The First Draft Pro Blog

We freaking love stories

You do too? Well, well, well. That smells like BFF potential.

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Genre & Theme
3 min read

3 questions to help you figure out your theme

Unearth the core message of your story with these insightful theme-defining questions.
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Character & POV
3 min read

How to pick the best view-point character(s) for your story

Learn to choose the right viewpoint character to strengthen your storytelling.
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Genre & Theme
3 min read

How theme and mood work together

Discover how blending theme and mood can shape a captivating narrative.
An image showing some motifs that might occur in a fiction novel
Genre & Theme
3 min read

Symbols & motifs in story

Enhance your narrative using symbols and motifs to create depth and intrigue.
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Genre & Theme
3 min read

Understanding the controlling idea/theme of your story

Master the art of crafting compelling stories by understanding the controlling theme in your narrative.
An impressionistic illustration of the interior of a library reading room
Genre & Theme
3 min read

3 ways to include multiple themes in your story

Enrich your storytelling with three techniques for incorporating multiple themes.
Two women attempting to catch flying hearts in a net.

The ultimate guide to Romancing the Beat

A step-by-step guide to Gwen Hayes' Romancing the Beat romance story structure. In other words, the romance novel template of your dreams.
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Editing
3 min read

Should you pay a beta reader?

Should you pay a beta reader? Unpacking the pros and cons.
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Audience
3 min read

Understanding who your target reader is

Understanding your target reader: a guide for writers.
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Outlining
3 min read

5 crucial aspects for outlining any story

Five crucial aspects to consider when outlining any story.
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Outlining
3 min read

How to create an outline for your novel

How to create a compelling outline for your novel.
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Editing
3 min read

5 reasons your story may not be working (and what to do to fix it)

Five reasons your story may not be working and how to fix them.