May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Tag Archives: writing basics
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
Learn the Basics From a Bestseller: 10 Things Every Writer Should Do in Their Novel
The following is a guest post from bestselling author Brenda Novak. In writing about the keys to penning a hit novel, Novak reveals a valuable point: It often boils down to nailing … Read more
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
8 Simple Tips to Write Better
Great writing begins with an appetite for life. Try these 8 approaches to get out of your comfort zone, break rules and reap rewards. Read more
4 Ways to Revise as You Write
Writers differ in their opinions of the revision process. Some balk at it–they see it as the “no fun” part of writing, and much prefer drafting and creation to fixing and rethinking. … 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
The Rules of Storytelling, Pixar Style
Anyone whose ever seen a screening of a Pixar movie (Finding Nemo, Up, and the Toy Story trio come to mind for me) knows that the writers of these charming, funny and … Read more
5 Story Mistakes Even Good Writers Make
Sometimes it’s too easy to get caught up in the so-called rules of writing and forget what’s really important. Here’s how to avoid the traps that can steer your story off-course.
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How to Break the Rules of Writing
Here at Writer’s Digest (and despite the There Are No Rules moniker of this blog), we talk a lot about doing things by the book—from understanding grammatical and structural writing rules, to … 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
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
Everything You Need to Know About The Basics of Writing
Get creative writing tips, learn quick outline methods, and discover ways to improve your writing skills with Writing Basics. Read more
Great Tips for Better Writing
To kick off last week, I wrote about How to Become a Better Writer and invited you to share your own favorite craft tips in the comments section.
How to Write Better: Your Favorite Tips
“Write the first draft for yourself, and the second draft for your readers.” —Melissa (Well put! When successful writers claim that they don’t think of their readers as they write, I think this is actually exactly what they mean.) Read more
Use Descriptive Writing & Writing Exercises to Avoid Writing a Boring Book
Prevent your readers from boredom by using descriptive writing. Word Painting has descriptive writing techniques, writing exercises, and more tips to keep your readers engaged. Read more
Make Your Own Luck
Hello everyone I hope you had a fantastic holiday weekend and got a lot of writing done – particularly those of you participating in NaNoWriMo. Be sure to check out our Cyber … Read more
Before They Were Famous: The Oddest Odd Jobs of 10 Literary Greats
Plenty of acclaimed and successful writers began their careers working strange—and occasionally degrading—day jobs. But rather than being ground down by the work, many drew inspiration for stories and poems from even the dullest gigs. Here are 10 of the oddest odd jobs of famous authors—all of them reminders that creative fodder can be found in the most unexpected places. Read more
Choosing the Best Outline Method for You
The following are just a handful of suggested outlining techniques that may work for your writing. Which method is best suited for you? Find out here. Read more
Two Hours with #1 Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins TOMORROW!
If you write, then chances are you struggle with revision and self-editing. It can be a sometimes arduous process – but the joy you feel when you nail it, when your words … Read more
25 Ways to Improve Your Writing in 30 Minutes a Day
The best writers never stop striving for ways to write better. Here, five masters of the craft share their secrets for honing the essentials, one technique at a time. Read more
The 5 Essential Story Ingredients
Forget three-act structures, formulas for plot, and even beginnings, middles and ends. Write better stories by propelling your protagonist through a transformation your readers will never forget. Read more
One Simple Question All Writers Should Ask Themselves
In this brief exercise, Douglas Preston, co-author of the bestselling Pendergast novels (Relic) and The Monster of Florence, challenges writers to really write what they know to take their thrillers to the … Read more
One Simple Way to Sharpen Your Pitch
As anyone who’s ever tried to come up with one of those vital one-sentence pitches for their book knows, getting it right can be maddening. Here, courtesy of bestseller Jon Land, is … Read more
Science-Fiction Author John Scalzi Explains How Not to Be Boring
JOHN SCALZI is the author of several science fiction novels, including the bestselling Old Man’s War series, comprising Old Man’s War, The Ghost Brigades, and The Last Colony. He is a winner … Read more
