15 Things a Writer Should Never Do
Former Writer's Digest managing editor Zachary Petit shares his list of 15 things a writer should never do, based on interviews with successful authors as well as his own occasional literary forays and flails.
Shelved but Not Forgotten: The Power of Continuing Old Projects
In this article, author E.L. Tenenbaum discusses the importance on not tossing a project that isn't quite working and explains why putting a project away for a while might be the key to success.
7 Ways Kurt Vonnegut Poisoned Readers' Minds With Humanity
Kurt Vonnegut once said he wanted his novels to "catch people before they become generals and Senators and Presidents," to "poison their minds with humanity. Encourage them to make a better world." Here are seven ways he lived up to those aspirations.
How to Increase Your Writing Performance and Consistency
Author coach Nina Amir shares a few secrets on how to increase your writing productivity.
Vintage WD: Afternoon of a Part-Time Writer
This WD article from 1957 offers a humorous look at what it's like to be a writer with a day job, a family, or other obligations that take time away from writing--something many of us can relate to.
Writer's Digest Best Writing Advice Websites 2020
Here are the top writing advice websites as identified in the 22nd Annual 101 Best Websites from the May/June 2020 issue of Writer's Digest.
Literary World Records for Books and Authors
In this post, Don Vaughan reveals literary world records. Ever wonder which author sold the most books? Or which book has been translated the most times? How about which author has signed the most copies of their book on a single day?
How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Authors Write a Better Novel
In this post, J.D. Lasica of Authors A.I. shares how artificial intelligence can help authors write a better novel and questions whether A.I. could be a boon to future writers and authors.
What Does It Mean to Be a Cult Writer?
In this post, Ian Haydn Smith looks at what it means to be a cult writer, including a breakdown of six different categories of cults for writers.
Use Meditation, Prayer, and Intention to Unleash Your Creativity
Do you have thousands of unproductive thoughts cluttering your mind? Nina Amir offers her tips for using meditation to help boost your creativity by creating space for new ideas.
5 Ways to Keep Focus When Burned Out and Brain-Fried
Sometimes the real challenge to completing a story is sustaining focus. In this post, Jessica Hatch shares 5 ways to keep focus when burned out and brain-fried.
Stay at Home. Wash Hands. And Write (If You Can).
NaNoWriMo's Grant Faulkner has some good thoughts for writers who may feel overwhelmed by Covid-19 and stay-at-home orders.
How to Rev Up Your Writing: Habits for More Effective Writing
Writer's Digest author and author coach Nina Amir shares 4 ways to create better habits for more effective writing, including cutting down on distractions.
Shed Your Shame: Overcoming Writing Fears
Author Elizabeth Atkinson shares the biggest of her writing fears, and her tips for working to overcome both the fear and the shame.
Show Us Your Workspace: From Our Readers (Respond for a Chance at Publication)
In the next From Our Readers column, we want you to show us your workspace! Writers who share pics of their workspace could end up in the March issue of Writer's Digest magazine.
Healthy Writing Habits: All in the Wrist
Healthy writing habits may seem like a problem for tomorrow when the words are flowing freely. Your body will thank you for considering these 4 tips today.
5 NaNoWriMo Prompts for Mid-Challenge Motivation
Here are 5 NaNoWriMo prompts to help motivate you to keep working on your writing challenge past the November 15 midpoint.
Expectation Versus Reality: 10 Truths You Should Know About NaNoWriMo
The staff of the writing community nonprofit demystify the process behind their annual month-long challenge.
Rolling the Dice: 5 Ways D&D and “Critical Role” Made Me a Better Storyteller
Fantasy writer and blogger Angela D. Mitchell offers 5 ways that Dungeons and Dragons helped her improve her writing and how to be a better storyteller.
The Art of Efficient Waiting
Twine author Monica Duncan shares her best revision secret: waiting and returning to edit a manuscript with fresh eyes.
7 Writing Exercises to Kickstart Your Creativity
Need some inspiration for your next writing project? Hummingbird in Underworld author Deborah Tobola has 7 exercises to fuel your creativity.
Becoming a Full-Time Author: Three Mindset Shifts Every Writer Must Make
Every writer wants to become a full-time author. Lanterns in the Sky author Pagan Malcolm shares three insights that can help you transition to this lifestyle sooner.
5 Essential Things You Need to Know About Writing Habits
Are you stuck in the habit of not writing? Lynn Dickinson shares tips to help you create strong writing habits that will last for years.
Want to Be More Productive? Start by Being Honest About the Type of Writer You Are
Understanding what works for you only requires taking an honest inventory of the way you relate to your everyday to-do list. Writing is a practice, sure, but so is getting dinner together every night, staying on top of the laundry, or making time for some exercise, and I bet you make some semblance of those things happen with reasonable regularity. Take a moment and consider the you that’s off social media—the one who’s #notwriting, with a messy house and plenty of obligations beyond your writing life—and make a judgement-free plan of action based on the kind of motivation you respond to.