July/August 2013 Issue
July/August Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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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.
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
When the Story You’re Writing Isn’t Working: An Interview with Donald Miller
Donald Miller is the author of multiple New York Times Bestsellers including Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. He has served on the Presidential Task Force on … Read more
Memoir Spotlight: Jeannette Walls
Jeannette Walls is the author of The Glass Castle, a memoir with more than 3 million copies in print, and Half Broke Horses, a bestselling true-life novel based on her grandmother. She … Read more
Women’s Fiction Spotlight: Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah (kristinhannah.com) is The New York Times bestselling author of 18 novels, including the blockbusters Firefly Lane, True Colors and Winter Garden, and, most recently, Night Road. You’ve said the seed … Read more
Historical Fiction Spotlight: Paula McLain
Paula McLain’s latest book is the bestselling The Paris Wife, a fictional account of Ernest Hemingway’s first marriage and upstart years in 1920s Paris, told from the point of view of his … Read more
Humor Phenom Justin Halpern’s (Sh*t My Dad Says) Uncensored Insights Into Writing
In 2009, Justin Halpern created a Twitter account to archive his father’s expletive-ridden words of wisdom. Within a month, @shitmydadsays was an Internet sensation. Halpern’s first book, Sh*t My Dad Says, a … Read more
8 Ways to Write Better Characters
Depicting convincing relationships could just be the key to writing better characters. Try these 8 ways to do it.
by Elizabeth Sims
Plot Like a Bestseller: 8 Things You Should Know
What’s the key to plotting a hit book? Well, just ask William Bernhardt, who hit The New York Times bestseller list with his Ben Kincaid series. As Bernhardt revealed in his CraftFest … Read more
4 Ways to Make Every Word Count
Getting the full value out of every word you write is especially important when it comes to the short story. Here are four techniques to help you make each word count.
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How to Let Plot Guide Your Short Story
In crafting a short story, let’s begin by taking our definition of plot and letting it guide us. This approach can guide you in composing a short story that creates the emotional and intellectual experience your reader hopes for.
By John Dufresne
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The Artist
Spotlight author Julia Cameron made her mark on writing workshops everywhere with her ground-breaking guide, The Artist’s Way. Boost your creativity with a peek at a few of her famous techniques. Read more
WD Interview Bonus Q&A: Sarah Dessen
Don’t miss the chance to learn even more of No. 1 New York Times bestseller Sarah Dessen’s insights on what it takes to make it writing for today’s young readers.
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Winner of the 6th Annual Writer
Read the grand-prize short story from the sixth annual WD Popular Fiction Awards, and learn more success strategies from winning thriller writer Marissa Gabel.
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Read the grand-prize short story from the sixth annual WD Popular Fiction Awards here.
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Should You Write a Novel or Short Story?
You’ve got a great idea—but how can you tell if it’s weighty enough for a novel, or would work best as a short story? Here are five key factors to consider.
by Elizabeth Sims
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Get Paid to be a Word Nerd
Writers who leverage their skills as copy editors can earn bigger paychecks, diversify their portfolios and spend more time doing what they love. Learn how you could be one of them.
by Rebecca Smith Hurd
3 Ways to Know When to End Your Chapters
At some point in writing your novel, you have to start thinking about “chaptering,” the process of deciding exactly when and where your chapter breaks will go. Here are three simple, essential techniques that can help you make effective chapter pauses.
by Aaron Elkins
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Twist Ending Tips From Harlan Coben
Award-winning writing, quick-witted characters and the kind of suspense every reader craves—his books may be classified under mystery or thriller, but Harlan Coben seems to have it all. And he’s willing to share his secrets.
by Jessica Strawser
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18th Annual Self-Published Book Awards Winners – Inspirational
Announcing the Inspirational winners of the 18th Annual Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards.
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The Very Beginning: Your Opening Scene
In this excerpt from Chapter 1: The Very Beginning: Your Opening Scene from Nancy Kress’s Elements of Fiction Writing: Beginnings, Middles, & Ends, you’ll learn:
- why it’s so important to establish your story’s promise
- how to establish strong characters
- tactics to make sure readers keep reading.
