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Book title ideas: How to come up with the best

Finding a title for a book or story that is apt, intriguing and evocative is challenging. Read ten ideas for how to come up with a book title, with examples from classics and contemporary bestsellers: What types of book titles are common? Before we explore ways to title stories, what are c...

8 Major Types of Narrators: Examples and When to Use Them

The type of narrator you choose for your story plays a crucial role in its overall dramatic effect. In this article, we outline 6 popular and 2 less well-known narration styles and give you examples for how to use them in your own writing.

Writing to Market: 6 Steps to Craft Books With Market Potential

Writing to market means creating books that align with current market trends and tailor to readers' interests. Learn how to write to market in 6 steps.

8 story hook examples (how to grab attention)

A literary 'hook' in a story promises intrigue, entertainment and answers to the questions it raises. Far from the trickery of a bait and switch, a hook gives a true sense of what your reader can expect of your story's pleasures. Explore great story hook examples and what they teach us about sta...

Rising action that grips readers: 10 epic climax tips

What is rising action in a story? How do you make the build-up to the climax gripping, saturated with tension? Rising action is core to impactful dramatic structure. Learn all about it and read ten ideas and examples to make your story gripping: What is rising action? 'Rising action' refe...

How to Write a Flashback: Tips, Examples, and Mistakes to Avoid

Are you ready to take your readers on a walk down memory lane? Here are four things to think about when writing a flashback.

How to Create Mood in a Story: 7 Essential Tips

Learn what mood is and how it’s created through helpful exercises and examples from classic and contemporary literature.

 

How to Create a Fantasy World in 7 Steps

Discover how to create a fantasy world with step-by-step instructions, tips, and fantasy world examples from literature.

Best Writing Apps for Authors (2025) — 26 Tools Compared

Are you looking for the best app to write a novel? We've compared 26 apps. Discover the best writing apps for authors to help you plot, write, edit, and format your book.

Suspense writing: Examples and devices for tenser stories

Suspense refers to both genre and a storytelling device that creates tension and builds your reader's desire to find out. Read suspense writing examples, learn suspense-adding story devices you can use, and what experts at creating suspense say. What is suspense? Suspense (defined by Oxfor...

55 Positive Character Traits - And How to Use Them

Think of your favorite fictional character, and try to describe why you like them in just a few words. Maybe they’re strong, friendly, and wise; or perhaps they’re honest, resourceful, and passionate — no matter what combination of characteristics it is, odds are you've identified something fundamental that makes their personality compelling.

7 Proven Tips to Improve Your Writing Skills

Learn how to improve your writing skills with practical tips on planning, style, editing, and storytelling.