The First Draft Pro Blog

We freaking love stories

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

An image of the interior of a library reading room
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.
An image of the interior of a library reading room
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.
An image of a cosy reading corner
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 image 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.
A group of people contemplating an ominous dark smoke.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing stories where the inner conflict is morality

A guide to writing stories where morality forms the inner conflict.
A shocked woman, who has just realised something.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing stories where the inner conflict is worldview

Exploring worldview as inner conflict in narrative writing.
A woman who has achieved her dream, and gained the success and recognition she deserves.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing stories where the inner conflict is status

Writing stories with a status-driven inner conflict: a comprehensive guide.
A group of people in a lecture theater, their faces are smudged out.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing society novels

Writing society novels: a guide to exploring social dynamics through literature.
A runner crossing the finish line.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing performance genre novels

Mastering the performance genre in novel writing.
Two lovers, cuddling each other.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing romance

Romance writing for beginners: crafting compelling love stories.
A woman stands in the foreground with an ominous shadow creeping up behind her.
Genre & Theme
3 min read

A short guide to writing thrillers

Thrillers 101: a guide to writing suspense-filled narratives.