Writing Nonfiction History vs. Historical Fiction
Author John Cameron discusses how nonfiction history and historical fiction are more similar than they are different.
Writer's Digest
Recent Articles
9 Pros and Cons of Writing a Newsletter
Thinking of starting your own newsletter? Let freelance writer Sian Meades-Williams lay out 9 pros and cons of writing a newsletter.
How to Create a Compelling Premise for a Thriller
Learn how to create a compelling premise for a thriller or mystery novel by asking a simple question and tying it to a specific circumstance to set the stage for a thrilling read.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Make a Plan
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have your characters make a plan.
3 Tips for Writing Dystopian Young Adult Fiction
If you've ever heard it said that there's no new way to write a story, let author Julian R. Vaca tell you otherwise. Here, he shares 3 tips for writing dystopian young adult fiction to help silence our inner critics.
Rimma Onoseta: On Trusting the Process of Revision
Author Rimma Onoseta discusses how seeing other Black female authors on bookshelves encouraged her to finish writing her contemporary YA novel, How You Grow Wings.
Writer's Digest September/October 2022 Cover Reveal
Writer's Digest is excited to announce our Sept/Oct 2022 issue featuring our Annual Literary Agent Roundup, an interview with NYT-bestselling YA horror novelist Tiffany D. Jackson, and articles about writing sinister stories.
Your Story #120
Write the opening line to a story based on the photo prompt below. (One sentence only.) You can be poignant, funny, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story.
5 Tips for Writing as a Parent
Author Sarah Grunder Ruiz shares how she fits writing into her life and offers 5 tips on how to achieve a sustainable writing life as a parent.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 621
Every Wednesday, Robert Lee Brewer shares a prompt and an example poem to get things started on the Poetic Asides blog. This week, write an animal poem.
Why Is This Love Scene Here? How To Write Compelling Love Scenes
Not sure which way to turn when writing intimate scenes? Author Jo McNally shares how to write compelling love scenes that make sense for the story you’re writing.
How Can I Help You?
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character is a high-end retail salesperson.
Phong Nguyen: On Freedom To Invent in Historical Fiction
Award-winning author Phong Nguyen discusses his lifelong dream of writing his new historical fiction novel, Bronze Drum.
Historical Fiction Authors Don’t Expect Their Characters’ Battles To Appear in Modern Headlines, but Here We Are
What happens to historical fiction when history repeats itself? Author Addison Armstrong discusses writing about the past and seeing it reflected in the present.
Art and Independence (From Script)
In this week’s round up brought to us by Script magazine, exclusive interviews with Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman” television writer Vanessa Benton, Allegoria writer-director Spider One, Hulu’s Prey screenwriter Patrick Aison and director Dan Trachtenberg, and more!
Steven Hartov: On Shocking Truths in Historical Fiction
New York Times bestselling author Steven Hartov discusses the surprising truths he discovered when writing his new historical fiction novel, The Last of the Seven.
Larry Beinhart: On Rejection Leading to Mystery
Award-winning author Larry Beinhart discusses what he learned in the process of writing his new mystery novel, The Deal Goes Down.
WD Presents: A Competition Announcement, 6 WDU Courses, and More!
This week, we're excited to announce our self-published e-book awards, 6 WDU courses, and more!
Leah Franqui: On Killing Our Critical Inner Voices
Award-winning playwright and author Leah Franqui discusses how she examined her life through a fictive lens with her new novel, After the Hurricane.
Pacing Your Fight Scene (FightWrite™)
Trained fighter and author Carla Hoch discusses how to pace your story's fight scene and shares three examples from writers who tackle pacing differently.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Rushing the Drafting Process
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so this series helps identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's mistake is rushing the drafting process.
Kwana Jackson: On Finding the Right Home for Your Story
USA Today bestselling author Kwana Jackson discusses writing her new romance novel, Knot Again.
A Conversation With Jaden Terrell on Writer Expectations, Part 2 (Killer Writers)
Killer Nashville founder Clay Stafford continues his conversation with novelist Jaden Terrell about writer expectations and success.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Antagonist Reappears
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have an antagonist reappear.
Karen Rose: On Characters Showing Up in the Writing Process
Award-winning author Karen Rose discusses the surprising joy of secondary characters in her new romantic suspense novel, Quarter to Midnight.