The First Draft Pro Blog

We freaking love stories

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

An illustration of a writer's library.
Ideation
3 min read

5 things that matter when planning your book

Key considerations for effective book planning.
An illustration of a pile of books.
Ideation
3 min read

How to write a synopsis for your novel

Crafting a concise and compelling overview of your novel’s plot.
An illustration of a research library.
Research
3 min read

How to decide what research you need to do for your novel

Identifying necessary research areas to enhance your novel’s authenticity.
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.
Nanowrimo Guide
5 min read

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.
Nanowrimo Guide
7 min read

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.
An image of the Camp Nanowrimo 2023 sponsor badge
News
5 min read

The day before Camp Nanowrimo

Camp NaNoWrimo kicks off tomorrow, but you've got this! We're cheering you on from the sidelines.
A collection of post-it notes representing a complex storyline for a novel that needs to be simplified

How complex should you make your plot, and how do you know when you need to simplify it

Find out how complex your plot should be and identify when it needs simplification.
Novel notes on a corkboard representing plot points in a story

An introduction to plot devices

An introductory guide to plot devices and their role in enhancing your narrative.
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.