The Writer's Life
20 Authors Share Their Biggest Surprises in the Writing Process
Experienced writers know to expect the unexpected. Here are surprises in the writing process from 20 authors, including Amanda Jayatissa, Paul Neilan, Kristin Hannah, and Robert Jones, Jr.
Creativity Is Making Small Choices
When struggling to work through a creative dilemma, it's best to think of your work in small pieces that create a larger whole. Author Perttu Pölönen explains how creativity is a collection of small choices from an abundance of options.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Inaccurate Genre Labels
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 labeling your book with an inaccurate genre.
What Is NaNoWriMo?
You might have heard about National Novel Writing Month AKA NaNoWriMo. But what is it, really? And how can writers get involved?
3 Ideas for Increasing the Diversity of Children's Home Libraries
Sailaja Joshi, the founder of Mango & Marigold Press, shares a few thoughts on how to increase the diversity of children's home libraries to help expand their perspectives.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Writing for One Person
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 writing for one person.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Following Writing "Rules" Too Closely
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 taking writing “rules” too seriously.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Write a Novel With Your Very Good Friend
Looking to write with a friend? Let Laura Blackett & Eve Gleichman, co-authors of The Very Nice Box, give you some tips for making your writing partnership successful.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Researching Too Much
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 researching too much.
5 Pieces of Common Writing Advice You Should Absolutely Ignore
There’s so much information for writers it can be hard to know what to listen to and what to ignore. Author Stefanie London interrogates some popular writing advice in this article.
Why Curiosity Is the Mainspring of Successful Fiction
Are you having trouble getting into the writing flow? Let author Graham Hurley tell you how to use curiosity to unlock your story.
Late to the Party: On Being a “Mature” Debut Author
It's never too late to start your writing career. Shawn Nocher, author of A Hand to Hold in Deep Water, shares her journey.
Publishing in a Pandemic: Launching Both a Hardback and a Paperback in One Terrifying Year
Caroline Leavitt discusses how embracing virtual events helped to create buzz around her latest release, With or Without You, and why she co-created the online initiative A Mighty Blaze.
What Is the First Story You Remember That Made an Impact on You?: From Our Readers (Comment for a Chance at Publication)
This post announces our latest From Our Readers question: What is the first story you remember that made an impact on you? Comment for a chance at publication in a future issue of Writer's Digest.
Active vs Passive Editing
There's been a recent shift in the publishing industry, but it's still slow-going. Award-winning author Lavie Tidhar has tips to become active editors.
14 Common Writing Mistakes Writers Make (and How to Fix Them)
Whether it's waiting for inspiration to strike or not knowing when to shelve a project, here are 14 common writing mistakes writers make and how to fix them.
Productive Procrastination for Writers
Procrastination is a plague for every writer ... but can you make it work for you? Here, New York Times and international bestselling author Lisa Unger explains.