This page is a complete index of the Fictionate.me blog: every post published here, in one list, with the summary it was published with. It exists so the whole set is visible from a single page instead of only the most recent few.
Posts are listed alphabetically by title. Titles and summaries are reproduced as they appear on each post.
Start here
If you would rather start by subject than by letter, these are good places to begin. Every post below also appears in the alphabetical list.
Reading lists by subgenre
- 10 LitRPG and Progression Fantasy Web Serials Worth Reading - ten widely loved serials, Cradle to Dungeon Crawler Carl, and why the genre fits serial form.
- Dungeon Core and Dungeon Crawl LitRPG Worth Reading - ten dungeon core and dungeon crawl picks, The Divine Dungeon to Solo Leveling, and why the descent suits serial release.
- The Best Cultivation and Xianxia Books and Serials to Read - a reader's guide from Beware of Chicken to Reverend Insanity, and why it is so bingeable.
- Grimdark Fantasy Books Worth Reading - seven picks from The First Law to The Poppy War, plus why grim stakes hold a chapter.
- Epic Fantasy Books Worth Reading - ten doorstopper series and standalones, The Lord of the Rings to The Priory of the Orange Tree.
- Isekai and Portal Fantasy Books Worth Reading - eight picks from Narnia to Mushoku Tensei, and why the premise suits serialized reading.
- Sword and Sorcery Books Worth Reading - the adventure-first branch that invented episodic reading, Conan to Kings of the Wyld.
- 8 Cozy Fantasy Books Worth Curling Up With - eight low-stakes, big-hearted books grouped by mood, so you can pick by how you want to feel.
- Found Family in Fantasy: 10 Series Worth Reading - ten series where the crew you choose is the whole story.
- 9 Web Serials and Serialized Novels Worth Reading - nine picks from Worm and The Wandering Inn to Dickens, and why the format works.
Running a serial
- How to Pick an Update Schedule You Can Actually Keep - choosing a cadence your worst month can carry, and what to say when you miss.
- How to Pace a Serialized Novel Chapter by Chapter - four levers for chapter rhythm: length, scene versus summary, revelation, tempo.
- How to Fix a Serial You Have Already Published - what to correct silently, what needs a note, and when to fix it forward instead.
- How to Get Useful Feedback on a Chapter You Have Already Published - reading comments for signal once the chapter is already public.
- Does Your Serial Need a Prologue? - three shapes that work, two that fail, and the honest alternative.
- What Long-Running TV Shows Teach Writers About Sustaining a Serial - four TV series as craft lenses for the long middle, where serials are won.
- What Serial Fiction Writers Can Learn From Anime's Pacing - cold opens, engineered chapter breaks, braided arcs and banked payoffs.
- What Video Game Storytelling Teaches Serial Fiction Writers - five techniques for engineering the return between sessions.
Craft for serialised fiction
- How to Write a Chapter Hook That Survives a Two-Week Wait - building a re-entry hook that still works days or weeks later.
- 5 Cliffhanger Patterns That Keep Serial-Fiction Readers Coming Back - five chapter endings that outperform a generic to-be-continued.
- 7 Serial-Fiction Tropes That Keep Readers Coming Back Chapter After Chapter - seven patterns that work harder when the wait turns plot into anticipation.
- What TV Pilots Teach About Opening Chapters in Serial Fiction - three pilots, three craft moves you can use in chapter one.
- How to Write an Unreliable Narrator in Serial Fiction - why chapter-by-chapter delivery suits the technique better than print.
- How to Write a Slow-Burn Romance in Serial Fiction - pacing the burn across chapters, and landing the payoff.
- How to Write a Dual-Timeline Story in Serial Fiction - what changes when the reader lives inside one thread for a week.
- How to Write a Villain Who Survives a Whole Serial - six moves for an antagonist who stays compelling across a long run.
Where and how to publish
- How to Choose Where to Publish Your Serialized Fiction Online - the six trade-offs that differ between platforms, and the clauses to read first.
- 3 of the Best Places to Publish Your Book Online Chapter by Chapter - three homes for a story you post as you write it.
- 10 Best Online Platforms for Self-Publishing Fiction - ten platforms and how to navigate each.
- How to Know Which Online Writing Platform is Best for You - the questions to ask yourself before deciding where to self-publish.
- Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which One is Right For You? - the pros and cons on both sides of the decision.
- A Self-Publishing Checklist - what to have ready before you share the book.
- How to Publish Your Book on Fictionate.Me: A Step-by-Step Guide - a step-by-step walkthrough of publishing on this site.
- How to Get Published in Literary Magazines - tips from a published author on placing your work.
Deep dives from the archive
- 15 Books with Fantastic Villains We Love to Hate - fifteen antagonists we love to hate, and where to read them.
- 10 Books with Characters You Will Follow Anywhere - ten books with characters you will follow anywhere.
- 10 Vampire Novels You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into - ten vampire novels worth sinking your teeth into.
- 7 Books Full of Beautiful Prose - seven books to read for the sentences.
- 7 Books and Series with Inventive Magic Systems - seven magic systems whose rules and limits are the point.
- 10 Modern Reads with a Delightful Dose of Ancient Mythology - ten modern reads carrying a dose of ancient mythology.
- 10 Bits of Writerly Wisdom from Stephen King's On Writing - ten pieces of craft advice from On Writing.
- 10 Self-Sacrificial Characters in Fiction - ten characters who give themselves up for the greater good.
Jump to a letter: 0–9 (105) · A (16) · B (7) · C (11) · D (6) · E (3) · F (7) · G (3) · H (49) · I (12) · L (3) · M (5) · N (2) · O (2) · P (3) · Q (1) · R (3) · S (16) · T (19) · U (2) · W (19) · Z (1)
Inside 0–9, jump to a title's first letter after its number: A (1) · B (12) · C (5) · D (2) · E (4) · F (4) · G (4) · H (8) · I (1) · L (4) · M (8) · N (2) · O (7) · Q (1) · R (2) · S (12) · T (21) · V (1) · W (3) · Y (3)
0–9
A
- 10 Action & Adventure Novels You Can Read Online for Free
Has being stuck inside during the cold left you with an unsated thirst for excitement? Here are 10 action & adventure novels you can read online for free.
B
- 5 Beautiful Love Stories by Female Authors
How many good books can you think of that don’t feature at least a hint of a love story? Here are 5 great love stories, all written by fantastic female authors. - 10 Best Online Platforms for Self-Publishing Fiction
Here are the top ten online self-publishing platforms for fiction and how to navigate each. Now let's get your novel or short story published! - 7 Beverages to Help You Get into the Writing Groove
I know I can’t focus on my writing without a trusty mug of tea or coffee by my side. Here are seven beverages to help you get into the writing groove. - 10 Bite-Size Fictionate Stories for You to Enjoy
Reading novels is great, but it can be hard to find the time. Check out these ten bite-size Fictionate stories you can consume in mere minutes. - 10 Bits of Writerly Wisdom from Stephen King's On Writing
I’m not the biggest fan of books on writing, but Stephen King is a fantastic teacher. Here are ten bits of writerly wisdom from Stephen King’s On Writing. - 10 Blogs That Will Teach You How to Self-Publish Your Book Online
Is the stress of self-publishing getting you down? Never fear! Here are 10 blogs that will help keep you on the right track. - 8 Book Blurbs Worth Studying (And What Each One Does)
Eight published novels and the specific move each blurb makes, from leading with a contradiction to naming the cost. A breakdown you can steal from. - 7 Books and Series with Inventive Magic Systems
The rules and limitations of the magic in a fantasy story are a big part of what make it great. Here are seven books and series with inventive magic systems. - 7 Books Full of Beautiful Prose
This Thanksgiving, let’s feel grateful for all the gorgeous writing out there. Here are 7 books full of beautiful prose. - 10 Books with Characters You Will Follow Anywhere
Are you a character-driven reader? Here are 10 books with characters so well-developed that you will follow them anywhere. - 15 Books with Fantastic Villains We Love to Hate
A protagonist is nothing without a great antagonist. Here are 15 books with fantastic villains we love to hate, and where you can read them online. - 7 Books with Morally Gray Protagonists
Main characters with perfect moral compasses can get a little boring. Here are 7 fantastic books that feature morally gray protagonists.
C
- 5 Cliffhanger Patterns That Keep Serial-Fiction Readers Coming Back
Serial fiction lives or dies on chapter endings. Here are five cliffhanger patterns that consistently outperform the generic "to be continued." - 10 Coming-of-Age Novels to Inspire Growth and Change in the New Year
As you make your New Year’s resolutions, you can look to stories where characters grow and change for inspiration. Here are 10 fantastic coming-of-age novels. - 10 Cover Design Tips to Help Your Book Stand Out in the Crowd
Book cover design can be one of the most stressful parts of the self-publishing process. Here are 10 cover tips that will help your book stand out in the crowd. - 8 Cozy Fantasy Books Worth Curling Up With
New to cozy fantasy or just need a comfort read? Eight low-stakes, big-hearted fantasy books, grouped by mood so you can pick by how you want to feel. - 3 Creepy Tim Burton Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Are you looking for spooky Halloween movies to enjoy that can also teach you how to improve your writing? Look no further than the films of Tim Burton.
D
- 10 Dark Academia Books to Get Lost In
Ten dark academia novels worth getting lost in, from The Secret History and If We Were Villains to deep cuts like Vita Nostra and Bunny. - 10 Dark Fantasy Books to Keep You Up at Night
Do you like your fantasy with a dash of thrills and chills? If so, you are in luck! Here are ten dark fantasy books to keep you up at night.
E
- 3 Earthbound Sci-Fi Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Interested in writing earthbound sci-fi but lack the time to read books for inspiration? Here are three earthbound sci-fi movies you can study. - 3 Earthbound Sci-Fi TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Interested in writing earthbound sci-fi but lack the time to read books for inspiration? Here are three earthbound sci-fi TV shows you can study. - 3 Epic Fictionate.Me Stories
Discover mystery in the Ozarks, fight demons in London, and protect your neighborhood from an alien portal with these three home-grown authors! - 7 Epistolary Novels Worth Reading
Seven novels told in letters, diaries, transcripts and hacked files, from 1782 to 2019, and what a serial writer can steal from the form.
F
- 3 Fairy Tale Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
In honor of our short fiction writing contest, here are 3 fairy tale films you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 4 Famous Books That Took Years to Write
Frustrated by how long it's taking you to write your novel? Here are four famous works that took their authors many years to complete. - 10 Fantastic Books That Feature Virtual Reality
From older novels that predicted the current state of VR, to ones that imagine where it might go, here are ten fantastic books that feature virtual reality. - 5 Fantasy Books with Delightfully Unique Worlds
While there are plenty of aspects to enjoy in fantasy novels, the worldbuilding is definitely one of the best parts. Here are 5 books that take place in truly inventive worlds.
G
- 7 Genre-Fusing Science Fantasy Books
You can write fantasy or science fiction, but you can also blend the two! Here are seven genre-fusing science fantasy books. - 7 Ghost Stories Worth Reading After Dark
Seven ghost stories worth reading after dark, from Shirley Jackson to Lafcadio Hearn, and what each one actually does to the reader. - 5 Gorgeous Illustrated and Graphic Novels
You may have thought that you left the joys of reading picture books behind in childhood, but there are plenty of fantastic illustrated and graphic novels written for adults. Here are a few of my favorites. - 15 Great Flash Fiction Stories
Flash fiction stories generally have to be 2k words or less, which can be tough to pull off. Here are fifteen great flash fiction stories.
H
- 3 Heist Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Plotting
The heist genre is a machine of plant-and-payoff. Study three well-known heist films to sharpen how you set up and resolve plot threads across a serialized story. - 10 Hilarious Books to Brighten Your Day
The past few years haven’t been easy, and sometimes it can be hard to find reasons to smile. Here are 10 hilarious books to give you a much-needed laugh. - 10 Historical Fiction Books That Will Transport You to Another Time
Historical fiction doesn’t just take you to another place, but another point in history. Here are 10 books that will transport you to another time. - 3 Holiday Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Christmas movies aren’t always the highest quality, but here are 3 fantastic holiday films you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 10 Holiday Tales You Can Read for Free Online
Have you got a hankering for a holiday read but are suffering from an empty wallet after buying gifts? Here are ten holiday tales you can read for free online. - 3 Horror Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
In honor of the spooky season, here are 3 horror movies you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 3 Horror TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
In honor of the spooky season, here are 3 horror TV shows you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 8 Hugely Successful Self-Published Romance Authors
Having doubts as you figure out how to get your romance book self-published online? Here are 8 successful self-published romance authors to inspire you.
I
- 15 Impressive Debut Novels and Where You Can Read Them Online
The authors of these books really knocked it out of the park on the first try. Here are fifteen impressive debut novels and where you can read them online.
L
- 10 LitRPG and Progression Fantasy Web Serials Worth Reading
Ten widely loved LitRPG and progression fantasy web serials worth reading, from Cradle to Dungeon Crawler Carl, and why the genre fits serial form. - 7 Locked-Room Mysteries Worth Reading
The crime is impossible, the solution is fair, and every clue is already on the page. Seven locked-room mysteries across 130 years, plus what serial writers can steal from the form. - 3 Low Fantasy Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Interested in writing low fantasy but lack the time to read books for inspiration? Here are three low fantasy movies you can study. - 3 Low Fantasy TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Interested in writing low fantasy but lack the time to read books for inspiration? Here are three low fantasy TV shows you can study.
M
- 12 Middle-Grade Books Worth Reading (Skipping the Ones You Already Know)
Middle-grade books for ages 8-12, deliberately skipping the reflex canon. Twelve novels with an honest line on what each is about and which reader it suits. - 10 Modern Reads with a Delightful Dose of Ancient Mythology
Storytellers once told great myths, and those stories continue to inspire writers today. Here are ten modern reads with a delightful dose of ancient mythology. - 9 Morally Gray Protagonists Worth Rooting For
Nine protagonists from well-known fiction who lie, scheme, and hurt people, and why readers root for them anyway. - 3 More Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Talking movies and storytelling was too much fun for just one blog post—here are 3 more films you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 3 More TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Talking TV and storytelling was too much fun for just one blog post—here are 3 more shows you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 3 Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Worldbuilding
In honor of our worldbuilding short fiction contest, here are 3 films you can study to learn more about how to build a fantastic world. - 3 Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
I bet you never thought a writing lesson would be as easy as kicking back and enjoying some movies, but you thought wrong! Here are 3 films you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 10 Mystery Novels That Will Keep You Guessing
A well-crafted mystery will have you turning pages deep into the night. Here are 10 mystery novels that will keep you guessing till the very end.
N
- 8 Nonfiction Books That Will Inspire You on Your Self-Publishing Journey
Whether you’re figuring out how to get your nonfiction book self-published online or are a fiction writer, here are 8 nonfiction books to help along the way. - 7 Novellas You Can Finish in One Sitting
Seven novellas you can finish in one evening, from Kafka to Hemingway, with the craft move that makes each one work at 17,000 to 40,000 words.
O
- 10 of the Best Alien-Centric Stories
Are we alone? It’s a question many authors have pondered. Here are ten alien-centric stories that speculate what their existence would mean to humanity. - 7 of the Best Classics You Can Read for Free on Project Gutenberg
Classics can seem old and boring but there are a lot of great ones out there. Here are seven of the best classics you can read for free on Project Gutenberg. - 10 of the Best Fantasy Books of 2020
2020 was the type of year that made many of us want more than ever to sink into fantasies of witches, wizards, knights, and heroes. Luckily there are several skilled authors out there who were around to help us do just that. Here are some of the best fantasy novels to come out during 2020. - 3 of the Best Places to Publish Your Book Online Chapter by Chapter
If you want to post your story as you write, here are 3 of the best places to publish your book online chapter by chapter. - 10 of the Best Urban Fantasy Books You Should Read Right Now
Urban fantasy is a fun fantasy subgenre where magic collides with modern urban settings. Here are 10 of the best urban fantasy books you should read right now. - 5 Online Platforms that Motivate Authors
Exhausted? Intimidated? Here are the best author platforms online that offer compelling ideas, advice, and motivation for authors like you! - 7 Opening Lines That Do More Than They Look Like They Do
Seven famous first sentences, and the different machinery inside each one: what it withholds, what it promises, and what a serial writer can steal from it.
Q
- 5 Questions to Ask Yourself While Building Your World
Worldbuilding is one of the toughest parts of writing, particularly with speculative fiction. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself while building your world.
R
- 3 Research Tools You Can Use to Enrich Your Novel
No matter what genre you are writing, research is incredibly important. Here are a few great research tools (and tips on how to use them) to help you along your writerly way. - 10 Romantasy Books to Read After ACOTAR and Fourth Wing
Loved A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wing? Here are 10 romantasy reads to pick up next, grouped by vibe: fae courts, dragon-riders, myth retellings, and cozy magic.
S
- 10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Novels with Strong Female Protagonists
In honor of the last day of Women’s History Month, here are 10 sci-fi and fantasy novels with strong female protagonists. - 7 Sci-Fi Novels with Out of This World Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding may make you think of fantasy, but it is every bit as important in science fiction. Here are 7 sci-fi novels with out of this world worldbuilding. - 10 Sci-Fi Serials and Serialized Novels Worth Reading
Ten science fiction serials and serialized novels worth reading, from space opera to time loops, grouped by SF flavor with a one-line hook for each. - 10 Self-Sacrificial Characters in Fiction
There’s nothing more heart-wrenching than watching a character sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Here are ten self-sacrificial characters in fiction. - 7 Serial-Fiction Tropes That Keep Readers Coming Back Chapter After Chapter
Seven story patterns (slow burn, unreliable narrators, mystery-of-the-week, and more) that work even harder in serialized fiction, where the wait between chapters turns plot into anticipation. - 7 Shifter Romances Worth Reading
Seven shifter romances where the transformation carries an argument: control, appetite, hierarchy, and what it costs to be known. Analysis, not a genre roundup. - 10 Short Stories for Readers with Short Attention Spans
Are you a book lover who doesn’t remember the last time you read an actual book? Here are 10 short stories perfect for readers with short attention spans. - 15 Songs That Might Set Off a Creative Spark
I love listening to music when I write. I know musical taste is very subjective, but here are some songs that might set off a creative spark. - 10 Space Opera Novels Worth Reading
Ten space opera novels that solve the genre's hardest problem in ten different ways: making a civilization spread across light-years feel governed, inhabited, and consequential. - 5 Spellbinding Fairy Tales Written by Modern Masters
Do you love fairy tales but want to read something written in the past century? Here are 5 spellbinding fairy tales written by modern masters. - 7 Spine-Chilling Children’s and YA Books
Are you looking for some books for you and your children to enjoy together during the spooky season? Here are 7 spine-chilling children’s and YA books. - 5 Successful Writers Who Received a Ton of Rejections
Five authors who powered through rejection and eventually ended up becoming known as some of the greatest and most successful writers of all time.
T
- 5 Thrilling Literary Quests You Should Embark On Right Now
Is there anything better than a good questing narrative? Here are 5 fantastic literary quests you can read for free online that will whisk you away on exciting adventures. - 7 Time Travel Books Worth Reading
A reader's guide to seven time travel novels, grouped by the causal rule each one commits to, with a craft move worth stealing from every pick. - 3 Time Travel Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Love time travel and want a writing lesson from a great film? Here are three time travel movies you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 3 Time Travel TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
Love time travel and want a writing lesson from a great TV show? Here are three time travel TV shows you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story. - 5 Tips for Brainstorming an Idea for a Novel
If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start with brainstorming a novel idea, here are five tips to help get you going. - 10 Tips on How to Achieve Productive Writing Sessions
Even the best writers have a tough time getting into the groove every now and then. Here are 10 tips on how to achieve productive writing sessions. - 7 Tips on How to Create an Effective Writing Routine
When the going gets tough, a good writing routine will do wonders for your productivity. Here are seven tips on how to create an effective writing routine. - 5 Tips on How to Expand Your Rough Draft
A lot of people think completing a rough draft is the finish line, but we writers know better. Here are some tips to help you expand your novel with additional scenes that will flesh out your story's characters and world. - 10 Tips on How to Incorporate Feedback Into Your Writing
After writing a rough draft, it can be terrifying to solicit feedback and receive criticism. Here are ten tips on how to incorporate feedback into your writing. - 5 Tips on How to Pick an Old Project Back Up Again
It’s hard to jump back into working on a WIP you haven’t looked at in months or maybe even years. Here are 5 tips on how to pick an old project back up again. - 7 Tips on How to Read Like a Writer
We all love reading for fun, but you can learn a lot about storytelling from reading with a more studious eye. Here are 7 tips on how to read like a writer. - 5 Tips on How to Write at Lightning Speed
It can get frustrating when you’re working on a novel or article and everything is moving so slowly. Here are some tips and tricks to help you write faster. - 10 Tips on Writing for a Child Audience
Writing for children seems easy, but kids are more sophisticated readers than people give them credit for. Here are ten tips on writing for a child audience. - 10 Tips on Writing for a Teen Audience
Last week we discussed how to write for a child audience. Now here are ten tips on writing for a teen audience. - 10 Tips to Help You Find Your Voice as a Writer
In the sea of books out there, what makes your story unique is that you are the one telling it. Here are ten tips to help you find your voice as a writer. - 5 Tips to Help You Soldier on Through That First Draft
While writing your rough draft is a fun and thrilling experience, it can also be a grind. Here are 5 tips to help you soldier on through that first draft. - 5 Tips to Improve Your Character Development
Readers won’t care about your worldbuilding and plot if your story doesn’t have interesting characters. Here are 5 tips to improve your character development. - 5 Tips to Improve Your Dialogue
Dialogue is one of the most important parts of any story. It helps to develop your characters into friends that readers will follow anywhere. Here are 5 tips for improving your dialogue-writing skills. - 7 Tools to Help Keep Your Story Moving at a Good Pace
An important part of writing a book is maintaining the right pace so your readers stay engaged. Here are seven tools to help keep your story moving at a good pace. - 3 TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Worldbuilding
In honor of our worldbuilding short fiction contest, here are 3 TV shows you can study to learn more about how to build a fantastic world. - 3 TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing
I bet you never thought a writing lesson would be as easy as kicking back and enjoying some TV, but you thought wrong! Here are 3 shows you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story.
V
- 10 Vampire Novels You Can Really Sink Your Teeth Into
Who doesn’t love vampire stories? They’re creepy, magical, and often feature great characters. Here are 10 vampire novels you can really sink your teeth into.
W
- 3 Ways to Make Your Writing More Concise
The ability to be succinct is a fantastic tool in any type of writing—it makes your words flow better in a more readable way. Here are some of the types of language to look out for in your quest for conciseness. - 9 Web Serials and Serialized Novels Worth Reading
From Worm and The Wandering Inn to Dickens and Sherlock Holmes, nine web serials and serialized novels worth reading, plus why the chapter-by-chapter format works. - 5 Writing Mistakes That Will Turn Off a Teen Audience
We recently covered tips for what you should do when writing for teens. Now here are five writing mistakes you can make that will turn off a teen audience.
Y
- 10 YA and Children’s Books That Celebrate Friendship
It's lovely to watch characters become friends and how that friendship grows over time. Here are ten YA and children’s books that celebrate friendship. - 7 YA Protagonists Who Seem Like Real People
One frequent complaint in young adult fiction is that the protagonists don’t seem human or relatable. Here are seven protagonists who seem like real people. - 15 Young Adult Books That Readers of Any Age Will Love
Being an adult doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy young adult books. Here are 15 young adult books that readers of any age will love.
A
- A Fictionate Alternative to Patreon for Writers
Fictionate.Me’s new subscription service is an alternative to Patreon for writers where you can gain readers more easily and earn more money. - A Kingdom of Imagination: Interview with Young Author Winner, Vrisan Shah
For our last July 2022 Contest interview, we're talking to ten-year-old dynamo Vrisan Shah, who won in both the Young Author and People's Choice Categories! Keep reading to learn more about this inspiring young author. - A Master Class on Storytelling: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
This week we're diving deep into this Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece to learn storytelling lessons about avoiding flat exposition and keeping readers engaged. - A Self-Publishing Checklist
Congratulations on making the decision to self-publish your novel! Here's a checklist to help you make sure you’re ready to share your book with confidence. - Alternate History Novels Worth Reading
Twelve alternate history novels where a single changed event reshapes the world, and what the fork costs the ordinary people living through it. - Arthurian and Legend-Retelling Novels Worth Reading
Twelve Arthurian and legend-retelling novels that hand the old stories to the people the myth left out: the queens, the monsters, the knights who came after. - Author Interview: DoubleBlind, First Place Winner of the Short Fiction Contest
Want to get to know our short fiction contest winners? Check out this interview with DoubleBlind, author of "The Red Shoes", our first-place story winner! - Author Interview: Finding Humanity with Natasha Weber
Meet our 4th Place Grand Prize winner from the April 2022 Writing Contest! Natasha talks about her influences and gives great writing advice to newbie authors. - Author Interview: Kate Seger, Prolific Multi-Award Winner
This week’s author interview is with Kate Seger, who won a whopping three awards in different categories of our worldbuilding short fiction contest. - Author Interview: Katie Jordan, Queen of Conciseness
Katie Jordan’s award-winning story submission in our worldbuilding short fiction contest is a shortie but a goodie. Check out today’s interview with her! - Author Interview: Kelsey Josephson, Queen of Steampunk
Click here to learn more about our 2nd Place Winner in the April 2022 Short Fiction Contest, Kelsey Josephson! - Author Interview: Lore Nicole and Her World of Glass
In her award-winning story, Lore Nicole fuses sci-fi and fantasy in a world made of glass. Check out our interview with her to learn about her writing process! - Author Interview: Speculating with Chandra Snicker
Check out our interview with another award-winning author, Chandra Snicker, who won 3rd Place Grand Prize and 2nd Place People's Choice in our April 2022 Short Fiction Contest! - Author Interview: Stargazing with Hannah Greer
Click here to learn more about the 2nd Place Grand Prize Winner in our worldbuilding short fiction contest, Hannah Greer! - Author Interview: Tracy Pitts, Winner of the Worldbuilding Short Fiction Contest
Want to get to know our worldbuilding short story contest winners? Here’s an interview with the author of “Radio Silence”, Tracy Pitts, our first-place winner! - Author Interview: Worldbuilding with J.P. Raison
This week’s author interview is with J.P. Raison, author of “From Jineria” and the Third Place Grand Prize winner of our worldbuilding short fiction contest!
B
- Banned and Challenged Books Worth Reading
Eleven books that were banned, prosecuted or regularly challenged, from Madame Bovary to Captain Underpants: what each one is, what the objection was, and why it is worth reading anyway. - Best Fiction Platforms Online to Discover New Indie Authors
Wondering where to find your next read that is below the mainstream radar? Here is a list of the best fiction platforms online to discover new indie authors. - Best-Selling Fiction Written by Young Authors
Meet the nineteen year old, the seventeen year old, and the fifteen year old behind some of America's favorite works of fiction. - Body Horror Novels Worth Reading
Body horror is the subgenre where your own flesh turns traitor. Eight novels worth reading, from Tender Is the Flesh and The Troop to Mexican Gothic. - Books About Books: Novels Set in Libraries, Bookshops and Manuscripts
Eleven novels about libraries, bookshops, manuscripts and readers, from The Shadow of the Wind to The Midnight Library, and what each does with books. - Books and Series With Unforgettable Redemption Arcs
A cross-genre roundup of books and series built around an unforgettable redemption arc, and why the slow chapter-by-chapter runway is the ideal vehicle for an earned turn. - Books With Older Protagonists Worth Reading
Twelve novels where the lead is over fifty and the story depends on it, from Don Quixote and Gilead to Slow Horses and The Thursday Murder Club.
C
- Can Reading Non-Fiction Help You Write Fiction?
You betcha! Bring your fictional settings and characters to life by reading the right non-fiction books. - Charlie M. Holmberg's Smoke and Summons: A Review
A review of Charlie M. Holmberg's urban fantasy, Smoke and Summons, with a close look at the heroine of the series, Sandis. - Check Out These Fictionate Titles for the New Year
Looking for something new to read? Check out these new and trending Fictionate titles for the new year! - Choose To Challenge: 21st Century Female Voices in Science Fiction and Fantasy
A roundup of ten 21st century female authors who are changing the landscape of sci-fi and fantasy with their new approaches to characterization and representation for women in literature. - Chosen-One Characters Who Actually Earn It
Twelve chosen-one characters whose stories do the work the prophecy cannot: planted, edited, withheld or branded, the selection is the argument rather than the answer. - Cosmic Horror Novels Worth Reading
A reading list of cosmic and Lovecraftian horror, from Machen and Lovecraft to modern reclaimers like Victor LaValle - the fiction of vast, indifferent scale. - Courtroom Novels Worth Reading
Eight novels built around a trial, from Bleak House to Defending Jacob, and what each one does with a room where everyone has to speak in order. - Cozy Mystery Books Worth Reading
Cozy mystery is the warm, low-gore branch of crime fiction: amateur sleuths, small communities, and series you return to. Eight cozy mysteries worth reading. - Crafting the Microcosm: Worldbuilding in Short Fiction
Check out this article on how to build worlds in short fiction, just in time for our July 2022 Worldbuilding Short Fiction Contest! - Creature and Monster Novels Worth Reading
From Jaws to Frankenstein: the best creature and monster horror novels, where the dread is an external beast hunting people. Analysed, not spoiled. - Cyberpunk Books and Serials Worth Reading
Ten cyberpunk novels beyond the usual three - foundational, contemporary, and one serialized free on the web - and why each one works.
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- Destigmatizing Mental Illness in Speculative Fiction
Five modern speculative fiction novels that are helping to destigmatize mental illness with neurodiverse heroines. - Detective Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Foreshadowing
Five detective shows to study for foreshadowing: Columbo, Christie, Broadchurch, Sherlock, Knives Out, each mapped to a plant-and-payoff technique. - Does Your Serial Need a Prologue?
The case against prologues was written for bound novels. In a serial your prologue is an entire release and a permanent front door, so the question is different. Three shapes that work, two that fail, and the honest alternative. - Domestic Suspense Books Worth Reading
Domestic suspense puts the threat inside the house: a spouse, a neighbour, a friend. Ten novels where nobody is coming to investigate. - Douglas Stuart: The Inspiring Story of a Rags-to-Riches Author
The inspirational story of author Douglas Stuart, whose award-winning 2020 debut novel is based on his own experiences growing up in Scotland as the gay son of a single, alcoholic mother. - Dungeon Core and Dungeon Crawl LitRPG Worth Reading
Ten dungeon core and dungeon crawl LitRPG books and web serials worth reading, from The Divine Dungeon to Solo Leveling, and why the descent suits serial release.
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- Elements of Science Fiction Writing
Wanting to improve your sci-fi writing skills, or try a new genre on for size? Here are some great tips on how to write science fiction. - Enemies to Lovers Books Across Genres
A cross-genre reading list of the enemies-to-lovers trope, grouped by the flavor of the enmity: rivals, sworn enemies, and slow-thaw antagonists. - Epic Fantasy Books Worth Reading
Ten epic fantasy books and series worth the commitment, from The Lord of the Rings to The Priory of the Orange Tree, and why the form rewards reading a chapter at a time.
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- Fairy Tale Retellings That Will Inspire You to Write Your Own
Do you love fairy tales and wish you could write your own? Check out these fairy tale retellings that will inspire you to craft your own fairy tale masterpiece. - Fall in Love with These 7 Paranormal Romances
Do you like your love stories with a dash of the supernatural? Well, you’re in luck! Get ready to fall in love with these seven paranormal romances. - Fiction in Translation Worth Reading
Twelve novels from twelve languages, each with the translator who brought it across and the one problem they had to solve to do it. - Fiction Platforms To Try If You’re Ready To Publish Like Right Now
A roundup of the best digital writing platforms that allow you to publish both finished manuscripts or works-in-progress, all with reader feedback. - Five Heavy-Hitting Quotes from Speculative Fiction
Do you read with a highlighter by your side or keep a pencil tucked behind your ear to underline great qutoes? You're in good company. Here are five incredible quotes from some of my favorite speculative fiction authors that will have you rereading time and again. - Folk Horror Novels Worth Reading
Ten folk horror novels where the village, the field, the coast or the forest is the real threat, from Harvest Home and The Loney to Lanny and Slewfoot. - Found Family in Fantasy: 10 Series Worth Reading
Ten found-family fantasy books and series worth reading, from cozy coffee shops to gothic murder-schools, where the crew you choose is the whole story.
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- Gothic Novels Worth Reading
Ten gothic novels worth your time, from 1764 to now, with what makes each one gothic rather than horror and one craft move a writer could steal. - Great Sidekicks in Fiction: The Characters Who Make the Hero Possible
Nine of fiction's best sidekicks, from Enkidu to Hobbes, and the structural job they all do: someone for the hero to explain things to, argue with, and be seen by. - Grimdark Fantasy Books Worth Reading
Seven grimdark fantasy books worth reading, from The First Law to The Poppy War, with a craft note on why grim stakes make every chapter hard to put down.
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- Haunted House Novels Worth Reading
A reading list of haunted house fiction where the building itself is the antagonist - sentient, shifting, or feeding on its occupants - eleven novels from 1908 to 2022. - Heart of Ashes: Interview with 2nd Place Young Author Grand Prize Winner Sabrina Li
Check out our newest interview in our July 2022 winner series! This week we're featuring sixteen-year-old dynamo Sabrina Li, who won 2nd Place Grand Prize in the Young Author division. - Historical Fiction: Why Read it? Why Write it?
Historical fiction is a unique literary genre that can teach us about distant times and places...and ourselves. - Historical Romance Books Worth Reading
Ten historical romances worth reading, from Georgette Heyer to Evie Dunmore, and why a genre built on constraint reads so well a chapter at a time. - Horrifying Short Stories for Halloween
Read these six classic terrifying tales at your next candlelight gathering. - How I Got My Sci-Fi Novel Published Online
This is my personal self-publication story, which I hope will give you an idea of how to get your own sci-fi novel self-published online. - How to Choose a Pen Name You Can Live With
Serial writers pick a byline in ninety seconds and live with it for years. Why a pen name is a boundary rather than a disguise, the four checks to run before you commit, and why changing it mid-serial costs more than it looks. - How to Choose Where to Publish Your Serialized Fiction Online
A guide to picking a home for a chapter-by-chapter story: the six trade-offs that actually differ between platforms, the kinds of homes available, and the clauses to read before you post chapter one. - How to Create a Dynamic Plot
A book can have a slew of great characters and a fantastic setting, but if it hasn’t got a good plot, it’s a snooze fest. Here’s how to create a dynamic plot. - How to Create a Writing Playlist
Music and writing go together like chocolate and peanut butter, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Here’s how to create your own writing playlist. - How to Create Satisfying Character Arcs
No one will care about your story if it lacks interesting characters who develop from the book’s start to its end. Here’s how to create satisfying story arcs. - How to Discover Your Characters' Motivations
An important aspect of crafting believable characters is to know their motivations for their actions. Not sure where to start? Check out this helpful guide to aid you in discovering your characters' motivations. - How to End a Serial Without Losing the Ending
The ending of a serial is a stretch of chapters you schedule a quarter of the way through, not a chapter you write last. How to pick where it starts, draft it whole, and land it. - How to Fix a Serial You Have Already Published
Revision advice assumes nobody has read the draft yet. Serial fiction breaks that assumption. What to correct silently, what needs a note, how to retcon without losing trust, and when to fix it forward instead. - How to Get Published in Literary Magazines
Want to get published sooner rather than later? Here are some great tips from a published author on how to get your work in literary magazines. - How to Get Useful Feedback on a Chapter You Have Already Published
Serial fiction inverts the revision loop: the chapter is public before the notes arrive. How to read comments for signal and decide what to change now. - How to Get Your Fiction Book Self-Published Online: Steps to Success
Wondering how to be a profitable indie author? Read our steps to success guide for how to get your fiction book self-published online. - How to Get Your Poetry Book Published Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how to get your poetry book self-published online? Don’t worry, we’ve got a step-by-step guide to help you. - How to Get Your Sci-Fi Novel Self-Published Online
Wondering how to get your sci-fi book self-published online? Here is a guide to help you get published and noticed. - How to Keep a Growing Serial Cast Legible
A serial's cast arrives in fragments, weeks apart, until readers stop reliably knowing who is talking. Six techniques for keeping a long-running ensemble legible across the gaps. - How to Keep a Subplot Alive When Readers Meet It Once a Month
In a novel a subplot is a spacing problem; in a serial it is a memory problem, because twelve chapters is three months. A cadence rule, what a return beat has to do in one scene, how to spot a thread that has gone cold, and how many threads you can honestly carry. - How to Know Which Online Writing Platform is Best for You
It can be hard to know which online writing platform will be best for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you decide where to self-publish. - How to Make Fiction Feel Real (Part 1: Fantasy)
Your reader knows there are no monsters; yet he or she can still experience fear when reading about an eerily quiet town and a mammoth shadow slowly spreading across the pavement... - How to Make Fiction Feel Real (Part 2)
Add depth and realism to your fiction by writing dialogue with an imperfect and casual feel, pausing to choose your second thought, and describing characters' body language. - How to Make Your Writing Environment Conducive to Creativity
Can’t afford the luxury of a dedicated writing space? Here are some tips on how to make your writing environment conducive to creativity no matter where you are. - How to Master Show, Don't Tell in Your Writing
Have you heard the advice to show, not tell in your writing, but don't quite know what it means? Keep reading to learn how to master showing in your writing, along with examples and exercises! - How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like a fraud when you call yourself a writer? Imposter syndrome is very real, and can hinder our writing process. Here are some tips to help you overcome imposter syndrome, once and for all. - How To Overcome Reader's Block
Are you feeling less than inspired to read lately? Can't seem to find a book you can sink your teeth into? You might be suffering from reader's block. Here are some tips to help you get back to your old reading habits in no time. - How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Writer
Paralyzed by imposter syndrome? Doubting yourself as writer? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us, even famous authors. Read this article for tips on how to overcome your writerly self-doubt. - How To Overcome Writer's Block
Hitting your head against the wall in frustration? Can't think of a word to write? We're here to help with some great tips to overcome writer's block. - How to Pace a Serialized Novel Chapter by Chapter
A serialized novel lives or dies on pacing. Four craft levers for chapter rhythm: chapter length, scene vs summary, metering revelation, and varying tempo across a long run. - How to Pick an Update Schedule You Can Actually Keep
Serial writers pick a posting cadence in week one and pay for it in month six. How to choose a schedule your worst month can carry, why a four-chapter buffer is the whole answer, and what to say when you miss. - How to Promote Your New Self-Published Book Online Like a Pro
Wondering about the ins and outs of self-publishing and promotion? Here’s a guide so you can self-publish and promote like a pro. - How to Publish Your Book on Fictionate.Me: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to become a Fictionate.Me writer, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of publishing on the site and some tips and tricks to help you out along the way. - How to Set a Scene in Your Novel
If you want to write a great novel, it’s important that you nail each scene to get the reader hooked and excited to read more. Here’s how to set a scene. - How to Set Writing Goals for the New Year and Stick to Them
We all know most New Year’s resolutions are history by February. Here’s how to set writing goals for the New Year and actually stick to them. - How to Stop Procrastinating and Start Writing
Are you plagued by procrastination? Don't worry, all writers have been there. But if you often struggle with procrastination that gets in the way of your writing practice, we have some great tips to help you get those words out! - How to Use Canva as an Author
Need some extra help as an indie author? Here are some tips for how to use Canva as an author to help you create promotional tools to help you market your work. - How to Walk and Write at the Same Time
Some of your best writing will happen when you’re not in front of your computer screen. Here’s how to walk and write at the same time. - How to Write a Chapter Hook That Survives a Two-Week Wait
A finished novel earns the next page in seconds. A serial chapter has to earn it again after days or weeks away. Here is how to build re-entry hooks that survive the gap. - How to Write a Compelling Love Story
Of all the aspects of a book, the love story has always been my favorite. But romance can also be hard to write. Here’s how to write a compelling love story. - How to Write a Dual-Timeline Story in Serial Fiction
In print a timeline switch costs a second. In serial the reader lives inside one thread for a week, and that changes the whole craft. - How to Write a Slow-Burn Romance in Serial Fiction
A craft guide to writing a slow-burn romance that works in the serial format: what slow burn really means, pacing the burn across chapters, tension that survives the between-chapter wait, and landing the payoff. - How to Write a Villain Who Survives a Whole Serial
A recurring antagonist has to stay compelling across a whole serial. Six craft moves for writing a villain who survives a long, chapter-by-chapter story. - How to Write Action Scenes in Serial Fiction
Action scenes in a serial must land a visceral beat and leave a hook that survives the chapter break. Six techniques for writing fights that pull readers back. - How to Write an Unreliable Narrator in Serial Fiction
The craft of the unreliable narrator, and why chapter-by-chapter serial fiction is the best delivery vehicle the technique has ever had. - How to Write Fairy Tale Retellings
Want to put a twist on your favorite fairy tale but not sure where to start? Check out this article for tips on how to write your own fairy tale retelling! - How to Write Flash Fiction
Flash fiction isn’t as simple as drafting a story under one thousand words. There are techniques to make flash fiction a great read. Check out these tips on how to write great flash fiction! - How Writing Flash Fiction Stories Will Make You a Better Writer
Do you want to level up your writing practice? Check out these tips on how writing flash fiction will make you a better writer.
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- If You Liked The Hunger Games, You Need to Read These 7 Books
If you’ve sunk into a book depression since finishing the series, you’re in luck! Here are seven essential reads for every Hunger Games fan. - Inception to Completion, Part 1: Outlining
The first installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 2: Chapter One
The second installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 3: Hitting a Wall
The third installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 4: Taking Breaks and Self-Care
The fourth installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 5: Finishing Your First Draft
The fifth installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 6: Editing
The sixth installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 7: First Readers
The seventh installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inception to Completion, Part 8: How to Know When You’re Really Done?
The eighth and final installment of my Inception to Completion series. These articles will take you from the very beginning to the very end of the novel-writing process, breaking things down step-by-step and providing advice along the way. - Inspiring Female Authorprenuers in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Five contemporary women authors in sci-fi and fantasy who have built thriving businesses through their writing. - Inventive Magic Systems and Worlds Worth Studying
Inventive magic systems and worlds worth studying, across fantasy and science fiction, grouped by how their rules actually work. - Isekai and Portal Fantasy Books Worth Reading
Eight isekai and portal fantasy books worth reading, from Narnia to Mushoku Tensei, and why the transported-to-another-world premise fits serialized reading.
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- Light Novels and Korean Webnovels Worth Reading
Nine Japanese light novels and Korean webnovels worth reading, from Spice and Wolf to Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, and how each tradition publishes. - Lois Lowry's Young Adult Fiction
Lois Lowry is a multi-award winning fiction author who targets Young Adult and Middle Grade readers. Her novels range from historical fiction to dystopian, and all are gripping, detailed, and wonderfully well-written! - Long Novels Worth the Commitment
Twelve long novels and what their size is actually for, from Middlemarch to The Books of Jacob, and why the commitment a doorstopper asks for is re-entry rather than stamina.
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- Magic in Our World: A Guide to Low Fantasy
What exactly is the difference between low fantasy and high fantasy? Here is a breakdown of what low fantasy is and some book recommendations. - Magic School and Academy Fantasy Worth Reading
Ten magic school and academy fantasy novels worth reading after the obvious one - boarding schools, magical universities, and institutions that would object to being called either, where the education is the engine rather than the backdrop. - Making the Leap from Reader to Author
Are you a voracious reader who wants to take a stab at writing your own story? Here are some tips on making the leap from reader to author. - Military Fiction and War Novels Worth Reading
Twelve military and war novels worth reading, from All Quiet on the Western Front to The Things They Carried: the gap between the official war and the lived one. - Movies You Can Study to Improve Your Writing, Part 3
Want a writing lesson from kicking back and enjoying movies? Here’s my third installment of films you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story.
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- New Adult Books Worth Reading
New Adult books for readers aged out of YA: twelve novels with protagonists 18 to 25, campus and early-career, beyond the romance default. - Novels in Verse Worth Reading
Ten novels in verse worth your evening, from The Poet X to Autobiography of Red, and why the form reads faster than its page count suggests.
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- Online Tools for Sci-Fi Writers
Are you a sci-fi writer? Need a little help on your WIP? Look no further than these intergalactic resources, right at your fingertips. - Out of the Shadows: Interview with Shadonovic, Young Author Grand Prize Winner
Meet our first-place Young Author Grand Prize Winner, Shadonovic!
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- Pirate and High-Seas Adventure Books Worth Reading
Twelve pirate and high-seas books worth reading, from Treasure Island and Captain Blood to Sea of Poppies and the true story behind The Wager. - Post-Apocalyptic Books Worth Reading
Ten post-apocalyptic novels worth your time, from 1949 to now, with what each one is really about and one craft move a writer could steal. - Psychological Thriller Books Worth Reading
A mystery asks who did it. A psychological thriller asks whether you can trust the person telling you. Eight books that live on that second question.
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- Queer Protagonists Worth Reading
Eleven books with queer protagonists across literary fiction, space opera, horror, historical romance and YA, and why so much of this shelf reached readers in instalments first.
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- Reluctant Heroes in Fiction: 10 Characters Who Never Wanted the Job
Ten reluctant heroes, from Hamlet to Shadow Moon: what each character was refusing, what finally moved them, and why the refusal makes the payoff land. - Revenge Novels Worth Reading
Eleven novels, plays and stories that treat revenge as a decision with a price: from Odysseus in his own hall to Gone Girl. Six are in the public domain. - Riot Grrrl: Author Interview with Kim Riot
Check out our interview with April 2022 Contest People's Choice 1st Place Winner Kim Riot!
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- Sci-Fi Authors to Read to Improve Your Writing
Looking to improve your writing skills? Read below to get the scoop on two of the best sci-fi authors of all time, and how reading their works will help improve your writing. - Sci-Fi Horror Novels for Your Halloween Reading Pleasure
Looking for some out-of-this-world sci-fi reads for spooky season? We've got you covered! - Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which One is Right For You?
Pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing to help writers make informed decisions. - Spy Novels Worth Reading
Nobody in a spy novel can say what they mean, and that shortage is a craft engine. Eight books across more than a century, plus what serial writers can take from the way espionage fiction schedules information. - Storytelling Deep Dive: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Check out this deep dive on A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, which can help you find inspiration for your own science fantasy story! - Storytelling Deep Dive: Dracula by Bram Stoker
Dracula has no narrator. It is a stack of letters, telegrams and journals arriving in parallel, and that structure is a masterclass for serial writers. - Storytelling Deep Dive: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A serial-craft deep dive into Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: how its frame narrative, nested narrators, and delayed reveals teach chapter-by-chapter writers. - Storytelling Deep Dive: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Dickens wrote Great Expectations in thirty-six weekly parts while readers were already reading it. What a serial writer can take from a book built under a deadline that could not slip. - Storytelling Deep Dive: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Read The Count of Monte Cristo as the newspaper serial it was: six craft moves Dumas used to keep installment readers coming back, for serial writers today. - Storytelling Deep Dive: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
This week we're doing a deep dive on The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle and why author Patrick Rothfuss calls it “the best book” he has ever read. - Storytelling Deep Dive: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This week we’re doing a deep dive on The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and why author Maggie Stiefvater was in awe of Henry and Clare’s chemistry. - Subgenres of Fantasy (That Aren't the Usual Suspects)
A look at some of the less obvious fantasy subgenres, with book recommendations for each one. - Subgenres of Science Fiction (That Aren't the Usual Suspects)
A crash course on the different subgenres of science fiction with book recommendations. - Superhero Books and Capepunk Serials Worth Reading
Ten superhero novels and capepunk serials worth reading in prose - from Vicious and Hench to Dreadnought and Super Powereds - plus where to follow the lane chapter by chapter. - Survival Novels Worth Reading
Seven survival novels from 1719 to 2020, from a castaway's ledger to a twelve-day hurricane countdown, and the pacing move a serial writer can steal from each. - Sword and Sorcery Books Worth Reading
The adventure-first branch of fantasy that invented episodic reading: nine sword and sorcery picks, from Conan and Elric to Kings of the Wyld, and why they hook serial readers.
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- Ten Best Book-to-Film Fantasy Adaptations
Grab the popcorn and a side of nostalgia for this roundup of the ten best book-to-film fantasy adaptations. - Ten Sci-Fi Books To Read Before They Hit the Silver Screen
Want to read some great sci-fi books before they hit the big (or small) screen? Here's a list of ten novels to read before you head to the theater. - Ten Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels to Help Your Child Love Reading
A roundup of ten speculative fiction novels sure to engage and delight kids from elementary up through high school. - The Benefits of Rereading
Don't feel bad if you'd rather reread an old favorite than crack open a new book. Here are some of the ways rereading novels will actually help you to become a better writer. - The Best Cultivation and Xianxia Books and Serials to Read
A reader's guide to the best cultivation and xianxia fiction, from Beware of Chicken to Reverend Insanity, and why the genre is so bingeable. - The Best Dystopian Fiction of 2020 You Should Read During Quarantine
A roundup of the best dystopian fiction offerings from 2020. - The Best Fiction Books of 2020 Written by Women
A round-up of the best fantasy and science fiction books of 2020 written by women. - The Best Science Fiction Book-to-Film Adaptations
Looking for some great classic sci-fi films based on books? Check out these ten recommendations of critically and audience-acclaimed science fiction films based on books. - The Elements of Fantasy Writing
New to writing fantasy? Check out the elements of fantasy writing before you write your first draft! - The Evolution of the Dragon
Let’s talk dragons! Here are some of the ways dragons have evolved over time in pop culture, and why the myth has endured through the ages. - The Evolution of the Vampire
"The Evolution of the Zombie" was so much fun, I'm doing it again with vampires! Here are some of the ways vampires have evolved over time in pop culture, and why the myth has endured through the ages. - The Evolution of the Zombie
Like zombies themselves, it seems the zombie trend is never going to die. Here are some of the ways zombies have evolved over time in pop culture, and how they’ve managed to stay relevant for so long. - The Fictionate.Me Top Ten Roundup
Looking for your next great Fictionate.Me read? Check out this list of the top ten novels on the site from our award-winning and top paid authors. - The Future of Our World: A Guide to Earthbound Science Fiction
Unsure about how to define "earthbound science fiction"? Here’s a breakdown of what the subgenre is and some book/story recommendations. - The Pros and Cons of Writing Different Genres
Are you eager to start writing your first book but don't know which genre to pick? Here are the pros and cons of writing different genres. - The serialized classics that invented the cliffhanger
Before the binge there was the wait. Seven public-domain serials that built the chapter-hook, the cliffhanger, and the episodic series we still read by. - Trailblazers: Award-Winning Female Authors in Science Fiction
A list of women who broke gender records by becoming the first female authors to win major literary awards in science fiction and fantasy. - Tricksters in Fiction: Characters Who Win by Not Playing Fair
Nine tricksters from Reynard to Ripley: what each one actually does to win, why method beats morality in this archetype, and how a trick builds a chapter hook. - TV Shows You Can Study to Improve Your Writing, Part 3
Want a writing lesson from kicking back and enjoying TV? Here’s my third installment of TV shows you can study to learn more about how to tell a good story.
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- Unforgettable Mentor Characters in Fiction
Eight unforgettable mentor characters in fiction, from Gandalf to Granny Weatherwax, and what each teaches about writing a mentorship that earns its ending. - Unmoored: Creating Chaotic Worlds
Looking for more worldbuilding tips? Check out this article with examples from J.R.R. Tolkien to help you create unique and exciting worlds for our July 2022 Worldbuilding Short Fiction Contest!
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- Werewolf and Shapeshifter Novels Worth Reading
A reading list of werewolf and shapeshifter fiction, from the 1933 original to modern transformation horror: nine novels about the beast within and the loss of control. - Western Novels Worth Reading
Eleven western novels worth reading, from The Virginian and Lonesome Dove to Blood Meridian: the frontier as a place with no law, and what it reveals. - What Goes in a Series Bible for a Serial You Are Still Writing
A series bible for a serial is a record of what you have already published, not a plan for what comes next. What earns its maintenance cost, what to leave out, and how to start one at chapter forty. - What Long-Running TV Shows Teach Writers About Sustaining a Serial
Serials are won in the long middle, not the opening. Four well-known TV series as craft lenses for keeping a chapter-by-chapter story compelling over the long haul. - What Serial Fiction Writers Can Learn From Anime's Pacing
Five well-known anime series and one transferable pacing lesson from each: cold opens, engineered chapter breaks, deepening stakes, braided arcs, and banked payoffs. - What TV Pilots Teach About Opening Chapters in Serial Fiction
Pilots and opening chapters do the same job under different attention currencies. Three pilots, three craft moves you can use in chapter one. - What Video Game Storytelling Teaches Serial Fiction Writers
Game designers spent decades engineering the return between sessions. Five of their techniques translate directly to serial fiction chapter craft. - Where to Publish Your New Novel Online to Attract Readers
Looking to publish your new novel but also need to grow your audience? Here’s a list of where to publish your new novel online to attract readers. - Why Harry Potter Fans Love The Bone Season
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter redefined success for YA fiction authors. Yet another author, Samantha Shannon, is slowly emerging as an outside-the-box thinker with equal world building talent and a knack for penning likable characters. - Why It’s Okay to Juggle Different Projects
Have you been feeling guilty about juggling multiple writing projects? Don't worry! Here's why bouncing between different novels can actually make you a more productive writer. - Why Read the Book Before Watching the Movie
Research suggests that the number of book to movie adaptations will continue to rise in the coming years. Are you ready to dive into new worlds through two different mediums? - Why Read the Book Before Watching the Movie Part 2
Just in case part one didn't fully convince you! - Why You Should Plan Your Novel Before You Write the First Word
The benefits of planning your novel with an outline with links to free templates included. - Why You Should Support Indie Authors
On the fence about reading independent authors? Here are four great reasons to support indie authors and read their books. - Witch and Coven Books Worth Reading
Eight witch novels across the whole tradition: literary, historical witch trials, Norse myth, cosy, YA covens, and one that is straight horror. - Worldbuilding Deep Dive: Dune by Frank Herbert
Check out this worldbuilding deep dive on Dune by Frank Herbert, which can help you build your world for our worldbuilding short fiction contest! - Writing Tips for Beginners
Are you an aspiring writer but don't quite know where to start? Click here for great writing tips for newbies. - Possession and Demonic Horror Novels Worth Reading
Ten possession and demonic horror novels worth reading, from The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby to A Head Full of Ghosts and The Hellbound Heart. - Slasher and Serial-Killer Novels Worth Reading
Ten slasher and serial-killer novels worth reading, from The Silence of the Lambs and American Psycho to The Final Girl Support Group.
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- Zombie and Undead Novels Worth Reading
Ten zombie and undead novels worth reading, from I Am Legend and World War Z to Zone One and The Girl With All the Gifts - the best of apocalyptic, literary, and even tender undead fiction.