The Just Write Blog
Practical craft advice for fiction writers — scenes, structure, characters, and the occasional update on what’s new in Just Write.
How to Start a Story: What Great First Lines Actually Do
Learn how to start a story with 8 proven first-line patterns you can copy today, from the ticking clock to the perfect contradiction opener.
How to Name Fantasy Characters (Without Sounding Like a Keyboard Smash)
A practical guide to writing fantasy character names that feel invented but real, with rules for cultures, species, and testing names out loud.
Story Structure for Beginners: Three Acts Without the Jargon
A jargon-free guide to story structure for beginners, explaining three-act structure through one running example you can follow start to finish.
How to Write Dialogue That Sounds Real
Learn how to write dialogue that feels authentic by mastering rhythm, subtext, and voice—with before-and-after examples.
How to Write a Fight Scene That Readers Can't Put Down
Practical techniques for writing fight scenes with real stakes — pacing, sentence rhythm, choreography, and the mistakes that make action feel weightless.
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