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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Romance tropes are the heartbeat of what makes romance novels feel like cozy sweaters you want to snuggle into. Learn how to weave in these tropes to enhance your romance story!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

A captivating setting draws your reader into the world of your mystery novel. It sets the tone, reveals clues, and even interferes with the investigation. There's no doubt setting has a lot of work to do. Here's everything you need to know to make yours gets the job done.

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.

Want to create a world your YA readers are sure to get lost in? You've come to the right place! Here's everything you need to know about setting the scene for a young adult novel.

From understanding the role setting plays in your romance novel to brainstorming soul-stirring locations, here's everything you need to know to enchant both your characters and readers with a world that’s ripe for romance.

Today we’re going to look at story beats to help craft your romance novel. Beats are specific points of significance that occur in stories that a) help keep the tension up and b) help drive the story forward. They can also be extremely useful in helping you map out your story before you dive into your first draft. 

What types of characters resonate best with middle grade readers? How can you bring a kid's perspective into your storytelling? And how complex do middle grade characters need to be? Find those answers and more right here.

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.

Puzzling over how to create your mystery characters? This guide reveals all the clues you need, from crafting an unforgettable sleuth to designing convincing red herrings.

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.

Here's everything you ever needed to know about writing unforgettable YA characters—from tapping into teenage motivation to finding authentic voices.

You've got your work cut out for you when it comes to creating characters to populate your historical fiction novel. But with a little guidance, you can handle it. Here's everything you need to know, from researching your characters' world to perfecting their voices.

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.

The romance genre is defined by its characters—all the ways they connect, clash, and come together. Here's everything you need to know about creating swoon-worthy characters.

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.

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.

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!

Young adult fiction is one of the fastest growing categories of books in publishing. If you’ve ever been interested in writing young adult (YA) fiction, you might wonder how it differs from regular adult fiction. There are a few key differences between the two age categories, but there are also some similarities. Sometimes it can almost be tricky to tell which category it falls in, especially with protagonists in the 18-19 age range.

If you’ve never heard the term “meet cute,” let me explain. It’s a common expression you’ll hear when talking about romance novels, movies, and shows. It’s the moment that your love interests meet for the first time, often in a cute and humorous way (though it doesn’t have to be). 

To write a romance you need to manage three separate arcs: your main character, your love interest, and the romance itself.

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.

You know you have to research historical fiction if you want to write historical fiction. But how do you learn about your chosen time period? And how do you know when you're done researching? Here's what you need to know.

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?

Sci-fi worldbuilding might be a huge task, but it's also insanely fun. And this guide will help you set some parameters so you don't get lost in the depths of your wildest imagination.

Historical fiction presents its own unique set of challenges. There’s writing the story itself. Getting the plot and the characters and the setting and all those important things that create a great story right. But there’s also the added challenge of making sure you’ve got the historical details to make it all come together with accuracy.

Conflicts in fantasy books are fun because they tend to have epic proportions. We’re talking war and strife and evil overlords planning to enslave humanity. You don’t really get that kind of massive conflict in say, a contemporary book set in downtown Seattle. 

So you want to be a romance author. Not just a romance author, but a romance author who makes money. Well, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first? Let’s start with the good news. The good news is that the romance genre is far and away the best-selling genre out there and the potential to earn money writing romance is pretty high. 

Need a bit of advice for writing your fantasy novel? You aren't alone! Writing fantasy can be as overwhelming as it is fun, but we cover 30 tips to help write your fantasy novel.

Interested in writing middle grade fiction? Then you gotta learn how to think like a kid. Check out this comprehensive guide to creating a story that keeps them up past their bedtime.

There's a certain draw to being scared that some people can never satisfy. So give your readers what they want with these scary writing prompts!

Steamy Romance author Sierra Simone talks with us about how she goes about writing characters that readers can't get enough of.

Struggling to dream up fantasy writing ideas that haven’t been done? Let these brand-new, totally original prompts spark your imagination.

So you want to write a heart-stopping, white-knuckled, edge of your seat thriller? Well you've come to the right place. Join us as we decipher everything you need to know about writing a thriller.

There is an art to creating a series of sentences and paragraphs that will give your readers nightmares. Learn everything you need to write a horror story and make your audience afraid of the dark again.

Writing a fantasy novel is a big, exciting, and rewarding undertaking. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about writing a fantasy story.

You want to know how to write an adventure story—the kind of heart-pounding saga that keeps readers up until the wee hours, whispering, “Just one more chapter,” until their eyes dry out. Well, this is how it's done.

How do you create a fantasy world? Where do you find ideas? When do you know you're done? We've got all those answers and more right here.

If you’re a regular writer of romance or are looking to dive into this popular genre, you might be on the lookout for some stellar plot ideas. Spend any time reading and exploring the genre and you’ll know that romance is just one word for dozens of different subgenres all with their own tone and style. 

What’s the difference between a great love story and a so-so love story? Romantic chemistry, that’s what. If you’ve ever read a romance novel or a book with a romantic subplot and found yourself not really caring about the relationship between the love interests, there’s a good chance the author missed out on building up that oh-so important chemistry. 

Learn how to write a mystery that chills, thrills, and gets your readers begging for a series.

Young adult books are easily one of, if not the fastest, growing genres in publishing. A lot of the biggest breakout books like the Hunger Games, Twilight, and Shadow and Bone are all based on YA novels. There’s something about the teenage experience that speaks to us all—no matter how old we get and how long ago teenagerhood was. 

Pacing is one of those things I think only writers talk about. Before I delved into becoming a writer, I was a reader and didn’t really toss around words like “pacing.” To me, if something was wrong with a book’s “pacing,” it felt either too slow and boring or too fast and shallow for it to hold my interest. Chances are most of your readers are the same. 

What is middle grade fiction? You mean, other than being the single greatest source of childhood joy? Here's everything you need to know about the books that inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Love. That universal feeling that brings us all together. It’s an emotion that can destroy us or uplift us. Make us feel safe or make us feel lonely. It can give us the highest highs and the lowest lows. Love can bring down empires and love can overcome evil to save the world. Wow. That’s a lot for one little four-letter word to handle. 

The answer to how to write a sci-fi novel is not as an intimidating as you might think. Here's everything you need to know to delve into the world of science fiction.