Writing Habits and Practices
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.
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?
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: 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.
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.
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.
5 Ways Hiking Made Me a Better Freelance Writer
Freelance writing sometimes feels like embarking on a grueling mountain hike in scorching weather when you haven’t exercised in years and have a wonky left knee and lower back issues. Let Alison Hill give you tips for success.
Organization for Writers and World-Builders
World-building can be a complicated and extensive task for a writer, especially when you’re on your second or third draft and your story is fully fleshed out. Here are some quick tricks for keeping yourself organized.
The Play Really Is the Thing
Studying different genres can make you a stronger writer overall. Here, author Jessica Barksdale Inclán explains why reading more Shakespeare is a great idea.
6 Lessons of Writing for Novelists
As the author of 16 novels, Wendy Wax shares her top 6 tips for novelists to help their writing journey go as smoothly as possible.
8 Summer Writing Activities for Writers
Summer is upon us, so here are 8 summer writing activities for writers to consider as the temperature rises.
Dyslexia Is a Writer's Superpower (With Help)
Author PJ Manney shares how dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia should not be viewed as impediments to becoming a writer. Rather, they should be viewed as writing superpowers, especially when paired with certain technologies.
Mistakes Writers Make: Not Using Your Spare 15 Minutes
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 not using your spare 15 minutes.