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Off the Page: author interview series
The WD Interview: Author N.K. Jemisin on Creating New Worlds and Playing with Imagination
The master fantasy world-builder reveals her secrets to success on Patreon and speculates on how imagination might test-drive our future.
A Sense of Discovery: 'Chocolat' Author Joanne Harris on Routine, Inspiration and What's Next
Author Joanne Harris discusses her writing routine, her journey to becoming a full-time author, as well as her upcoming book The Strawberry Thief, which is set in the same universe as her 2000 hit novel Chocolat.
Writing the Surreal: A Conversation with Author Steve Kissing
Ericka McIntyre talks with Steve Kissing about how to write the surreal.
Min Jin Lee: Finding Story Ideas That Truly Provoke Your Passions
Pachinko author Min Jin Lee talks about finding story ideas that truly provoke your passions and how to tune out the burden of expectations.
Brad Meltzer on Research, Rejections, and More
"Don't let anyone tell you 'No.'"Bestselling author Brad Meltzer reveals the secrets around his new non-fiction book, 'The First Conspiracy'—plus thriller writing tips, and more.
YA Author Cassandra Clare Reveals the Practical Magic Behind Her Bestselling 'Shadowhunter' Series
YA sensation Cassandra Clare discusses the tactics she leverages to craft her bestselling Shadowhunter series and demystifies the secrets of writing for different age groups and fostering representation in fiction.
The Writer’s Digest Podcast, Episode 9: Using Your Words for the Power of Good — Interview with Heather Graham
In this episode of the Writer's Digest Podcast, Heather Graham shares: Why writers need editors and editors need writers, tips to carve out time for your writing in your already busy life, the benefits of writing groups, and more.
Fired Up: Robert Crais on Passion, Process and Plot Twists
Robert Crais, master of crime writing, makes modern classics the old-fashioned way—with a heartfelt passion, a fine-tuned process and, naturally, a twist.
"Go Your Own Way": James Patterson on Supporting Childhood Literacy, Generating Novel Ideas, and Writing with Bill Clinton
After more than four decades in publishing, record-breaking bestseller James Patterson has this to say: You can go your own way. Discover an exclusive extended interview with Patterson below.
Tobias S. Buckell Discusses Successful Writing Collaborations and the Elements of Powerful Sci-Fi
We had the pleasure of talking with Tobias S. Buckell ahead of his keynote at indieLAB. Read on to discover his thoughts on what it takes to write powerful sci-fi, the process of writing with a co-author, and what's next for his career.
Zetta Elliott on Starting Her Own Imprint & Character Development in Children's Fiction
Zetta Elliott discusses addressing complex topics in children's fiction, starting her own imprint, Rosetta Press, and what she'll address in her upcoming keynote at indieLAB.
Bestseller Walter Mosley on Characterization and the Legacy of Devil in a Blue Dress
In a conversation with WD, Easy Rawlins author Walter Mosley reflects on the passion and craft that informs his bestselling novels.
Curtis Sittenfeld on Choosing Beta Readers, Outlining and Creating Complex Characters
Bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld (Eligible) explains how her characters keep it “real,” and why plumbing the awkward and uncomfortable can lead to the richest social commentary.
Sunny Author Jason Reynolds on Writing, Publishing and Advice for New Writers
Award-winning YA novelist Jason Reynolds has cemented his place in literary history with titles like When I Was the Greatest, The Boy in the Black Suit and Long Way Down. Here we talk to Jason about writing, publishing and his advice for new authors.
State of Wonder: Annihilation and Wonderbook Author Jeff VanderMeer Imparts His Best Tips for Cultivating Creativity from the World Around You
For Jeff VanderMeer, the act of writing is only a component of the process—to him, experiences are vital to storytelling. Here, he shares his best tips for discovering the wonder in the world around you.
Two Authors Discuss How Their Debut Novels Were Picked Up by Hollywood
Film adaptations aren’t typically in the plotline for debut novels, but two new thriller/suspense authors, Kathleen Barber and Rea Frey, have capped their debut dreams with film contracts for books seemingly written for the screen.
Not Brave, But Fearless: Author Harlan Ellison on Battling Internet Piracy and His Reputation as a Firebrand (A 2004 Interview)
Prolific speculative fiction writer Harlan Ellison passed away on June 28, 2018, at the age of 84. In this interview with Ellison, published in May 2004, the firebrand writer discusses piracy during the rise of internet publishing, what it means to be a professional writer, and his trademark fearlessness.
"How do you get into writing comics? Write a comic." Eisner-Nominated Alex de Campi Talks Comics, Prose & Multidisciplinary Creative Work
Acclaimed comic book and graphic novel writer, columnist, and filmmaker Alex de Campi shares her secrets for getting into writing comics, working with comics artists, tackling multidisciplinary creative projects, and more.
The WD Interview: Bestseller Jacqueline Woodson on Confronting Controversial Subjects & Writing Across Age Categories
In this exclusive extended interview with National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson, the Newberry Honored author talks character building, diversity movements, and the real-world importance of books for kids and teens.
The Writer's Digest Podcast, Episode 5: Children’s Literature and Diversity in Publishing — Interview with Patrice Caldwell
In this episode of the Writer’s Digest Podcast, hear from author, editor, and founder of People of Color in Publishing Patrice Caldwell, who shares an inside look at the importance of diversity in publishing today, the relevance of the mirrors and windows concept to literature, the reason people of color leave the publishing industry and how to retain them, and what you can do right now to make our industry better.
Writing Tips & Insights from Author Nic Stone
When we last spoke to Nic Stone, her poignant and timely debut novel, Dear Martin was newly launched. Mentored by Jodi Picoult, Stone shares what she's learned along the path to best-selling novelist, as well as her best writing tips.
Steer Your Own Course: Author Boston Teran on Blending Genres Across 11 Novels
Author Boston Teran discusses his new novel, A Child Went Forth, his choice to use a pseudonym, upcoming film adaptations of his work, and the unique considerations of blending genres including historical fiction, mystery, crime and more.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Discusses the Power of Reading, His Writing Process, and His YA Memoir Becoming Kareem
In this interview, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discusses his new bestseller, Becoming Kareem, a heartfelt memoir for young adult readers, as well as his writing process, the importance of reading and civil rights.
From ER Doctor to Novelist: Meet Kimmery Martin, Author of The Queen of Hearts
An emergency medicine doctor-turned-novelist, Kimmery Martin, author of The Queen of Hearts, discusses her writing journey, what she's learned about writing and publishing, and what's up next.