The First Draft Pro Blog
We freaking love stories
You do too? Well, well, well. That smells like BFF potential.
![A man reading a short story.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6464c648af65ec660c0dbb9c_645abc4f2c0ea9022a1a949a_44.png)
How long should your short story be?
In this blog post, we'll provide guidance on determining the ideal length for a short story.
![A character reading a novella.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6464c648b31277260895c6de_645abc1bcde1b562d4501c82_46.png)
How long should your novella be?
In this blog post, we'll provide guidance on determining the ideal length for your novella.
![A person reading a novel.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6464c647b411a2310988d1db_645abbc0c7191025aa419b48_43.png)
How long should your novel be?
This blog post guides you in determining the ideal length for your novel, ensuring your work is concise and impactful.
![A yellow and orange typewriter.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/6464c64e71a962ca8487463e_645abb24811dc8f3358a8e03_42.png)
Choose your fighter: the novel, novella and short story
Fiction writing has three primary forms: the novel, novella, and short story.
![An image of otherworldly planets floating through space.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bc2c661d2fc8f13dc45ec_Conducting%20worldbuilding%20research.png)
Research techniques for novel writing and worldbuilding
Creating plausible and accurate fiction requires a vivid imagination and thorough research.
![An image of otherworldly planets floating through space.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bcddd777b50d5bd48009c_Worldbuilding%20in%20science%20fiction%20and%20fantasy.png)
Worldbuilding in science fiction and fantasy
Create a believable and lived-in world for your sci-fi or fantasy novel.
![An image of a parchment map, covered in planets and stars.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bfc8bcbe024394e170dd5_Map-making%20tools%20for%20sci-fi%20writers.png)
Map-making tools for sci-fi writers
We've compiled a list of epic map-making resources for sci-fi writers.
![An illustrated map of strange continents.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bfc649407a650e34aa2ce_5%20map-making%20resources%20for%20fiction%20writers.png)
5 map-making resources for fiction writers
We've compiled a list of five great map-making tools for your next fiction project.
![A sketched map that resembles the current shape of our own continents.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bfc3f71b05768da489bed_Using%20real-world%20inspiration%20for%20fictional%20map-making.png)
Using real-world inspiration for fictional map-making
Use real-world inspiration to create your own unique fictional maps.
![An image of waves over a beach, with a dramatic, dark sky.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bfc1a081dbb8f35a571c3_Defining%20the%20geography%20of%20your%20world.png)
Defining the geography of your world
Geography plays a crucial role in worldbuilding for fiction writers.
![A tumbled pile of maps.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bcee8b8fc4ed732e6b450_Using%20maps%20in%20worldbuilding.png)
Using maps in worldbuilding
Maps play a critical role in worldbuilding by bringing fictional worlds to life.
![A fantasy cityscape with alien looking buildings.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/643aa33f29c3ea83de1a1893/668bfbf4a3b9202a920ea0a6_How%20to%20develop%20an%20economy%20for%20your%20fictional%20world.png)
How to develop an economy for your fictional world
A well-developed economy is crucial to world-building, adding depth and realism to your fictional universe.