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Tip of the Day, Creative Writing Tips

Our creative writing tips are short, helpful tidbits of information that you can apply to your writing right away. Use our Tip of the Day for easy-to-apply advice that you can use to improve your writing or help you get published.

How important is research in the novel?

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

An editor said my exposition in the first chapter is too long. Can you tell me how much exposition I should have?

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

I’ve heard editors say how important it is for a character to be well rounded. What makes a character well rounded?

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

What kinds of subject matter are most popular in novels for young readers?

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

What is a story theme? Is it any different from a story problem?

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

Is it crucial for scriptwriters to find an agent?

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

I published my own nonfiction book, and now I’d like to query commercial publishers about a second edition, but how can I approach them about this idea?

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

How will I know whether an agent is reputable? Is there a list I can obtain of recommended agents?

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

Mistake 65: Not Staying Up-to-Date on the Business

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

Mistake 61: Staying Home

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

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