The First Draft Pro Blog

We freaking love stories

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

Pages of a novel manuscript

Examining two approaches to "A" and "B" stories

Compare two different approaches to effectively writing "A" and "B" stories.
Note cards on a corkboard representing the main beats of a story

15 crucial movements every story needs

Learn the fifteen crucial movements vital to every successful story.
Note cards on a corkboard for planning out plotlines

Your "A" story and your "B" story

Understand the importance and relationship of "A" and "B" stories in your narrative.
A dark academia library setting.

7 Types of Stories

Overview of the seven universally recognized types of stories.
A graphic representation of Freytag's pyramid using a series of triangles

Freytag's Pyramid

An in-depth look at Freytag's Pyramid, a classic model for narrative structure.
A comic style image of a planet in space

10 characteristics of a story that works

Identify the ten characteristics that make a story engaging and effective.
An image of a galaxy

Everything you need to know about writing the all is lost section of your novel

Understand the impact of 'all is lost' section and how to effectively incorporate it.
An impressionistic pink illustration of the galaxy

Everything you need to know about writing the finale of your novel

Learn the essentials of writing a satisfying and memorable finale to your novel.
An impressionistic blue and purple illustration of a galaxy

Everything you need to know about writing the mid-point of your novel

Master the art of writing the mid-point, a pivotal moment in your novel.
A pink and blue illustration of a fictional galaxy

Everything you need to know about the debate of your novel

Explore the importance and strategy behind the debate section of your novel.
A impressionistic illustration of a fictional galaxy

Everything you need to know about writing the bad guys close in section of your novel

Learn how to intensify your narrative tension with 'bad guys close in' section.
A illustrated image of a fictional galaxy

Everything you need to know about writing the fun and games section of your novel

Uncover the secrets to writing an engaging 'fun and games' section in your novel.