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.
Jane Porter: On the Joy of Writing Mature Characters
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jane Porter discusses celebrating the nature of getting older in her new romance novel, Flirting With Fifty.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 610
Every Wednesday, Robert Lee Brewer shares a prompt and an example poem to get things started on the Poetic Asides blog. This week, write a "different way of seeing the world" poem.
Can I Have Your Attention?
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, an announcement is about to change the course of history.
Glenn Boozan: On the Funny Side of Parenting
Emmy nominated comedy writer Glenn Boozan discusses how a funny piece of perspective turned into her new humor book, There Are Moms Way Worse Than You.
Chanel Cleeton: On Reader Enthusiasm Conjuring Novel Ideas
Author Chanel Cleeton discusses how reader curiosity led her to write her new historical fiction novel, Our Last Days in Barcelona.
The Writer's Digest Interview: Marlon James
Booker Prize–winning author Marlon James talks about mythology and world-building in his character-driven epic Moon Witch, Spider King, the second book in his Dark Star Trilogy in this interview from the March/April 2022 issue of Writer's Digest.
David Adams Cleveland: On Truth Revealing Itself in Historical Fiction
Award-winning novelist David Adams Cleveland discusses the timeliness of his new novel, Gods of Deception.
The WD Interview: Lisa Jewell
The New York Times-bestselling British author discusses creating thrilling plot twists and developing characters in her 19th novel, The Night She Disappeared, in this interview from the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of Writer's Digest.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Strength Lost
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, let a character lose their powers.
Managing Point of View: Mythbusting
In the first of this three-part series, novelist and WD columnist Sharon Short breaks down 7 of the most common myths about choosing which POV is right for your story.
Mark Kurlansky: On Coincidences Driving Memoir
Award-winning author, playwright, and journalist Mark Kurlansky discusses the experience of channeling Ernest Hemingway in his new memoir, The Importance of Not Being Ernest.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 609
Every Wednesday, Robert Lee Brewer shares a prompt and an example poem to get things started on the Poetic Asides blog. This week, write a world-building poem.
Heirloom
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, someone's shown up demanding your narrator's family heirloom.
May Cobb: On Stolen Moments
Author May Cobb discusses offering readers a summer of mayhem with her new novel, My Summer Darlings.
Janet Key: On Letting Your Novel Take Shape
Author Janet Key discusses the experience of letting the novel take shape through the editorial process for her debut novel, Twelfth.
Benjamin Myers: On Fleeting Moments Becoming Finished Novels
Award-winning author and journalist Benjamin Myers discusses the out-of-body experience of having the idea for his new novel, The Perfect Golden Circle.
How to Crowdfund Your Book
Crowdfunding in publishing has received a lot of attention in recent months. Successful crowd-funder and author Chris Stollar shares his tips for realistic and practical tips to make crowdfunding work for you.
How and Why To Turn Your Play Into a Novel
Award-winning novelist and playwright Lynne Kaufman discusses the differences, similarities, and benefits of turning your play into a novel.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Thinking There’s Not Enough Room for Your Story
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 thinking there's not enough room for your story.
The Head and the Heart: 5-Minute Memoir
In this article from the March/April 2022 issue of Writer's Digest, Lauryne Wright writes about rejection, rumination, and staying true to the creative voice inside ourselves.
Sophie Irwin: On Connecting With Readers
Author Sophie Irwin discusses her pipe-dream-turned-reality of writing her historical fiction rom-com, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Old Technology
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have your characters use old technology to accomplish a goal.
A Master Class in Failure (To Find Writing Success)
Failure is often a step in finding success but navigating the treacherous terrain of rejection can be burdensome. Here, international bestselling author Marcia DeSanctis shares a master class in coming back from failure.
The Writer’s Guide to Being a Great Podcast Guest
More writers than ever are appearing on or even hosting podcasts related to their writing. Host of the "Creative Nonfiction Podcast" Brendan O'Meara shares how to make it an enjoyable and successful experience.