The Writer's Life
8 Tips to Build Your Supportive Writing Network
Writing can be a solitary activity ... but it doesn't have to be. Let author Gale Massey give you some tips for building a supportive writing network.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Not Knowing When to Shelve a Project
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 knowing when to shelve a project.
Historical Fiction: Write What You Know, or Know What You Write
Historical novelist David Gilman tackles the age-old question—how can genre writers best bring their subjects to life?
Describe a Time When You Found the Courage to Write: From Our Readers (Comment for a Chance at Publication)
This post announces our latest From Our Readers ask: Describe a time when you found the courage to write. Comment for a chance at publication in a future issue of Writer's Digest.
5 Tips for Writing a Spy Thriller Novel
Novelist and former senior intelligence analyst Alma Katsu shares her wisdom for creating a realistic and gripping spy thriller novel.
Writing a Romance Series That Keeps Readers Coming Back for More
So, you want to write a romance series. How do you know from the first book that you've hooked readers enough to follow you to book two? Bestselling romance author Michelle Major has some tips.
5 Lessons I Learned Doing the Flash Fiction February Challenge
WD editor Moriah Richard reflects on the 2021 February Flash Fiction Challenge and shares what the experience taught her.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Neglecting Research
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 neglecting research.
How I’m Changing the Literary Landscape—and Why
Editor and literary podcast host Zibby Owens explains how she went from idolizing authors to wanting more from the publishing industry.
Are Your Minor Characters Working Hard for You?
Minor characters mean more to your readers than you might think. In this article, author Steve Goble shares his top 3 tips for making your secondary characters stand out.
Writing a Book with a Friend: How to Merge Styles Every Step of the Way
In this article, Kim Hooper and Meredith Resnick discuss what their co-writing process looked like and provide practical tips to consider when you're thinking of partnering with another writer to create a nonfiction book.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Allowing Self-Doubt to Guide You
In this article, WD editor Moriah Richard explains how writers succumb to doubt and what steps you can take to avoid self-sabotage.
I’m a Writer Who Hates Pitching—Help!
Do you find yourself stuck when it comes to pitching your ideas? Fear no more! Freelance writer, journalist, and Emmy-nominated producer Alison Hill gives her top tips for overcoming 4 problems to pitching.
14 Tips for Nurturing Your Creative Spirit During Challenging Times
Middle-grade author Donna Gephart gives her top 14 tips for how to invigorate your writing when things are tough.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Choosing Careless Character Names
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we're starting this series to help identify them for other writers (along with strategies for avoiding the mistake). This week's writing mistake writers make is choosing slap-dash character names.
It’s Not Too Late: 10 Mini Writing Goals to Accomplish During the Pandemic Countdown
In this article, writer Angie McCullagh discusses how writers can utilize these last few months of lockdown to create realistic and exciting writing goals.
How to Co-Author a Book: Building Continuity and Avoiding Pitfalls
Co-authors Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty share their top 5 tips for collaborating with another author on a project.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Trying to Write for Everyone
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 write for everyone.
The Story That Drove Me to Write
Award-winning author Stephanie Kane shares the book that launched her career and provides insights for how you can pursue your story.
How to Not Write in the Pandemic, Early Days
Novelist Rebecca Hardiman gives us an insight into the obstacles that cropped up for writers at the start of the 2020 global pandemic.
How to Create the Mental Space to Write
Author Julia Kelly explains why it's important to cultivate internal space to write and gives you tips for how to do so.
5 Best Practices for Zoom Writers’ Rooms
Author and professor Terri Francis delivers the top 5 tips for making writing in a Zoom writer's room a pleasurable and productive experience.
Zak Salih: On Embracing the Selfishness of Writing
Debut novelist Zak Salih considers how his viewpoint on writing vs. revision led him to embrace the messiness of the writing process and why he wrote Let's Get Back to the Party.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Lack of Conflict
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 lacking conflict.