Blog
Notes on writing, craft, and building Skrib — for novelists, screenwriters, and anyone chasing the next sentence.
The Midpoint Shift: Why Your Novel's Center Matters
Why do manuscripts die around page 150? The midpoint shift is missing. Learn how one scene at the 50% mark flips the whole draft. Discover the fix.
Save the Cat for Novelists: Beat Sheets for Fiction
Can a screenwriting formula really fit a novel? Save the Cat's 15 beats do, once you swap page counts for percentages. Discover how to adapt them.
The Inciting Incident: Where It Belongs and Why Writers Get It Wrong
Is your inciting incident landing too late? If chapter three still has no urgent problem, it is. Discover where the catalyst belongs and why.
Novel Outlining, Plotting and Structure: Full Guide
Does outlining a novel feel overwhelming? Discover the novelist's secret weapon: a framework to map your story, deepen characters & plot an unputdownable book.
Three-Act Structure for Novels: Screenwriting Theory
The three-act structure for novels turns 80,000 messy words into a story that holds, every beat mapped from setup to climax. See the full guide
Best Novel Writing Software and Outlining Tools Compared
Which novel writing software actually fits how you write? Corkboards, timelines, or one clean studio, the answer differs by writer. Discover your match.
Act Breaks and Midpoints: Turning Points That Land
Make your story irresistible with expertly placed midpoints. This proven technique hooks readers, nails structure, and creates memorable narratives. See how it's done.
Scene Headings, Action Lines and White Space in Scripts
Transform your screenplay formatting. Implement proven techniques for concise scene headings, visual action lines, and strategic white space. Speed up the read.
The Non-Linear Screenplay: How to Break Chronology
Is your screenplay stuck in linear mode? Discover the power of non-linear storytelling to engage audiences and add depth. Get the non-linear writing guide.
Adapting a Novel into a Screenplay: Compression Tips
Learn proven techniques for adapting a novel into a screenplay. Discover how to condense the story, choose key plot points, and keep the spirit alive.