The First Draft Pro Blog

We freaking love stories

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

The image shows two childhood friends, adults now. They have just realised that the affection they share is not platonic.
Tropes
3 min read

The ultimate writer's guide to the Friends to Lovers trope

An overview of the Friends to Lovers trope, with examples and guidelines for using it in your novel.
Three genius characters in a novel.
Character & POV
5 min read

How to write a believable genius character

Discover how different forms of intelligence can shape a character's interactions, decisions, and roles within a story.
The image shows five fictional characters, who have been outlined by an author based on a character sheet template. They are all very, very good-looking, and have great hair.
Character & POV
7 min read

The Only Character Template You'll Ever Need For Novel Writing

The only character profile template you'll ever need for outlining your characters while writing a novel — personality traits, character archetypes, and more.
The image shows a close up of two hands, one holding a pen, poised over a blank page in a note book ready to write. Over the image is an illustration of a phone call screen with the call name: Inspiration. Will you answer it?
Writing Tips
4 min read

The 100+ Most Famous Writing Quotes of All Time

Let the world's most famous writers guide your way with more than 100 inspiring motivational quotes about writing, being a writer, and finishing your first draft.
An image of a luminescent head flowering from a stalk.

7 Types of Stories: Rebirth

In "Rebirth" narratives, the protagonist experiences a massive transformation, often spurred by a realization or event that changes their perspective or lifestyle.
An image of three witches from the Shakespearean tragedy, Macbeth.

7 Types of Stories: Tragedy

"Tragedy" stories focus on the protagonist's downfall due to their fatal flaw or a series of unfortunate events.
Two performers playing stringed instruments.

7 Types of Stories: Comedy

"Comedy" plots centre around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, or confusing situations that create humorous scenarios.
A ship on a voyage.

7 Types of Stories: Voyage & Return

"Voyage and Return" stories involve the protagonist embarking on a journey to an unfamiliar world.
A sketch of an unusually distinct Paraselena visible from the floes of a ship, a halo and cross circles the moon as a result of the way light passes through ice crystals.

7 Types of Stories: The Quest

"The Quest" plot type is about a protagonist's journey towards a specific goal. This journey often involves overcoming obstacles, usually leading the protagonist to personal growth and self-discovery.
The inside of a steel vault, filled with cash and coins.

7 Types of Stories: Rags to Riches

In "Rags to Riches" stories, the protagonist begins in a lowly state and achieves a significant transformation through a series of events, often involving wealth, status, or power.
A kraken from the deep overtaking a ship.

7 Types of Stories: Overcoming The Monster

This type of plot involves a protagonist setting out to defeat an antagonistic force (often evil) which threatens the protagonist and/or protagonist's homeland.
This image contains the covers of several of the greatest books on writing of all time. Authors includes are Stephen King, William Zinsser, Ray Bradbury, Ross Hartmann, Stephen Pinker, George Saunders, Anne Lamott, Shawn Coyne, Lisa Cron, Margaret Atwood, Strunk and White, And Sol Stein

A comprehensive guide to books on writing

Whether you're just starting or looking to polish your skills, something here will help you write better, inspire you, and even make you laugh.