May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Tag Archives: getting started
Zest + Small Things = Great Writing (Guest Blog by Elizabeth Sims)
Recently I was asked to talk to a group of ‘beginning writers’. Mind you, these people were adults; it’s not like they were in the first grade just learning how to spell … Read more
Plan Your Writing Life For The Year!
If your goal this year is to spend more time writing, the Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner can help you stay on track and organized!
This hardcover planner helps you chart your entire writing life for a year — week by week — providing space for creative notes, goals, deadlines, submissions, and to-do lists.
Buy one today!
How Long Should Your Story’s Opening Be?
Many writers often wonder how long or short their story’s opening should be. Read this excerpt from Hooked by Les Edgarton and find out what is the proper length for a story … Read more
12 Clichés To Avoid When Beginning Your Story
Read today’s tip from Mary Kole’s new book, Writing Irresistible Kidlit. In this excerpt, she shares some examples of common story beginnings that kidlit writers make. Here are some of the most … Read more
Write Fiction that Grabs Readers from Page One
In your novel, the inciting incident is the first sign of trouble for your protagonist: it’s the catalyst, the chemical reaction, that sets the plot into motion. But the inciting incident isn’t … Read more
Write Like a Pro! Master The Rules of Dialogue in Writing
Some of this is Grammar 101, but you’ve got to master the rules in this section for an editor to take you seriously. If these rules are elementary to you, skip them. … Read more
Writing a Novel: The Four Elements Of a Solid Story Concept
Do you want to write a novel? In addition to creating a solid plot, you are also going to need a strong concept for your novel. Wondering how to conceptualize your story? … Read more
Writing At Night: The Top 10 Challenges Writers Experience & How to Overcome Them
Are you someone who works full-time but dreams of becoming a published author someday? If so, today’s tip of the day is for you. Taken from Writer With a Day Job by … Read more
5 Wrong Ways to Start A Story
Your story’s opener is your one opportunity to capture an editor’s or agent’s attention. Learn how to avoid the critical mistakes (such as providing too much backstory) that lead to rejection and … Read more
Practical Writing & Publishing Advice For Beginning Writers
The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book covers everything from how to get started in writing to finding an agent and getting published. No matter what type of writer you are–fiction, nonfiction, or freelance–you’ll find practical writing advice to help advance your career. Read more
Three Ways To Strengthen Your Writing
The path to becoming a published author is full of twists and turns. No matter what stage of the writing process you are in or how busy your schedule is, you should … Read more
Write a Novel That Kicks Ass!
Whether you want to break into fiction writing or get tips for writing a novel, you’ll find advice from experts, and the top 10 essential tools for novel writing in this month’s premium collection. Read more
Discover The Basic Elements of Setting In a Story
No matter if you are just getting started or want to break into fiction writing, setting is a crucial element to any story. In order to create an imaginary world for your … Read more
Exploring Theme – A Key Component to Successful Writing
Discover one of the key components to successful writing — theme. In the following excerpt from Story Engineering, author Larry Brooks explains the difference between theme and concept. Plus, learn why theme … Read more
5 Things You Don’t Need To Include When Writing Summaries
One of the challenges writers face when writing a novel is balancing scene with summary. Today’s tip of the day focuses on what you should not include when summarizing a scene or … Read more
Get Started Writing A Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel!
Grab the Write Science Fiction & Fantasy premium collection and discover everything you need to successfully write science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal stories. Read more
Spotlight on Story Engineering & The Six Core Competencies
Before you start writing your next story, consider reading Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. In the following excerpt, you’ll discover the elements of storytelling and how to achieve success in writing! Get … Read more
How to Find, Rather Than Make, Writing Time
I’m always drawn to articles about being more productive. I come to them with a hopeful expectation that some gem inside will hold the power to transform my writing time. And usually … Read more
How Smartphones and Tablets Can Help You Write More
If you’ve got a tablet or smartphone, you’re in business. Write on the go with the latest generation of apps. Read more
On Writing Fiction
Rethinking conventional wisdom about the craft of writing fiction. Read more
6 Steps to Jump-Start Your Story
Sooner or later, we all get stranded in the middle of our manuscripts. Use these 6 steps to jump-start your story so you can keep on driving.
by John Dufresne
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10 Ways to Start Your Story Better
A good opening line is a powerful thing: It can grab an editor’s attention, set the tone for the rest of the piece, and make sure readers stay through The End. Here are 10 ways to steer your story toward success.
by Jacob M. Appel
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3 Secrets to Great Storytelling
If you think you’ve heard all you need to know about what drives a plot, think again. Here’s the real stuff the best stories are made of.
by Steven James
