If you’ve ever been hooked by the very first twist in a novel—the moment everything changes for the main character—you’ve experienced an inciting incident. This is the event that catapults your character out of their ordinary world and into the main conflict of the story. Without it, there’s no story—just a character going about their life with no reason to change.

Irony is one of the most powerful storytelling tools you can use to create depth, tension, and surprise in your work. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, irony can turn a straightforward moment into something layered and memorable. But it’s also one of the most misunderstood techniques—often mistaken for simple sarcasm or coincidence.

When you think of your favorite novels, chances are the main storyline isn’t the only thing that kept you turning pages. The secondary threads — those side stories that add texture, emotional depth, and complexity — are called subplots, and they can make the difference between a good story and a great one.

When you think about storytelling, you might picture vivid descriptions, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters. But there’s another ingredient—often invisible to the reader—that gives a story its richness: subtext.

When dialogue works, it feels effortless—like you’re eavesdropping on a real conversation. When it doesn’t, it can pull a reader right out of your story.

The trick to writing realistic dialogue isn’t about perfectly replicating how people talk in real life. In fact, real-life conversation is full of filler words, tangents, and half-formed thoughts that would make for a very dull page.

There’s something undeniably thrilling about a good mystery. The twists, the secrets, the unraveling of a puzzle one clue at a time—it’s a genre that pulls both readers and writers into its grip. If you're a writer who loves suspense, unexpected turns, or simply enjoys asking what if, mystery might be your genre.

Whether you're dreaming up a cozy small-town whodunit or a psychological thriller with dark secrets, here are a few foundational tips to help you get started writing your own mystery novel.

Choosing to write a book from multiple points of view (POVs) can be both a creative thrill and a structural challenge. When done well, it can deepen the reader’s experience, expand the story’s emotional range, and offer nuanced perspectives that a single narrator can’t provide. But writing in multiple POVs requires clarity, precision, and thoughtful intention—otherwise, your story may feel fragmented, confusing, or emotionally disconnected.

The setting of your book is an invitation to immerse readers into the world you are creating. A well-crafted setting is a living, breathing thing. It isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active part of the narrative, shaping mood, influencing characters, and pulling readers deeper into the experience. Whether you’re writing a novel, a memoir, or a short story, having a well-developed setting can make your work more vivid and memorable. Here’s how to bring locations to life in your writing.

Whether you're crafting a sweeping fantasy epic, a dystopian future, or a small town with quirky secrets, worldbuilding is the foundation that gives your story shape, depth, and believability. But worldbuilding doesn’t mean writing pages of exposition or getting lost in a spiral of map-making (unless you love that!). It’s about creating a world that feels real enough for your characters to live and breathe in—and for your readers to step into without hesitation.

There’s a reason the mystery genre has captivated readers for centuries: it invites them to play an active role in the narrative. More than any other genre, a mystery demands engagement. It challenges readers to interpret clues, question motivations, and stay one step ahead—only to be (ideally) outmaneuvered by the author’s precision.

Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools a writer has to bring a story to life. It reveals character, builds tension, and can move your plot forward in subtle or dramatic ways. But writing dialogue that feels authentic while also serving your story isn’t always easy.

If you’ve ever struggled with flat conversations, dialogue that feels like filler, or characters that all sound the same, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at how to write dialogue that captivates your readers and drives your story forward.

Writing a compelling story takes more than just a string of action-oriented scenes. It requires a clear and engaging plot that keeps readers invested from beginning to end. But what happens when your plot hits a snag? Maybe your story feels flat, your characters lack motivation, or the pacing drags.

Don’t worry—you are not the first writer to encounter plot problems.

Mystery and thriller novels have captivated readers for centuries. Agatha Christie being one of the most iconic writers in the thriller genre—and a personal favorite of mine.

No matter if it is a heart-pounding suspense of a thriller or the mind-bending puzzle of a mystery, these stories keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Few tropes capture the hearts (and frustrations!) of readers like a well-written love triangle. When done right, they pull readers into an emotional tug-of-war, balancing longing, loyalty, and betrayal. But crafting a compelling love triangle isn’t as simple as creating two love interests and letting your protagonist waver. It’s an art. Here’s how to do it effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.

Point of view (POV) is one of the most important decisions you'll make when writing your novel. It sets the tone, shapes your reader's experience, and determines how much they connect with your characters. But finding the perfect POV isn’t always straightforward. Here is an overview to help you choose the best POV for your story and keep your readers fully immersed from start to finish.

Romance is one of the most beloved and enduring genres in literature, captivating readers with tales of love, connection, and happily-ever-afters. However, as with any genre, romance has its share of familiar tropes. While these tropes resonate with readers for good reason, writers often face the challenge of making them feel fresh and new. Let’s dive into some of the most popular romance tropes and explore ways to refresh them, keeping your love story both engaging and unique.

Romance is one of the most beloved genres in fiction, but it’s also one of the trickiest to get right. If you’ve spent any time on #BookTok or visiting any number of the dedicated romance stories taking root in many cities, readers want to be swept off their feet. As in life, not every moment will sweep us off our feet and readers crave authenticity—relationships that mirror the complexity of real life. So how do you craft a love story that feels fresh and genuine without falling into the trap of clichés? Here’s how to write romance that lingers in your readers’ hearts.

The young adult (YA) genre has captivated readers of all ages with its compelling characters, relatable themes, and vibrant storytelling. You're in the right place if you've ever dreamed of writing a YA novel that resonates with readers. What makes this genre so relatable is the central storylines that take place during adolescence, which most of us experience from themes of self-discovery, coming of age, identity, and the transition into adulthood. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a captivating and authentic young adult novel.