So, you’re trying to learn how to write short stories. You might be a brand-new writer, or an established novelist looking to try out a new medium. Maybe you’ve been trying to write a novel for a while and you’re finding it’s just not working for you. Whatever the...

Gloria Russell
Fiction vs Nonfiction – How to Know Which is Right for You
If you’re brand new to writing, you may feel like you’re at a bit of a loss. Where do you even get started? And should you write fiction vs nonfiction? What is fiction and nonfiction anyway? Maybe you took a creative writing class and just enjoyed writing poems, or...
Characteristics of Absurdist Fiction + 10 Examples
What does the word "absurd" bring to mind for you? If someone tells you an outlandish story, you might balk and say “that’s absurd!” to indicate that you don’t believe them—the story goes beyond your suspension of disbelief. So what does that mean for absurdist...
Your Complete Guide to 19 Different Types of Characters in Fiction
Whether you’re a writer or an avid reader, learning about the different types of characters you encounter in literature can help you understand the story better. Knowing about different types of characters and how they’re used will give you the vocabulary you need to...
What is a Macguffin?
If you’re interested in movies, you’ve probably already heard of the ‘macguffin.’ Honestly, even if you aren’t, you’ve probably heard people talk about it—maybe you’ve heard reviewers refer to things in movies or books as ‘macguffins,’ generally with an air of disdain...
Creative Writing Ultimate Guide
I don’t know about you, but when I start learning a new skill, I want to know everything about it right away. How do I get started? What do I need to get started? How could this new skill transform my life? Being an incessant researcher of new pastimes, I love a good...
Fictionary Review: Is This Writing Software Worth It?
Anyone who says you have to purchase writing software if you want to be a ‘real’ or ‘serious’ writer is lying. It’s perfectly legitimate and fine to draft in Google Docs or Microsoft Word or even a notebook if that’s what you have access to. That being said, writing...
The Best Pen Name Generator Tools for Writers
Maybe you’ve just started your writing journey and you’re wondering whether you should have a pen name, or maybe you’re an established author wondering if it’s too late to switch it up. Either way, the question you’re asking is the same: is a pen name right for you?...
Book Formatting: The What and The How in 8 Simple Steps
Did you know that the font you use has an impact on the way any given reader might perceive your book? For example, The Book Designer site talks about the importance of fonts and currently has dozens of articles on this topic alone! Fonts like Webdings or Comic...