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.
Kaia Alderson: On Internal Roadblocks and Not Giving Up
Kaia Alderson discusses how she never gave up on her story, how she worked through internal doubts, and how research lead her out of romance and into historical fiction.
Crystal Wilkinson: On The Vulnerability of Memoir Writing
Kentucky’s Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson discusses how each project has its own process and the difference between writing fiction and her new memoir, Perfect Black.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Not Accepting Feedback on Your Writing
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake is not accepting feedback on your writing.
Writer's Digest Best Creativity Websites 2021
Here are the top creativity websites as identified in the 23rd Annual 101 Best Websites from the May/June 2021 issue of Writer's Digest.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Set a Trap
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, it's time to set a trap.
Describe the First Time a Book Transported You to Another/Magical World: From Our Readers (Comment for a Chance at Publication)
This post announces our latest From Our Readers ask: Describe the First Time a Book Transported You to Another/Magical World. Comment for a chance at publication in a future issue of Writer's Digest.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 575
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 safe poem.
Brian Freeman: On "Rebooting" Another Writer's Legacy
In this article, Brian Freeman, author of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Treachery, discusses how he took up the mantle of a great series and made it his own.
How to Make the Most of a Virtual Writing Workshop or Conference
In this brave new world of virtual learning and social distance, Kristy Stevenson helps us make the most of the virtual conference.
Funny You Should Ask: What Is Going to Be the Next Big Trend in Fiction?
Funny You Should Ask is a humorous and handy column by literary agent Barbara Poelle. In this edition, she discusses the next big fiction trend, and whether or not all books are the same.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Give In
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have a character give in to something or someone.
My Writer Success Story Began With Getting Over Myself
Debut author Christina Wyman discusses how getting out of her own way led to her authorial success.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 574
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 missing poem.
How to Write a Nonfiction Book Outline
You have an idea for a nonfiction book. Now what? Author Rick Lauber shares how outlining before writing can help you decide what to put on the page—and what to save for later.
Caroline Beecham: On Organizing the Historical Fiction Novel
Historical fiction author Caroline Beecham discusses the trials of organizing her latest novel, When We Meet Again, and what she found that works.
6 Reasons to Attend Writer's Digest Annual Conference 2021
Writer's Digest Annual Conference will be virtual, July 22-24, 2021. WD Editor-in-Chief, Amy Jones, share 6 reasons why you should attend.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Trying to Shock Without Value
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake writers make is trying to shock without value.
Katie Crouch: On Blending Research and Experience
New York Times bestselling author Katie Crouch discusses how she combined both personal experience and research when it came to the setting of her newest release, Embassy Wife.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Going Too
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have a character join another character on a trip.
We’re a Nation of a Billion Indians, and Yet, I Hardly See Myself in Children’s Books
Middle-grade author Payal Doshi discusses a lack of diversity in children's books and how her latest release, Rea and the Blood of the Nectar, is working to correct that.
Chris Bohjalian: The WD Interview 2021
New York Times-bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian talks about working with the right editor, how he finds the perfect ending for each novel, and the inspiration for his new historical thriller, Hour of the Witch.
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 573
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 audio poem.
How I Managed to Get Six Books Published in 2021
Author Rajani LaRocca shares how she went from selling one middle-grade novel to releasing six books in a single year.
