Be Inspired
From the Magazine | Interviews | Poetry Prompts | The Writer's Life (Book Recommendations / Overcoming Writer's Block / Writing Habits and Practices) | Vintage WD | Writing Prompts | Writing Quotes
Find the prompts, interviews, quotes, book recommendations, and other inspirational articles to help you write that novel, short story, article, or whatever other piece of writing you're currently working on...or that you want to write! Our Be Inspired sections are here to get the creative juices flowing.
Michael J. Seidlinger: On Asking Questions in Horror
Author Michael J. Seidlinger discusses the writing process of his new literary horror novel, Anybody Home?
Adalyn Grace: On Writing for Escape
New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace discusses combining her favorite genres into her new YA fantasy novel, Belladonna.
Top 10+ Survival Tips for Publishing
Poignant advice from some of the funniest people in publishing.
Zac Bissonnette: On the Passionate Community of Mystery Lovers
New York Times bestselling author Zac Bissonnette discusses the process of writing his new cozy mystery, A Killing in Costumes.
My Long, Winding, and Very Crooked Writing Journey
Every writer’s publishing story is different. Here, author Sharon M. Peterson shares her journey from writing to publishing.
Jeff Adams: Publishing Advice for Indie Authors
In this Indie Author Profile, romance novelist Jeff Adams shares his path to independent publishing and his advice for others considering that path.
The WD Interview: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The bestselling author of Mexican Gothic shares her approach to world-building, character development, and what she’s learned about the business of writing in this interview from the July/August 2022 issue of Writer's Digest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tamron Hall: On Turning Reporting Into Storytelling
Emmy® Award-winning talk show host Tamron Hall discusses how her decades as a reporter led to writing her new thriller novel, As the Wicked Watch.