Cat Webling
I'm Cat, an author and actress from Georgia currently living in Kansas. I've released poetry, scifi/fantasy short stories, and a scifi novel. Find me at https://www.catwebling.com/
42 articles
What Makes Dystopian Fiction Work and How To Write It
Dystopian stories create a dark reflection of the real world that we can use to improve ourselves.
Space Operas: What They Are, and How To Write Them
Space opera is a love letter to space exploration and to the melodrama of the universe.
The Importance of Fairytales and How We Tell Them
Fairytales pull from mythology to teach basic rights and wrongs. Here's how you can write your own.
How to Create a Cozy Mystery
Curl up on the couch to make a feel-good mystery for the ages using this guide to cozy mysteries.
Shared Universes: What They Are and Why They Work
Shared universes can be incredibly exciting to write, and make it easier to sell multiple books.
How to Create Tension in Your Writing
A writer's guide to making your audience desperate to know how your story ends.
Is Digital Rights Management (DRM) Worth Using?
The protective dream of DRM doesn't actually stack up to its reality. Here's why.
An Author's Guide to Magic Systems
Everything you need to know about incorporating magic into your next fictional world.
The True Tale of Creating Unreliable Narrators
Understand how you can make your audience question everything they read, with unreliable narrators.
Writer Beware of Scammers and Scares
Learn about common literary scams and how to avoid them.
Revenue Streams For Authors - Earn Income In Multiple Ways
Learn about the different sources of income authors use to build their careers.
How and Why To Use a Series Bible as a Writer
Why your long-term series needs a series bible that can be referenced at any time.
The Author's Guide to Cliffhangers
Everything you need to know about getting your readers hooked and invested with cliffhangers.
Everything Authors Need to Know about Book Pitching
Find out what makes a good book pitch, and how to deliver yours with maximum effectiveness.
A Comprehensive Guide to Book Licensing and Protecting Your Work
Learn what rights you have for your book and how to protect them through the publishing process.
How to End a Book: A Final Guide to Finales
Reward your audience's dedication to your story with these helpful story-ending tips.
An Author's Guide to Anthologies
Exploring what anthologies are, why and how to join in, and how to make one for yourself.
An Author's Guide to BookTok
A guide to all things BookTok, from tagging to algorithm training, for the newbie author on TikTok.
How to Start a Book: A Beginner's Guide to Beginnings
Treat your audience to a strong start to your book by following these helpful story beginning tips.
Exploring the Unknowable in Cosmic Horror
Reading and writing cosmic horror might help prepare you to face eldritch horrors and stay sane.
How Much Do Authors Make? The Answer is Complicated
Breaking down where and how the money comes to authors, and what you can do to make more of it.
How and Why You Should Write a Series
An exploration of how and why series work, as well as some tips for writing your own.
How to Keep Your Audience Searching with Foreshadowing
Learn how to use foreshadowing to engage your readers and make your work re-readable.
Learning What Drives Us Through Character Motivation
Learn how to figure out what your characters want, and craft compelling character motivations.
How to Overcome Writer's Block and Creative Burnout
Use these 15 strategies to move past writer's block and keep your creative mind healthy.
15 Character Archetypes For Your Next Big Adventure
Your guide to some of the most popular character building blocks in literature.
How to Use Internal and External Conflict in Your Stories
Conflict drives stories forward. Learn about different types you can use in your stories.
Why You Should Have Beta Readers as an Indie Author
Learn what beta readers are, and how to use them to make your novel as strong as possible.
An Indie Author’s Guide to Audiobook Production
Everything indie authors need to know about why, how, and where to produce high-quality audiobooks.
How Return Abuse Is Hurting Amazon Kindle Book Authors
Abusing the Kindle book return policy threatens the livelihoods of authors.
The Complete Guide to Writing Serial Fiction
Examples of serials (historic and modern) and everything you need to know to write your own.
How to Brand Yourself as an Author
How to establish yourself as a recognizable author with a consistent brand your fans will remember.
How to Create a Killer Author Newsletter
Everything you need to know about putting together a newsletter that your fans will love.
How to Build an Author Website
Build your author platform with a well-organized and informative website.
How Long is a Short Story?
Everything you need to know about reading, writing, and editing short fiction.
Writing Aesthetics: How to Get Your Writing to Pass the Vibe Check
Everything you need to know about discovering and honing your writing aesthetic.
Worldbuilding Template for Fiction Writers
Learn topics to consider and questions to ask when making yourself a worldbuilding template.
Fantasy Tropes and How to Use Them
Learn what fantasy tropes are, which ones are popular, which to avoid, and how to write them.
An Insider’s Guide to Fanfiction
Learn the history of fanfiction, common tropes, and get tips on how to write your own.
Author's Guide: What Are Reader Magnets?
Learn about reader magnets, the different forms they can take, and why they're useful for authors.
What is LitRPG? Where to Read and How to Write It
Our complete guide to LitRPGs. Learn what the genre is, and how to get started in writing it.
The Ultimate Guide for Indie Authors in 2026
From planning to publishing, we outline everything an indie author needs to know in 2026.