The First Draft Pro Blog

We freaking love stories

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

An illustration of two characters in a novel meeting for the first time.
Writing Tips
3 min read

A short guide to meet cutes

Crafting charming and engaging initial interactions between characters.
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An illustration of a massive battle in front of a castle.
Writing Tips
3 min read

How to write a massive battle scene

Techniques for depicting large-scale conflicts effectively.
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An illustration of a character in a novel preparing for a difficult decision.
Writing Tips
3 min read

How to write a great gunfight

Crafting authentic and tense firearm combat scenes.
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An illustration of a character in a novel preparing for a fistfight.
Writing Tips
3 min read

How to write a great fistfight

Strategies for creating realistic and impactful hand-to-hand combat scenes.
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An illustration of a fist.
Writing Tips
3 min read

Tips for writing fight scenes and weapons accurately

Crafting realistic and engaging combat scenes.
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An illustration of two characters in a novel sword fighting.
Writing Tips
3 min read

How to write a great sword fight

Techniques for depicting swordplay realistically and engagingly.
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An illustration of a character in a novel faced with a critical choice.
Writing Tips
3 min read

Understanding how scenes turn

Analyzing the shifts and developments within a scene.
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An illustration of a silhouette of a tree.
Writing Tips
3 min read

Positive and negative scene resolutions

Examining the impact of different scene outcomes on the narrative.
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An illustration of a clock maker.
Writing Tips
3 min read

The role of time in writing compelling scenes

Utilizing time as a tool for enhancing scene structure and impact.
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An illustration of a bridge.
Writing Tips
3 min read

How to intercut scenes

Techniques for alternating between different scenes effectively.
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An illustration of fallen leaves floating on a pool of water.
Writing Tips
3 min read

How to know when to cut a scene

Identifying when a scene is unnecessary or detrimental to the narrative.
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An illustration of two characters in a novel in a scene.
Writing Tips
3 min read

7 things that every scene must have

Essential elements for creating compelling and purposeful scenes.
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