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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While memoirs and autobiographies share many characteristics, but they are far from the same. What are the differences? Find out in this 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

English is whack. You should make something better. Here's how to make your own language in four simple steps, whether it's for a novel, show, your DnD group, or just a hobby.

We've got you covered with the best character template ever to help bring your story's characters to life!

One of the best parts of reading (and writing) fantasy is getting lost in the incredible worlds that are rich in lore, characters, and magic. But creating those settings isn't as easy as it seems. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to write a fantasy setting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.