a beautiful balance between subtlety and annoying your reader. But if you get it right, you can craft killer prose that gets your audience to read exactly the way you want.
Literary devices are the tools authors whip out to add a little extra polish, a bit more pizazz to their writing. Situational irony is just one of those tools, a form of misdirection that will hook your readers until your last page.
Third-person omniscient narrators are powerful storytellers, but are not always easy to write. In this article, we will decode the secrets of third-person omniscient POV.
While magic feels at home in fantasy stories, it fills a creative niche in science fiction, too. In fact, it makes some great stories. But combining magic and technology can be tricky. We cover everything you need to know in this article!
Dabble is a sleek powerhouse and an invaluable tool for writing thriller novels. In this guide, we discuss exactly what Dabble brings to the table and even include a template for your next thriller!
Spaceships are a cornerstone of the sci-fi genre, and they're incredibly fun to create and write. In this article, we do a deep dive into everything you need to consider when writing your spaceships.
If you want to write something that will scare the socks off someone, you'll want to use a writing tool that comes with the features and functions you need. In this guide, we're going to be covering exactly how to write your scary story with Dabble, plus you'll get a handy template to help you out!
Writing a sci-fi novel doesn't need to be like venturing into the abyss of space. Not when you have Dabble by your side! In this guide, we cover how to write a science fiction novel with Dabble, the best novel-writing platform out there. Plus you get a free template to help you write your best book!
Dabble is a powerhouse of a writing tool, but it feels extra strong in the hands of a fantasy writer. If you're looking to pen a grand adventure full of magic and monsters, use this guide and template to leverage all Dabble has to offer.
Trilogies can provide many benefits to authors: expanded character and plot development, extra twists and turns, and even increased revenue. In this article, we discuss all that and more as we look at publishing and promoting a trilogy of books.
Ready to enchant your readers? Dive headfirst into our jam-packed guide on crafting a mesmerizing magic system. From the nitty-gritty of magic users to the art of setting up those big magical twists, this guide is bursting with all the tricks up our sleeve, and they can all be yours!
All magic systems are made of hard magic, soft magic, or some hybrid between the two. In this article, we discuss what these two schools of magic are, what they bring to the writing table, and how you can wield them in your writing.
Tension is such a powerful tool in gluing your readers to your book, but only if you know what you're doing. In this article, we discuss what you need to write killer tension.
Creating a whole fictional world can be a daunting task, but there's one tool you can use to make this fun, intricate process better: a worldbuilding bible. In this article, we discuss exactly what you need to create that document and give you a template to make one right here in Dabble!
Even if they aren't the star of the show, secondary characters can live rent-free in the minds of your readers long after your story is over. That's if you put in the work, though. So, in this article, we're going to figure out how to craft memorable Side Characters.
Writing to market is what serious, career-oriented authors do. It means taking your passion and sculpting it to meet the needs of your audience to make a living. But how do you write to market? Let's chat about it.
Ulysses is a great tool for authors, but is it the best for you? While many writers have found success with Ulysses, others look elsewhere for the perfect companion in their writing journey. But where should you look? Here are six alternatives to Ulysses to check out!
Looking for an alternative to Atticus? The online writing and formatting tool is good, but there are some powerful options out there you might want to consider for your author journey.
Hemingway Editor is an effective, free tool you can use to bolster your writing, but is it the best out there for you? In this article, we look at the best alternatives to Hemingway Editor for authors.
What do you need from a writing tool to create your best story? It's not an easy question to answer. With so many options out there, we're taking a look at Chapterly, a popular tool for authors, as well as ten alternatives you might want to consider.
Plot holes can quickly make Swiss cheese of your story, ruining all the carefully crafted character arcs, themes, and beautiful narrative you've worked so hard to create. So let's figure out how to identify, fix, and prevent plot holes!
Symbols and motifs are powerful tools for an author who knows how to use them, but getting this storytelling elements right can be tricky. In this article, we discuss what motifs and symbols are and how you can use them to make your novel unforgettable.
If your dream is to see your book on the shelves of local stores, big retailers, and displayed in major online outlets, you might want to get published by a publishing house. But for first-time authors, which publishers should you be looking at? We break down everything you need to know.
Settings are to thriller novels as Robin is to Batman, Hannibal is to Clarice, and pineapple is to pizza. That is to say, your thriller's setting is an integral part of what your thriller is, so we want to get it right... and that's what we're learning about in this article.
We've got you covered with the best character template ever to help bring your story's characters to life!
So you want to send your characters to the far reaches of the galaxy, huh? Or maybe a rogue AI is taking over the world? Whatever your sci-fi plot, you need a strong setting for your story to take place in. We cover how to write a sci-fi setting in this article.
Every horror story has fantastic and spinechilling settings to up the ante (and the scares). Dive into our comprehensive guide to creating your own horror setting, from understanding the basics to avoiding common mistakes and leave your readers trembling.
Sci-fi is a genre defined by incredible world, futuristic technology, and pushing the boundaries of what's known and unknown. But it only works if you can write great sci-fi characters. Need help with that? We've got you.
One of the coolest parts of writing a book with magic is creating your magic users. Here are nine different types of tried-and-true spellcasters you can use in your story!
Fantasy stories are epic tales filled with interesting and compelling characters, but coming up with that cast of imaginary people can be difficult. We cover everything you need to write your fantasy characters in this guide.
Writing a creepy horror story is one thing, but coming up with complex, compelling characters in that story is a whole other matter. Luckily we've got your back with a guide to writing horror characters.
Welcome to the imagination gym, where we're going to introduce you to a bunch of free writing exercises you can use to create a custom author workout plan.
Whether you're writing a down-on-their-luck detective or a cat-and-mouse duo of hero and serial killer, thriller characters are what push your stressful story forward.
Technology is to sci-fi as peanut butter is to jelly. So you want to make sure the tech you're writing in your science fiction story is the best it can be and leave a sweet taste in your reader's mouth. How? Read on to find out.
One of the original story structures, Freytag's Pyramid is the foundation for dramatic stories and tragedies. Learn all about it with Dabble!
Amongst the elves, orcs, wizards, and ancient curses of fantasy is "hard fantasy," a term that is part subgenre, part writing style. If you want to know what hard fantasy is, exactly, you've come to the right place.
Sure, it isn't fun, but formatting your novel is an important part of the writing process. Whether you're submitting your manuscript to an agent or publisher, or you've decided to self-publish, understanding how to format a novel is essential for all authors.
Magic is what makes fantasy so great, which means you want to get the words right. But how do you go about describing magic? Is there supposed to be a reason behind each arcane word? We cover it all in this article!
Fight scenes are what some readers live for, but writing them can be tough. Let's dissect how to write a fight scene in your novel.
Magic is a staple of many genres, but a spellbinding book needs a good magic system. In this article, we cover what a magic system is and why you should care!
Planning your novel isn't as easy as it seems, and it starts before you jot down that first word in your outline. There are really countless ways to plan your novel, but we've created this practical guide to help you find your best system.
You've probably heard that writing in a passive voice isn't as great using the more active counterpart. But why? And how do you fix passive writing in your manuscript? We cover everything you need to know about correcting passive voice in this article.
Maybe you've heard of foil characters before, but what exactly do these types of characters do? How can you make a good one? Don't worry, we cover everything you need to know about foil characters in this article.
Congratulations on finishing your draft! Now it's time for the dreaded editing phase. Don't worry, dear author, because we have a comprehensive editing checklist for you and your book, no matter what stage you are at.
When you create a writing habit, wonderful things happen. You write more, you write better, and you write faster. But how do we build and maintain a writing habit? We explain it all in this article!
There isn't a more controversial piece of punctuation in the world than the Oxford comma. But what is this comma and how do we use it? Find out in this article!
Great characters have great character arcs, but those can be tough to come up with! In this article, we cover fifteen character arc ideas you can use to craft incredible stories.
Chekhov's Gun is a fundamental principle in writing. Join us as we examine what this principle is so you can apply it to your own writing.
Outlining your future bestseller isn't easy! But we break it down for you so you can plan a novel that rocks.
Writers are constantly learning and leveling up our craft. But, with hundreds of books on writing published every year, it's tough to narrow down your search for the best books on fiction writing. Luckily, we've compiled this list of the top ten (with some honorable mentions).
For many authors, including self-published writers, getting your books into bookstores is the ultimate goal. If you don't have a big publisher behind you, this article will set you up for bookstore success!
Time to learn one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Welcome to the Plot Grid.
There is nothing more quintessentially thriller than suspense. It's that hold-your-breath feeling that we crave in these stories. So, if you want to write a thriller your readers will love, here's how you build heart-stopping suspense.
Finishing your first draft is quite possibly the biggest challenge you'll face as a fiction writer. To be successful, where should you start?
Naming your fantasy world and its towns, cities, and other locations can be a tall order. How do you even begin? What's the meaning behind famous names? In this article, we figure out how you can name your fantasy world and why you should put in the effort.
Need a little push to get those horror gears turning in your head? Here are 30 different horror story ideas spread over six subgenres for you to use. What scary story will you write?
As writers, we have the power to both create and destroy our fictional characters. Sometimes characters die, and you want to make sure you're sending them off the right way. In this article, we dissect all the best ways to write a death scene.
Conflict is what makes books worth reading. Join us as we explore the four types of conflict you can use to make you story memorable!
Writing a trilogy is no easy feat, nor is it like writing a book or serialized novels. In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know to write your best trilogy.
A prologue can be a powerful addition to your story, but only if you get it right. In this article, we discuss how you can find the perfect length for your prologue and what you should include in it.
Characters come with traits, flaws, problems and much more. Time to dig into those and start giving some depth to them.
When used properly, a trope instantly hooks your reader and gives them a sense of familiarity in your unique story. In this article, we look at how to use motivation tropes, make them your own, and give you more than 50 examples of tropes to kick your characters into gear.
When it comes to making your reader's heart beat in fear, few things are more effective than adding suspense to your horror story. In this article, we discuss the ins and outs of adding suspense well.
Character motivation is essential in creating characters your readers will care about. Learn about the types of motivation with Dabble!
Dialogue tags are a fundamental part of writing, but they can be tough to wrap your brain around. In this article, we make you a dialogue tag expert!
Antagonists are some of the most important types of characters in stories, but also some of the most difficult to write. Let's breakdown what makes a good antagonist.
How much do authors make? It's a question every writer asks at least once. We break it down for you in this blog!
One of the most critical components to your scene, writing a good setting takes skill, effort, and intention. Luckily for you, you can learn all about it in this article.
A prologue can be a powerful addition to your book... or completely ruin it for the reader. Use this article to figure out when you book should contain a prologue
There's no easy way to determine how many chapters you should have in your book, but let's figure out how many will work for you.
The first chapter may very well be the most important in your entire book. But how do you write a first chapter that makes it impossible for your reader not to go to the next? We cover everything you need to know in this article.
