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.
6 Habits Writers Can Learn From Athletes
Author and athlete Henriette Lazaridis shares six tips and habits that writers can learn from athletes.
4 Tips for Writing a Modern Retelling
From having reverence for the original to making it your own, author Nikki Payne shares four tips for writing a modern retelling.
6 Books to Cozy Up With This Winter
Here are 6 book recommendation perfect for winter reading.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Unreal Character
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have a character turn out to be less than they seem.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Next Steps
Here are the final steps for the 15th annual November PAD Chapbook Challenge! Use December and the beginning of January to revise and collect your poems into a chapbook manuscript. Here are some tips and guidelines.
Valeria Ruelas: On Teaching Tarot, Brujeria, and Witchcraft
Author Valeria Ruelas discusses the process of writing her new book, The Mexican Witch Lifestyle.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 30
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. And now we're on Day 30.
Rae Meadows: On a Personal Passion Inspiring Literary Fiction
Award-winning author Rae Meadows discusses how her lifelong love of gymnastics helped inspire her new literary novel, Winterland.
The Fae
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, your character discovers that there are fae in their backyard.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 29
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 29 features our fifth (and final) Two-for-Tuesday prompt.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 28
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 28 is remix time.
Brian Lee Durfee: On Finishing a Fantasy Trilogy
Artist and author Brian Lee Durfee discusses what it felt like to write the final sentence in his Five Warrior Angels trilogy with his novel, The Lonesome Crown.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 27
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 27 is all about resolutions.
Preslaysa Williams: On Finding Hope in Romance
Award-winning author Preslaysa Williams discusses the process of writing her new romance novel, A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 26
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 26 requires a second thought.
12 Books That Make Perfect Gifts This Holiday Season
Here are 12 books released in 2022 that make perfect gifts this holiday season for the reader in your life.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 25
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 25 gets serious.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Make a Deal
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have a character make a deal.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 24
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 24 considers what it's all for.
Chloe Liese: On Changing Character Dynamics in Romance
Author Chloe Liese discusses the classic Shakespeare play that inspired her new romance novel, Two Wrongs Make a Right.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 23
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 23 is all about the family.
Just ... Different
Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, base your story off this opening: Jerri has been different since her accident.
2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 22
For the 2022 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Day 22 features our fourth Two-for-Tuesday prompt.
Ashley Herring Blake: On Letting Characters Lead
Award-winning author Ashley Herring Blake discusses the process of writing her new romance novel, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail.