Writing Life
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How to Become an Author and Build a Successful Career
Not sure how to become a successful author—or if it's even possible? Learn exactly what it takes to make it as a writer.
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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.
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More, Faster, Better: Writing Hacks for Word Slayers
On the prowl for writing hacks? We've got you covered. Whether you hope to write more, write faster, or write better, these tips are sure to help you conquer your goals.
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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.
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How to Write a Novel in a Month With Your Crazy Schedule
Is it hard to write a novel in a month? Oh, you betcha. But it's a goal worth pursuing, and with these strategies in place, you can definitely pull it off.
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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.
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Deep Dive: Author Finances
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Fast and Furious Fiction: How to Write More Quickly
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Inspirational Authors Who Will Rekindle Your Love of Writing
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.
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Social Media Marketing for Authors
Book marketing. Those two innocuous words instill fear and loathing into the hearts of so many writers. You just want to write your books and have them sell themselves. Why do you have to tell people about it? Well, Susan, because you do. I know you want to write, but if your goal is to write, publish, and make money from your books, then you’re going to have to find a way to make them visible. Thousands of new titles are uploaded to Amazon every single day. Millions of books are being published every year, and no matter how good your story is, without marketing, there’s not much chance very many people will find it.
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Novel Planning: A Practical Guide
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.
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To Pants Or To Plot: Which One is Best For Your Story?
What kind of writer are you? Are you the sort who writes a meticulous outline that tips into the five digits or the type who sits down in front of a blank sheet of paper and lets the words pour out of you like a runaway train? Did you know there are specific terms for this kind of writing? Writers will come up with words for anything, I swear. Plotters are the first type of writer. They like to have detailed outlines that tell them exactly where their story is going. Pantsers are the other type of writer, which is kind of a weird name, but the term was coined by Stephen King (a famous pantser) to describe writing by the seat of your pants. Cute, eh? There is no right or wrong way to write your book, and I’m going to repeat this so many times. The right way is the way that works for you.
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How to Write With a Full-Time Job and Also Sleep Sometimes
Desperate to know how to write with a full-time job? Look no further. This guide has all the tips you need for finding time, staying on track, and avoiding burnout. Get ready to crush your writing goals!
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How to Write a Novella: Short, Sweet, and Sellable
Why should you learn how to write a novella? Because a novella can be a great tool for building an audience, mastering your craft, and even introducing a series. Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of this focused style of storytelling.