Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 442
For today’s prompt, write an ex poem. Of course, writing an ex-spouse or ex-job are fair game, but any words that start with “ex” should be good too. You don’t have to explain or extend an exacting explanation of how you decide to expand upon this explosive prompt; I’m sure exotic...
WD Poetic Form Challenge: Descort
Here we are again. Hope you are ready for another WD Poetic Form Challenge: Descort! Find the rules for writing descorts here. It’s a French form, but it’s kind of also an anti-French form type of poem (if you know what to usually expect from French forms). So start writing them...
How to Select the Best Topic for Historical Nonfiction—and How to Pitch It
When considering the best topic for a work of historical nonfiction, you must consider your reasearch, your target audience, and what you seek to accomplish. Author Cory Taylor discusses what goes into this process, and how to pitch the work once it's complete.
The 5 Commandments of Becoming a Published Author
There are five qualities a person must develop in order to “make it,” according to Hend Salah, who calls them the five commandments of becoming a published author.
Pitching Articles: 5 Tips for a Successful Freelance Writing Pitch
If you want to make a living writing for your favorite publications, you need to perfect your freelance writing pitch. Here are a few things to keep in mind when pitching articles for magazines, newspapers and the web.
“How do you get into writing comics? Write a comic.” Eisner-Nominated Alex de Campi Talks Comics, Prose & Multidisciplinary Creative Work
Acclaimed comic book and graphic novel writer, columnist, and filmmaker Alex de Campi shares her secrets for getting into writing comics, working with comics artists, tackling multidisciplinary creative projects, and more.
The Lowdown on Libel: Understanding What Libel Means for Writers
When contemplating whether to pen something potentially controversial, your best defense is knowing when your work is protected and when it crosses the line. While libel laws vary from state to state, there are general principles you can rely upon.
How To Design a Professional Ebook for Free
Discover the three major steps and a slew of free tools to help you format and design an ebook from start to finish, no design skills necessary.
Risky Business: Taking Big Risks in Your Writing Career—and How They Can Pay Off
Here, we talk with writers who have taken big writing career risks and how those risks paid off—along with what they learned along the way.
Day Job Jumble Quiz: Can You Guess the Day Jobs of These Famous Authors?
The Potpourri for the Pen column in the September 2018 issue of Writer’s Digest featured a game in which you had to match the famous authors to their unexpected day jobs. Take the quiz here (and find the answers from the magazine).
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 441
For today’s prompt, write a notice poem. A notice could be a warning about something. Or it could just be an informational type of notice. Or perhaps, you just noticed a person, place, or thing for the first time. ***** Get Published With Poet’s Market! The 2018 Poet’s Market, edited by...
The WD Interview: Bestseller Jacqueline Woodson on Confronting Controversial Subjects & Writing Across Age Categories
In this exclusive extended interview with National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson, the Newberry Honored author talks character building, diversity movements, and the real-world importance of books for kids and teens.
3 Steps to Social Media Domination for Writers
Author and social media afficionado Jeff Somers shares his three steps for social-media success.
Debut Author Interview: Helen Hoang, Author of The Kiss Quotient
We spoke to Helen Hoang about her debut romance, The Kiss Quotient, in our September issue and since the novel’s release, it’s generated buzz from The New York Times, Bustle, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly and more. Read an interview with Hoang.
On Writing and Skinny Dipping: The Importance of Writing Personal and Realistic Fiction
Debut novelist Helen Hoang discusses the importance of writing personal and realistic fiction.
Funny You Should Ask: What are the best times to query a literary agent?
Funny You Should Ask is a humorous and handy column by literary agent Barbara Poelle. In this edition, she answers a reader's question about the best times to query a literary agent.
Learn from The Incredibles: How to Write Super Characters
The Incredibles 2, the sequel to Pixar's iconic superhero film, offers writers the oportunity to enhance our understanding of effective character development. Here are a few lessons from the movie that you can apply in your fiction.
Why Writers Should Consider Including Safer Sex in Fiction
Citing rising public health issues and a previous example of fiction influencing real-world behaviors, Phyllis Zimbler Miller advocates for including references to safer sex in fiction in order to culturally normalize healthier intimate practices.
Maximize Your Setting: Bringing Locations, Eras and Worlds to Life on the Page
When the reader can feel as if they are physically in your story's setting, they will be more inclined to let themselves experience what the characters are seeing and hearing. Here, author Curt Eriksen offers considerations for bringing the locations and eras in your fiction to life.
Case Study: How Self-Publishing Led Author Jonathan French to Hybrid Success
Jonathan French's approach to self-publishing played an important role in how editors and agents perceived his book, and persuaded French to reevaluate his perspective on how authors can, and should, break into print.
The Pros and Cons of Getting Published
Do you ever worry that getting published—that worrying about the business of writing—might sully the purity of your artistic expression and dampen your passion for the craft? Many writers struggle with the concessions required of the publication process, but you needn't fear them; it's all part of the experience.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 440
For today’s prompt, write a generation poem. A generation poem could be about the X-generation or the baby boomers, sure, but it could also be about generating poems and/or power. Or re-generation of limbs. Or any number of other topics you wish to generate. ***** Get Published With Poet’s Market! The...
New Literary Agent Alert: Tara Gelsomino of One Track Literary Agency, Inc.
New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Tara Gelsomino of One Track Literary Agency, Inc.) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list.
WD Poetic Form Challenge: Rhupunt Winner
Here are the results of the Writer’s Digest Poetic Form Challenge for the rhupunt. And yes, I also selected a Top 10 list. Read all of them here. Here is the winning rhupunt: Non-Domestic Goddess, by Tracy Davidson I want to make our wedding cake but I can’t bake to save...