
What’s Your Story’s Tone? (& Why It Matters More Than You Think)
In this blog, we look at how tone shapes stories and novels, why it matters, and how to use it in your own work.

What Is A Cozy Horror & How Do I Write One?
A cozy horror is a relatively new sub-genre of horror. In this post, we explore what a cozy horror is, with examples. We also give

What Is A Parody & How Do I Write One?
Everybody enjoys a good parody, but they’re extremely hard to write! In this post, we’ll look at what parody is and give a few tips

Figurative Language – Definition & Examples
What is figurative language? We define figurative language and give you 12 examples of figurative language.

Which Book Genre Should You Be Writing In 2026?
In this post we look at bestselling fiction genres and top-selling books from 2025 and which book genre you should be writing in 2026.

The 5 Pillars Of Speculative Fiction
Are you writing Speculative Fiction? In this post, we define speculative fiction – with examples – and look at how the 5 Pillars of Speculative

A Quick Start Guide To Foreshadowing
In this post, we define foreshadowing in fiction – with examples. We’ve created a quick start guide to foreshadowing to help you when you’re writing.

What Is Freewriting & How Do I Use It?
What is freewriting and how do I use freewriting? Read about 5 powerful freewriting techniques to reignite your inspiration, deepen your stories, and help you

The 7 Pillars Of Historical Fiction
Are you a fan of historical fiction? Would you like to write a historical novel on your own? In this post, we define the 7

The Rules For Writing An Excellent Time Travel Adventure
Time travel is the concept of traveling into the past or the future — usually in fiction. In this post we cover the rules for

10 Ways To Start A Horror Story
Need a scary story idea for Halloween? Try these 10 spooky writing prompts and 10 tips to create suspense, fear, and unforgettable horror.

5 Ways To Weave Setting Into Short Stories
Learn how to weave setting into short stories with five simple techniques that bring your fictional world to life without wasting words.

How To Use Wants, Needs, And Fears To Create Better Characters
Learn how to use your characters’ wants, needs, and fears to build stronger motivations, create conflict, and drive your story forward.

What’s The Difference Between A Commercial And A Literary Plot?
What’s the difference between a commercial and a literary plot? Discover how story goals, character journeys, and endings shape your novel.

How To Use Colour Psychology In Your Writing
What is colour psychology? How does colour affect what you write? In this post, we explore colour psychology for writers.

7 Secrets To Writing Happy Characters Without Boring Your Audience
Learn how to write happy characters without boring your audience by discovering seven ways to show their happiness and make readers care.

What Is A Phobia? How To Write Characters With Phobias
Learn what phobias are and how to write believable characters whose fears create conflict, shape their choices, and move your story forward.

3 Simple Ways To Make Your Hero Fight Back
Discover three simple ways to make your hero fight back, with examples from fiction to show you how to put your characters to the test.

7 Reasons To Write The Ending Of Your Novel First
Discover 7 reasons to write your ending first, with examples of successful authors who use this approach to plan and shape their stories.

How To Know When To Quit Writing
When should you quit a writing project? Discover the warning signs, ask the right questions, and learn when it’s time to move on.