How to write a gripping first page
Writing a gripping first page is your single best tool for hooking any reader. Learn the do's, don'ts, and expert strategies that make every word count.
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Small-town settings to anchor your story
Bestselling legal thriller author Robin James shares her proven strategies for building small-town settings that feel like living, breathing characters in your fiction.
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Secrets of writing in different voices
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler shares his proven tips for writing compelling characters in different voices — from people-watching to stealing from Shakespeare.
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Plotting vs. pantsing for fiction writers
Is plotting vs pantsing really a battle? Author M.J. Blehart thought outlining would kill his creativity. Then he tried it – and published four books in one year.
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What goes into making a book a bestseller?
You've poured months into your manuscript — but what separates a bestseller from a book that quietly fades? Discover how non-generative AI manuscript analysis is helping authors like James Rosone achieve 92% read-through rates and engineer stories readers can't put down.
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The writing mistakes editors always catch
Every author makes mistakes. The ones who grow into great writers learn to catch those mistakes before their editor does. Developmental editor Susan Barnes breaks down the most common fiction writing errors she sees — and how to fix them.
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Is your romance novel too steamy?
Not sure how steamy your romance novel should be? From clean and wholesome to erotic romance, heat levels matter more than you think. Learn how to deliver the right emotional experience for your readers — and pick up five practical tips for writing love scenes that sizzle at any heat level.
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Opening scene writing tips
Still relevant in 2026 — learn how to write your novel’s opening scene with timeless tips from editor Tex Thompson on emotion, pacing, exposition, and hooking readers from page one.
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Your characters are likable, but are they lovable?
Writing lovable romance characters means going deeper than likable — it means crafting heroes and heroines so human and redeemable that readers can't help but root for them.
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Have you experienced a true flow state as a writer?
Learning how to achieve flow state as a writer means building intentional habits that get you into the zone faster, write more consistently, and finish the books you've been putting off.
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How to use the OODA Loop in fiction writing
The OODA Loop was built for fighter pilots — but it may be the most powerful character-building tool a fiction writer can use. Here's how to apply all four steps to your manuscript.
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Productivity hacks for writers
As writers and authors, productivity is our lifeblood. Here are six productivity hacks for writers from a bestselling thriller author, Robin James, who has written more than 65 books.
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