Writing

Have you ever read a book that left you unsettled, even though you couldn’t quite explain why? Or watched a film that made you laugh during what should have been a serious moment?  That is the invisible power of tone at work. Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the words, subject matter, audience, or character. It’s the overall thought conveyed through the writer’s word choice, style, and the way...

Characters are what make us invested in any piece of writing. It’s why some seem so real you half expect them to text you or wish you could grab coffee with them. Think of Harry Potter; brave but impulsive, loyal to a fault. Or James Bond; cool, calculated, impossible to rattle.  But then there are the ones you barely remember. Do you recall Mr. Musgrove from Persuasion? Probably not. Some...

Copyright isn’t just a legal checkbox—it’s your first line of defense as an author. Understanding what copyright does helps you protect your work from plagiarism, unauthorized use, and lost revenue opportunities. This practical guide breaks down everything about copyrighting a book, including the exact steps to register and why doing so is a smart move for any serious author. How to Copyright a Book: Step-by-Step Registration Process If you’re ready...

Books come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have these parts: a beginning, middle, and end. Readers expect that from every book. You? You expect readers to buy your books, read your books all the way through, and love every word.  Reading is lovely, but when writing a book, you’ll need to guide yourself and your readers with grace. The framework is simple: Every book follows a three-part...

What kept you reading the last book you couldn’t put down?  Chances are, it wasn’t just beautiful prose or an interesting setting. It was conflict that pulled you through till 3 am in the morning. We mainly read a story to understand these: how characters navigate challenges, how they transform through struggles, and how they reveal something about the human condition.  Different types of conflict do this by: Driving the...

How long should your book be? It’s a deceptively simple question that trips up more writers than you’d think. Whether crafting a fast-paced thriller, a sweeping fantasy, or a heartfelt memoir, the ideal word count isn’t just about page numbers—it’s about reader expectations, publishing standards, and the type of story you want to tell. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding standard word count ranges can save you from major rewrites....

You’ve probably tried—or at least considered—using AI writing tools. Some might save you hours, while others can leave your writing feeling more robotic than human.  AI companies are moving fast, and most are designed with specific audiences in mind—technical writers, marketers, fiction authors, and more. Even though my day job is in technical writing, fiction has always been where my creativity lives. The heart behind Squibler is creative writing—it was...

Writing a biography isn’t just about listing facts—it’s about telling a story that truly brings a person to life. A great biography goes beyond names and dates; it dives into the emotions, struggles, and victories that shaped a person’s journey. When done well, a biography can educate, inspire, and make sure the person’s legacy isn’t forgotten. Think about the most memorable biographies you’ve read. They don’t just recount events; they...

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing a nonfiction book proposal? You’re not alone. Many writers find it challenging, mainly because it’s different from writing an entire book. Unlike fiction, where the completed manuscript speaks for itself, nonfiction requires a detailed proposal to persuade publishers that your idea is worth investing in.  The proposal isn’t just a formality, it’s your opportunity to prove your book’s value.  Whether you’re writing a...

There are no strict rules and varying norms across genres. Figuring out how many words in a chapter is a balancing act between pacing, readability, and storytelling style. Nevertheless, there are general sweet spots that you can use as a reference. In this article, we’ll explore factors affecting chapter length, from genre expectations and target audience to narrative structure and personal writing style. We’ll also provide some common chapter word...

The novel is one of the most popular and enduring forms of literary fiction, captivating readers for centuries. But what is a novel? At its core, a novel is a lengthy narrative written in prose fiction that explores fictional characters, settings, and human experience. This literary form has evolved, incorporating various themes, styles, and genres, making it an indispensable part of literature.  The modern novel reflects the complexities of human...

Writing a book requires passion, discipline, and creativity. For beginners, the journey can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process, from conceptualizing your book idea to publishing, helping you confidently navigate your writing journey. Here’s what we will cover in the steps to start writing a book: Understanding Your Motivation to Write Developing Your Book Idea Planning Your Story Setting Up Your Writing Environment Establishing a...