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Advice to writers from experts, our personal recommendations and community contributions. Here you'll find articles spreading across the vast spectrum of writing domains.

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Cozy Mystery header - Photo by alexey turenkov on Unsplash
How to Write a Four Act Cozy Mystery (With Downloadable Template)

There’s something special about a Cozy Mystery. They’re great escapism, and without the gore and violence so often associated with “hardboiled” detective fiction. It’s a hugely popular genre and lends an air of intimacy to the concept of crime fiction. The detectives who feature in them are often amateurs, and…

Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 13

Street scene with people - writing characters using the STEAL method - Photo by Christopher Burns on UnsplashHow to Create Interesting Characters Using the STEAL Method
Nimrod Cortés

May 10

Playlists for writing - Photo by C D-X on Unsplash6 Epic Mood and Scene-Specific Playlists for Writing Inspiration
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 6

Find writing inspiration in real life by visiting art galeries - Photo by Una Laurencic for PexelsFinding Writing Inspiration in Real Life
Crystal Kamm

Apr 26

Worldbuilding Exercises for Science Fiction and Fantasy - Photo by OMK on Unsplash5 Worldbuilding Exercises for Science Fiction and Fantasy
Martin Woods

Apr 22

preface, prologue, foreword, and introduction - blog headerPreface, Introduction, Foreword, and Prologue: What They Are and How To Use Them
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 19

nature writing - Photo by Geran de Klerk on UnsplashHow to Write Engaging Non-Fiction: Nature Writing
Lydia Yadi

Apr 15

Writing historical fiction - Photo by Clarisse Meyer on UnsplashGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Historical Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 11

reading for writing prompts - Photo by Matias North on Unsplash6 Ways to Use Your Favourite Books for Writing Prompts
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 8

How to write a mystery or crime thriller - hazy blue path way with creepy trees - Photo by Pixabay for PexelsHow to Write a Mystery or Crime Thriller (with Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 5

8 Mistakes to Avoid For a Perfect Ending to Your Novel8 Mistakes to Avoid For a Perfect Ending to Your Novel
Kim Montgomery

Apr 1

Make the change from writing fanfiction to writing original fiction - Photo by George Milton for PexelsHow to Transition from Writing Fanfiction to Writing Original Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 29

A writer gaining skills and confidence - Photo by Daniel Chekalov on UnsplashHow to Develop Your Writing Skills and Gain Confidence in Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 22

tumblr for writers bannerWhy Writers Should Be Using Tumblr: A Complete Guide
Rowena Wiseman

Mar 18

Writing vivid story settings - Photo by Ugo Mendes Donelli on Unsplash5 Writing Exercises to Help You Create Vivid Story Settings
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 15

when motivation is lacking header - Photo by Annie Spratt on UnsplashWhat to Do When Motivation Is Lacking
Crystal Kamm

Mar 11

How to write spicy scenes - Photo by Pixabay for PexelsTurn Up the Heat: A Guide to Adding Spicy Scenes to Your Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 8

A glass globe on the beach - Photo by Josh SorensonThe Fichtean Curve: How to Escalate Tension and Conflict
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 1

Editing old manuscripts - Photo by Dim Hou on UnsplashWhat Kind of Editing is Right For Me?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 26

How to write a good story - Photo by Suzy HazelwoodWhat Makes a Good Story?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 23

A physical mood board - Photo by Joyce Hankins on UnsplashFrom Concept to Creation: Building a Mood Board for Your Writing Project
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 16

Writing Paranormal Romance - Photo by freestocks.org for PexelsGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Paranormal Romance
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 9

How to write a romance novel - Photo by Elaine Howlin on UnsplashHow to Write the Perfect Romance Novel (with Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 5

The perfect novel opening - Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash8 Mistakes to Avoid to Write the Perfect Novel Opening
Kim Montgomery

Feb 2

How to write the perfect antihero - Photo by Mateo Avila Chinchilla on UnsplashHow to Write the Perfect Antihero
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 29

Burg Eltz - Photo by Cederic Vandenberghe on UnsplashHow to Craft the Perfect Story Setting (With Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 26

Typewriter on desk - ask a ghostwriter - Photo by Daria Kraplak on UnsplashAsk a Ghostwriter: Your Questions Answered
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 22

writing lyrical essay - Photo by Debby Hudson on UnsplashAn Insider’s Guide to Writing the Perfect Lyrical Essay
Lydia Yadi

Jan 19

a writer showing humility in nature - Photo by Ashlyn Ciara on Unsplash5 Ways That Humility Can Make You A Better Writer
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 15

Copyright permission - Photo by Thomas Franke on UnsplashWhat Do Writers Need to Get Copyright Permission for?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 12

writing amazing narrative non-fiction - Photo by Joanna Kosinska on UnsplashHow to Write Amazing Narrative Non-Fiction
Lydia Yadi

Jan 8

Write a Novel in a Year - Photo by Trent Erwin on UnsplashHow to Write a Novel in a Year
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 29

10 festive writing prompts for the holiday season - Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash10 Festive Writing Prompts to Spark Your Holiday Spirit
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 22

Hands flipping through a book to the story resolution in front of a lake - Photo by whereslugo on UnsplashBeyond the End: How to Write the Perfect Story Resolution
Nimrod Cortés

Dec 18

Write with a busy life - Photo by Malvestida on Unsplash5 Tips for How to Write With a Busy Life
Naley Gonzalez

Dec 8

How to write thrilling plot twists - Photo by Wolrider YURTSEVEN for PexelsHow to Write Thrilling Plot Twists
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 4

A Foolproof Character Cheat Sheet (With Downloadable Template)
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 1

Writing dark academia - Photo by Jez Timms on UnsplashGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Dark Academia
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 27

lots of books4 Reading Tips That Will Make You A Better Writer
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 24

Dialogue tags - Photo by Brett Jordan on UnsplashA Beginner’s Guide to Dialogue Tags
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 20

Writing your way into conflict - a winning chess move - Photo by GR Stocks on UnsplashWriting Your Way Into Conflict
Arthur Franz IV

Nov 10

Fit writing around a full-time job - Photo by Lukas Blazek on UnsplashHow to Fit Writing Around a Full-Time Job
Char

Nov 6

Overcoming writer's block over NaNoWriMo - Photo by Steve Johnson on UnsplashFinding Your NaNoWriMo Muse: Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 3

How to plan your novel - Photo by Photo by Ivan Samkov for PexelsHow To Plan a Novel (By Not Planning It)
Crystal Kamm

Oct 30

Write a memorable villain - Photo by murat esibatirHow To Write a Truly Memorable Villain
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 27

Giving characters control of your story - Photo by cottonbro studioWhy Giving Characters Control of Your Story is Good For Your Narrative
Arthur Franz IV

Oct 20

Mind mapping subplots - Photo by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash5 Tips to Write a Good Subplot That Every Writer Needs to Know
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 16

A manuscript after the story resolution with a page in a blue typewriter that says "the end"How to Write a Story Resolution Your Readers Will Remember
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 9

Character archetypes - Medusa - Photo by Wonderlane on UnsplashCharacter Archetypes and How to Use Them in Your Novel
Char

Oct 6

The Best Plot Structure for Writing a Romantic Comedy
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 2

little girl reading - Photo by Jerry Wang on Unsplash5 Helpful Tips for Writing Children’s Books
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 29

Revising and strengthening your dialogue - Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán for Pexels5 Editing Tips to Revise and Strengthen Your Dialogue
Arthur Franz IV

Sep 25

fantasy world buildling6 Essential Ingredients for Building Your Fantasy World
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 22

Write what you know - Photo by cottonbro studioWhen Creativity Meets Reality: The Truth Behind “Write What You Know” 
Parker Fogg

Sep 18

Writing games to develop characters - Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash5 Writing Games to Help You Get to Know Your Characters
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 15

wilted roses - Photo by Annie Spratt on UnsplashThe Ghost Behind: Writing Psychological Trauma
Nimrod Cortés

Sep 11

Writing a memoir - Photo by Yannick Pulver on UnsplashHow to Write an Engaging Memoir
Lydia Yadi

Sep 8

Stephen King's signature over books On Writing - Signature sourced from Wikimedia commons and is in the public domainBreaking Down the Key Lessons of Stephen King’s On Writing
Allie Cooper

Sep 4

open books with recommended word counts - Photo by Gülfer ERGİN on UnsplashHow Many Words in a Book? A Guide for Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 1

Finding a writing community - Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on UnsplashHow Finding a Writing Community Can Support Your Goals
Savannah Jackson

Aug 28

What grammar mistakes it is safe to make - Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash5 Grammar Mistakes You Can Make Without Worrying
Krystal N. Craiker

Aug 18

Tips on writing tenses - Photo by Patrick Fore on UnsplashA Guide to Writing Tenses for Creative Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 11

Writing you next chapter - Photo by Will Tarpey on UnsplashBridging the Gap: How to Start Your Next Chapter
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Aug 7

How to create a fan-favourite character - Photo by PixabayHow To Create a Fan-Favorite Character
Char

Aug 4

How to research your historical fiction - Photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on UnsplashHow to Research and Bring Authentic History to Your Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 31

Novlr advice writing morning pagesWhy I Love My Morning Pages
Crystal Kamm

Jul 21

Reading your novel for the first time - NovlrReading Your Novel for the Very First Time
Crystal Kamm

Jul 10

4 productivity hacks for writers - Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash4 Simple Productivity Hacks for Creative Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 3

Seasonal inspired writing playlists - Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash4 Writing Playlists to Inspire You, No Matter the Season
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 30

Getting the science right in your fiction - Photo by Nathan Duck on UnsplashGetting the Science Right in Your Fiction
Crystal Kamm

Jun 26

Writing great fight scenes 0 Photo by Ricardo Cruz on UnsplashBetween Pen and Sword: The Secret to Writing Great Fight Scenes
Nimrod Cortés

Jun 23

Non-fiction books - Photo by Shiromani Kant on UnsplashAn Insider’s Guide to Getting a Non-Fiction Book Deal
Lydia Yadi

Jun 19

Writing character arcs - Photo by cottonbro studioHow To Write Compelling Character Arcs
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 15

Find writing inspiration - Photo by Art Lasovsky on UnsplashThe Novlr Guide To Finding Writing Inspiration
Kim Montgomery

Jun 9

Writer doing a Story Edit - Photo by ConvertKit on UnsplashHow To Story Edit Like A Pro
Kristina Stanley

Jun 5

Engage all senses to show, don't tell - Photo by RF._.studioShow, Don’t Tell: The Not-So-Secret Weapon of All Great Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jun 2

Writing prompts - Photo by Vlada Karpovich for Pexels10 Creative Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination
Kim Montgomery

May 29

Writing Horror Fiction - Photo by Edilson Borges on UnsplashA Plot Structure for Writing Terrifying Horror Fiction
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 26

Worldbuilding techniques - Photo by Rex Joshua Alarcon America for PexelsThe Worldbuilding Workout: Tips for Sculpting Your Universe
Nimrod Cortés

May 19

The Hero's Journey - photograph by Matt Howard on unsplashFrom Ordinary to Extraordinary: How To Write The Hero’s Journey
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 15

how to beat writer's block - Photo by Uday Mittal on Unsplash4 Fundamental Tools for Beating Writer’s Block
Arthur Franz IV

May 8

crutch words - Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash5 Crutch Words to Eliminate From Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 5

Headphones and vinyl on shelf - Photo by blocks at UnsplashhEpic Scene-Specific Writing Playlists for Chases, Love, Murder…
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 28

don't delete your words. Your words have value - Photo by Nikolai Ulltang for PexelsDon’t Delete Your Words. Your Words Have Value.
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 24

Ai for writers - Photo by DeepMind on UnsplashAI and You: Emerging Technology and What It Means for Writers
Arthur Franz IV

Apr 21

create compelling characters - Photo by Bruno Henrique for PexelsHow to Create a Compelling Character in Minutes
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Apr 17

Writing Steampunk - Photo by cmophoto.net on UnsplashGenre Talk: Exploring the World of Steampunk
Crystal Kamm

Apr 10

Two women talking - Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi for PexelsFour Strategies For Writing Convincing Dialogue
Crystal Kamm

Apr 3

Make the most from rejection and criticism - Photo by Vlada Karpovich for pexelsHow to Learn From Criticism and Rejection
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 31

Photo by Clock - writing exercises - Icons8 Team on UnsplashFive Amazing 10-Minute Writing Exercises
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 20

Writing about love - Photo by Michael Fenton on UnsplashWriting About Love in a Way That Rings True
Crystal Kamm

Mar 17

boat on water with night reflection - Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash5 Unusual Places to Find Writing Prompts
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 13

6 Ways to Get Motivated to Write
Summer Keown

Mar 6

repetition in your writing - Photo by Andrew NeelWhy It’s OK To Use Repetition in Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 20

How to Set Achievable Writing Goals
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 17

Writers critique group - Photo by PICHA Stock for PexelsWriter’s Critique Groups and How to Form Them
Summer Keown

Feb 13

Should I carry on writing? And other writers' angst - Photo by Pixabay“Should I Carry On Writing?” and Other Writers’ Angst
Kim Montgomery

Feb 6

Character showing subtext - Photo by Кирилл Павляшик on UnsplashHow to Write Subtext for Depth and Complexity
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Feb 3

Sandbox - Photo by Hello I'm Nik on UnsplashRevising your Novel: Playing in the Sandbox
Crystal Kamm

Jan 30

Chapter length - Photo by Kaboompics for PexelsFinding the Ideal Chapter Length for Your Story
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 27

9 Ways To Write Your Opening Line – Is It Really Important?
Kim Montgomery

Jan 23

Podcasts for writers - Photo by George Milton8 Must-Listen Podcasts for Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 20

Aesthetic isolation - Photo by Vanessa Serpas on UnsplashMaintain Focus With Aesthetic Isolation
Crystal Kamm

Jan 13

Book genres - Photo by Ksenia Chernaya for PexelsUnderstanding Book Genres: An Essential Tool for Writers
Crystal Kamm

Jan 9

Business books - Photo by Austin Distel on UnsplashWriting Business Books: Creating Compelling Non-Fiction
Lydia Yadi

Jan 6

Playlists to inspire - Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitāns for PexelsGet Creative with Playlists to Inspire Your Writing
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 30

User sensory language - Photo by Karolina Grabowska for PexelsHow to Bring Your Writing to Life with Sensory Language
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 26

Plot twists - Photo by cottonbro studio for PexelsThe Art of the Plot Twist: How to Keep Your Audience Guessing
Summer Keown

Dec 19

Overcoming writer's block - Photo by Steve Johnson on UnsplashExplore Experimental Writing Techniques to Overcome Writer’s Block
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 12

Personal development books thumbnail - Photo by Tim Goedhart on UnsplashTips for Writing Effective Non-Fiction: Personal Development Books
Lydia Yadi

Dec 5

Editing - Photo by Lisa Fotios for PexelsSelf-Editing Like a Pro: From First to Final Draft
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 2

Beta readers - Photo by Enzo Muñoz for PexelsHow to Get The Most From Your Beta Readers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 28

The power of libraries header - Photo by Giammarco on UnsplashHow Creative Writers Can Harness the Power of Libraries
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 18

Writing conflict - Photo by Klaus NielsenUsing Conflict to Move Your Story Forward
Crystal Kamm

Nov 14

writing a short story with the abdce structure - Photo by Content Pixie on UnsplashHow to Write a Short Story Using the ABDCE Structure
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 11

Writer's voice - man writing in journal - Photo by Ketut Subiyanto6 Techniques To Help You Find Your Writer’s Voice
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Oct 24

Travela writing - Photo by Annie Spratt on UnsplashA Writer’s Guide to Great Travel Writing
Lydia Yadi

Oct 21

Turn the TV off and write a novel - Photo by Huỳnh Đạt for PexelsTurn Off the TV, Write a Novel
Crystal Kamm

Oct 3

writing narrative voice - Photo by Isi Parente on UnsplashChoosing Your Narrative Voice: Which Option is Right for You?
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Sep 23

the perfect writing soundtrackWrite to the Right Soundtrack
Crystal Kamm

Sep 19

Start Your Story Late - Photo by Beth Jnr on UnsplashStart Your Story Late
Crystal Kamm

Sep 12

Writing playlists to boost your imagination - Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash6 More Writing Playlists to Boost Your Imagination
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 25

Novel in 24 hours challengeI Wrote a Novel in 24 Hours and This Is What I Learned
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jul 1

woman lounging with boombox listening to writing playlists - Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash6 More Writing Playlists to Inspire and Motivate
Pamela Koehne-Drube

May 6

Build an Audience of Readers - Photo by Daniel on UnsplashThe Creator Economy: Building an Audience of Readers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 11

Writing playlists - Photo by Travis Yewell on Unsplash6 More Writing Playlists for Scenes and Vibes
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Mar 7

Best plotting tools for writers - Photo by Startup Stock Photos from PexelsThe Best Plotting Tools for Writers and Novels
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Jan 14

Why You Should Write a Christmas Book - Photo by Andreea Radu on Unsplash5 Reasons Why You Should Write a Christmas Book
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 13

Christmas photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash10 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Writers
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Dec 3

Twitter for writersHow to Use Twitter as a Writer: An Introduction
Rowena Wiseman

Nov 15

Writing any timeWriter’s Routines: Writing Any Time
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 8

Writing in the MorningWriters Routines: Writing in the Morning
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 5

Writing in the EveningWriter’s Routines: Writing in the Evening
Pamela Koehne-Drube

Nov 1

Writer’s Routines: Writing in the Afternoon
Crystal Kamm

Oct 22

How to Use Pinterest as a writerHow to Use Pinterest As A Writer: An Introduction
Rowena Wiseman

Oct 11

sheer curtained window looking out over water at dawnWriter’s Routines: Writing in the Small Hours
Crystal Kamm

Aug 3

Writer’s Routines: Writing at Night
Crystal Kamm

Jun 15

Writing As a Spiritual Journey
Crystal Kamm

Apr 10

Is there a process for writing a novel?
Crystal Kamm

Jan 28

Best writing advice ever - NovlrThe Best Writing Advice Ever
Crystal Kamm

Dec 2

How Not to Hate Your Writing
Kim Montgomery

Mar 2