May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
Preview the Issue
Buy It Here
Give a Gift SubscriptionSave 58%!
Website of the Week
Writing Website of the Week
Published author Roz Morris' website covers a lot of topics about writing--some serious, some for fun. Either way, it's a site that's worth a few minutes of any writer's week. (I recommend following her on Twitter too.Nail Your Novel 
*Not affiliated with our 101 Best Writing Websites feature.
How to Improve Writing Skills
You have the drive, you have the passion, and you’re more than willing to put in the time it takes to finish a manuscript. But you also want to make sure your work is clean, compelling, and perfectly structured. Help for doing just that can be found right here.
Alice Walker Offers Advice on Writing
Decades before her groundbreaking novel The Color Purple, Alice Walker was already a distinctive voice in American and world literature. Decades later, she remains a force—and an inspiration to writers everywhere.
by Jessica Strawser
Quick Tip: How to Develop Your Characters
Here are 4 quick exercises to make sure your characters speak to readers (and agents).
Read more
5 Tips for Creating Characters for Kids
Crafting a detailed character study is the only way you can really get to know details like whether your main character enjoys playing games, is full of energy and loves to be at Grandpa’s house. Think about your main character and carefully consider the following five items.
by Ann Whitford Paul
Read more
Necessary Confusions in Writing
The greatest lessons you can learn from a writing workshop may come when you forget to expect them.
by Dan Beachy-Quick
Read more
The 4 Story Structures that Dominate Novels
All stories contain four elements that can determine structure: milieu, idea, character and event. Here’s a look at each one and how each will affect your novel.
by Orson Scott Card
Read more
10 Ways to Improve Your Romance Novel
How can you make your story stand out to agents and editors in the genre? There are 10 elements that can distinguish a great romance novel from a good one.
by Brenda Novak
Read more
5 Characteristics of Compatible Mates
As you immerse yourself in the romance genre, take note of these driving characteristics.
by Brenda Novak
Read more
Best Writing Advice in 10 Words or Fewer
Several Writer’s Digest contributors share their best advice in 10 words or fewer.
Read more
How to Use Facts in Your Fiction
Details, details. You need them to make your story believable, but too many can drag your plot to a halt. Here’s how to strike that just-right balance of fact in your fiction.
by Karen Dionne
Read more