Rethinking Protagonists and Antagonists: Parallel and Perpendicular Character Perspectives in Star Wars
We like to think and talk a great deal about protagonists and antagonists, and that’s not a bad way to look at things, exactly. But it’s vital to realize that those two terms are purely a matter of perspective.
Based On A True Story: 4 Advantages to Fictionalizing the Truth
Should you write a memoir, or write a novel "based on a true story"? Here, Joan Jackson offers four advantages to fictionlizing the truth.
Enter the Writer’s Digest 12 Days of Books Giveaway
Happy holidays from Writer's Digest, and welcome to our 12 Days of Books Giveaway! Every day from December 11, 2017 to December 22, 2017, we're giving away a different book from the Writer's Digest shelf.
Have No Fear
Editor Tyler Moss takes us on a brief tour of the January 2018 issue of Writer's Digest magazine.
One of Us Is Lying: Karen M. McManus on Her Gripping Bestseller
J.D. Myall spoke with McManus to discuss writing, publishing, and the extraordinary success of One of Us Is Lying.
How to Identify Fake News: Crossing the Credibility Chasm with PEN America
PEN America is currently touring the country hosting local panels to educate journalists and the public alike on how to identify fake news. Here's what we learned from them.
Scrivener 3.0 Update: What’s inside, and is it worth the cost?
Scrivener 3 is a major update that not only brings some very cool new features, but also improves and simplifies what was already there.
5 Tips for Writing About an Established Relationship
Whether the relationship is healthy, codependent or even antagonistic, established relationships have a few unique things in common.
Writing Sequels: 7 Rules for Writing Second Installments
Your first book was well received—hooray! But how can you ensure success when writing sequels? These 7 secrets will help you pen part two with finesse.
10 Great Lines from 2017 NaNoWriMo Novels
The NaNoWriMo team asked participants to share their favorite lines they wrote over the course of the month on Twitter, and the responses were excellent! Check out some of our favorites.
3 Tips for Writing Horror Comedy
Horror and humor can create an indelible impression on audiences when they are combined well. Here are five tips for writing horror comedy.
14 Reputable Charities for Writing & Literacy
Writer's Digest is joining in the spirit of Giving Tuesday by creating a directory of literacy and writing charities that promote reading and writing across the world.
Book Quotes Challenge: Which Literary Villains Uttered These Quotes?
How devious are you? Test your knowlegde of all things evil in this fun book quotes quiz by identifying which literary villains uttered these quotes.
The Writer’s Digest Holiday Gift Guide: 30+ Gifts for Writers
From books, socks, tech, games and knicknacks to services and videos, this guide offers a compendium of creative experiences, learning tools and gifts for writers of every genre and persuasion.
The Odd Couple: Co-Authoring a Book with a Friend
Is it crazy for two close friends to think they can write a book together—and maintain their friendship? Two writers discuss the pitfalls of co-authoring a book with someone you know well.
11 Unconventional Resources to Kick Your Historical Fiction Up a Notch
Typical resources—histories, documentaries, Wikipedia, Google—can provide facts and figures, contribute context, but good historical fiction needs more. Here are eleven resources to shake loose the soul of your setting so it can sparkle on the page.
6 Tips for Writing a Great Police Procedural
There’s much more to a great police procedural than just getting the procedures right. Here, Carrie Smith shares her secrets.
A Three-Step Preliminary Acid Test of Whether You Might Be a Good Fiction Writer
Can you become a good fiction writer? It's a prudent question to ask before diving in. Try this three-step test to see if you're ready to take the plunge.
Puzzles & Games for Writers: Word Search
Try a fun writing-themed word search in the first installment in this series of puzzles, quizzes, brain teasers and games for writers.
6 Key Traits for Writing the Contemporary Literary Heroine
Today’s female reader is pressed for time, demanding as hell, and both scared and excited about the future. If you want to craft a dynamic literary heroine, you must speak to that.
5 Ways to Save Your Character From a Drowning Story
When a story isn't working, you may be able to save your character by stripping away everything else and rebuilding using sturdier, more developed bricks.
Clowns to the Left, Jokers to the Right: What to Do When You’re Stuck in the Middle of Your Novel
Are you stuck writing the middle of your novel? These tips from Gabriela Pereira's DIY MFA will help you add meat to those core bones of your narrative.
6 Reasons to Read Translated Literature
How often do you expand your literary horizons to books published in other cultures and countries? Here, translator Nicky Harman addresses several compelling reasons why you should read more translated literature.
What My Military Experience Taught Me About Creating Heroes
In order to write a complex, realistic hero you should get to know one. Luckily, they are all around us.