Tip of the Day, Creative Writing Tips

In the “About the Author” section of your proposal, you want to explain why you are the perfect person to write this book. Or because there might be (probably will be) more … Read more

Here are just three of the many ways to open your nonfiction article or book for a juvenile audience: Anecdotal The evening is silent except for the rhythm of the cricket’s song. … Read more

from 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: If you quit, then you’re rejecting yourself. I’ve seen many people … Read more

from 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from the Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: Many writers feel frustrated. And desperate. They look at other writers … Read more

from 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from the Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: A Web presence is a must for a writer. Yet too … Read more

from 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: Some people almost seem apologetic when they say they’re writers. Especially … Read more

from 70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: Writers tend to think that promotion and marketing is the job … Read more

from The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman If you’re using third-person point of view, you can include the viewpoints of both. When both of your central characters become viewpoint … Read more

Many beginning writers know a novel is a work of imagination, but seem unaware that the factual material in a novel must be as accurate as that in a nonfiction work. The … Read more

from The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman You’ve heard the old writing directive Show, don’t tell; think of exposition as the telling part of writing—the scene-setting explanation that provides … Read more

from The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman Well-rounded characters are distinctly individual; you come to understand their motivations, flaws, emotional traits, and other distinctive qualities. These can be related … Read more

from Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman The interest areas of young readers are limitless. They enjoy contemporary, fantasy, mystery, and historical novels and more—trends in subject matter for children’s … Read more

from Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman Writers disagree on the exact definitions, but here’s one explanation: A theme is the message an author imparts to his readers through the … Read more

from Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman It is not crucial to obtain the services of an agent; you can always try sending query letters directly to producers and ask … Read more

from The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman There are two ways you can approach this. One way is to submit a copy of your book to several publishers along … Read more

from The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book, edited by Jane Friedman In addition to checking agents out through AAR or the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), look for Web sites where writers post information … Read more

70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: Like any other business, publishing is fluid. Things change. I’ve seen authors … Read more

70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: Writers tend to be introverts. We like to sit by ourselves and … Read more

70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: People have a tendency to be afraid of losing out to others, … Read more

70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: If you’re a type-A personality, publishing just might beat that out of … Read more

70 Solutions to Common Writing Mistakes by Bob Mayer, from The Writer’s Digest Writing Kit Why this is a mistake: Too many writers view conferences simply as a place to sell their … Read more