The First Draft Pro Blog
We freaking love stories
You do too? Well, well, well. That smells like BFF potential.
![The image has text reading "Revising your first draft" as well as the logo for NaNowrimo, National Novel Writing Month, and First Draft Pro, a writing app for novelists who need writing software.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/656eff5a22eab66c8932e8e5_Write%20a%20great%20%20first%20chapter.png)
Revising your first draft
With your first draft done, it’s time to invite your inner editor back and have a closer look at the shape of your story.
![A group of writers participating in Nanowrimo in 2024, and writing in First Draft Pro.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/64be936b22eb4b9359cf7c1e_The%20Ultimate%20Guide%20to%20NaNoWriMo%202023.png)
The Ultimate Guide to NaNoWriMo 2024
Learn all about National Novel Writing Month, it's rules, helpful tips and guidelines on how to win in 2023.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "The afterparty"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a671c37fa66dd419791a_The%20afterparty.png)
The afterparty
With the finish line in touching distance, let’s have a look at what’s on the agenda after Nanowrimo.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "Write a great first chapter"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a62606d46d84722c2185_Write%20a%20great%20%20first%20chapter.png)
Eight parts to a great first chapter in your NaNoWriMo novel
A concrete checklist of things you should achieve in your first chapter.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "How to refocus when you hit a slump"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a64139071a66f9a0ca49_How%20to%20refocus%20when%20you%20hit%20a%20slump.png)
How to refocus when you hit a slump
Here are a few tips to help you if you’re flagging or losing motivation.
![Two writers looking at a laptop, and overlaid with the NaNoWriMo logo.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a691c01c03ee23da29f3_The%20day%20before%20Nanowrimo.png)
The day before Nanowrimo
Let’s get you in the right headspace to embark on the 50,000 word writing journey ahead.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "establish your characters"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a5264cfc99ac3d22765c_Establish%20your%20characters.png)
Establish your characters
These tips can help you get to grips with your main character and supporting cast.
![The NaNowrimo logo on a gradient background.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a30d56035d05e6c5bbe9_Annual%20challenge%20to%20finish%20your%20first%20draft.png)
The internet's biggest annual challenge to finish your first draft
Helping you complete your first draft is kind of our thing.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "Create an outline"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a555a04c3ebaa67dd03f_Create%20an%20outline.png)
Create an outline for your NaNoWriMo novel
Build and release tension over the course of your narrative with an excellent outline.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "How much research should you do?](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a57439071a66f99fffe1_How%20much%20research%20should%20you%20do.png)
How much research should you do upfront?
We’ve put together four steps to help you do your research – and know what’s enough.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "Five tips to stay motivated"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a5d9189bcb0bf90e8730_Five%20tips%20to%20stay%20motivated.png)
Stay motivated and plan for Nanowrimo success 🌞
With the start of Nanowrimo on the horizon, here are our fave five tips for staying motivated.
![The NaNoWriMo logo on a gradient background overlaid with the text "A NaNoWriMo toolkit"](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6536a502f2728aadcefe6083_A%20Nanowrimo%20toolkit.png)
The best tools for each part of your Nanowrimo journey
Here’s our round-up of the best tools for each part of Nanowrimo – right from concept to completion.