October 18, 2021
Publish date:

Free E-Book on Building Readership by Cory Doctorow

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Portrait by Jonathan Worth

My most popular post (so far) this year, 5 Free E-Books Every Writer Needs, could've benefited from one more addition:

The Problem Isn't Piracy, The Problem Is Obscurity by Cory Doctorow

This e-book gathers some of Doctorow's best essays and rants on why authors should give their work away, stop sweating copyright, and focus on building a community of readers.

I've long been a fan of Doctorow. Even if you don't agree with everything he says, he's essential reading for all forward-thinking authors.

Click here to download.

Also, if you didn't know, Writer's Digest magazine from September 2009 features an interview with Doctorow—he's even on the cover! Go check it out.

Laura Davis: On the Story That Begged To Be Told
Interviews

Laura Davis: On the Story That Begged To Be Told

Author and writing instructor Laura Davis discusses the process of starting, stopping, and starting again with her new memoir, The Burning Light of Two Stars.

3 hours ago
From Our Readers
From the Magazine

Which Writer or Work Made You Think About Point of View in a Different Way and Why?: From Our Readers (Comment for a Chance at Publication)

This post announces our latest From Our Readers question: Which writer or work made you think about point of view in a different way and why? Comment for a chance at publication in a future issue of Writer's Digest.

15 hours ago
4 Tips on Research for Writing Novels and Stories Beyond Getting the Facts Right
Settings

4 Tips on Research for Writing Novels and Stories Beyond Getting the Facts Right

The kind of research you do can make or break your story's authenticity. Author Blake Sanz offers 4 tips on research for your novels and stories beyond getting the facts right.

19 hours ago
writer's digest wd presents
Resources

WD Presents: Annual Writing Competition Early-Bird Deadline, Seven WDU Courses, and More!

This week, we’re excited to announce the Annual Writing Competition early-bird deadline, seven WDU courses starting this week, and more!

Oct 17, 2021
3 Big Tips for Writing a Children’s Picture Book Like a Pro
Children's

3 Big Tips for Writing a Children’s Picture Book Like a Pro

Small but mighty, picture books help raise children into lifelong readers. Children's book author Diana Murray offers 3 big tips for writing a picture book like a pro.

Oct 16, 2021
5 Things I Learned About Writing From Watching Soap Operas
Writing Habits and Practices

5 Things I Learned About Writing From Watching Soap Operas

Lessons in writing can come from various forms of art or entertainment. Author Alverne Ball shares 5 things he learned about writing from watching soap operas.

Oct 16, 2021
From Script
Resources

Writing from an Intimate Point of View and Adding Essential Elements to Solidify Your Screenplay (From Script)

In this week’s round up brought to us by Script magazine, TV writer Kate Sargeant shares a first-hand look on her new digital series that was a life-changing experience. Plus an interview with filmmaker Mia Hansen-Løve, a new installment from ‘Ask the Coach’ and more!

Oct 16, 2021
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Collecting Advice but Never Writing
Writing Habits and Practices

Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Collecting Advice (but Never Writing)

The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so this series helps identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's mistake is to collect writing advice at the expense of actually writing.

Oct 15, 2021
The Benefits of a Book Coach for Writers
Revising & Editing

The Benefits of Having a Book Coach for Writers

What is a book coach? How could they help authors? Award-winning author and writing instructor Mark Spencer answers these questions and more in this post about the benefits of having a book coach for writers.

Oct 15, 2021