5 Ways an Author Blog Could Kill Your Writing (and What to Do Instead)
Static author websites are great, and you’d be crazy not to have one. But starting an author blog is a different (and often tragic) story. In fact, your author blog might even kill your writing. There are hundreds of authors who started blogs, churned out posts for a year, and let...
Sitting Up With Tom Wolfe — A 1974 Interview
This extensive interview with author and journalist Tom Wolfe, who passed away on May 14, 2018, appeared in Writer's Digest in 1974, shortly before the publication of Wolfe's iconic book The Right Stuff.
Comedy Writers and Satirists of the #MeToo Movement
In this second in a series about the impact of the #MeToo movement on how and what women write, Leigh Anne Jasheway focuses on women who write and publish comedy and satire.
The Writer’s Digest Podcast, Episode 4: Deconstructing Humor — Interview with Laurie Kilmartin
In this episode of the Writer’s Digest Podcast, author and comedian Laurie Kilmartin discusses writing comedy and jokes that keep your audience laughing, balancing the specific tug-of-war between writing for your job and writing for yourself, and combining humor and death in a way that’s both funny and poignant.
The WD Interview: Author George Saunders Talks Structure, Outlining and Lincoln in the Bardo
In this exclusive extended interview with short-form master George Saunders, the globally acclaimed author dishes on inventive structure, reveals why he’s wary of outlines and talks novel-length success with Lincoln in the Bardo.
The Introvert’s Guide to Writing Conferences
Attending writing conferences is a great way to learn about the craft, stay up to date on the publishing industry and meet new people. If you are introvert, this can seem intimidating, but with a little preparation and a shift in your mindset, a conference can be an incredible, life-changing experience.
Bad Advice Boogie: Show, Don’t Tell
One piece of advice that seems good but can do a lot of harm is the old classic "show, don't tell." Jeff Somers explains why.
American Psychos: The Onion Founder Scott Dikkers Discusses Writing Satire During Dark Times
Scott Dikkers, founder of the satirical news publication The Onion, is the master of writing satire. Here, he discusses the role of in today's challenging sociopolitical atmosphere.
Picture This: Photographer Sharona Jacobs Teases Out the Essence of Authors’ Works Through Headshots
Author headshots might be more important than you think. Photographer Sharona Jacobs explains the importance and process of creating exceptional author photos that can even improve the performance of the book.
5 Tips for Writing About Politics in Fiction
Politics can be a contentious topic to address in any scenario these days—but that doesn't mean you should avoid including politics in fiction if the story warrants it. Here, Aimee Agresti offers her best tips for writing about politics in a novel.
Alex Segura Discusses Crime Fiction, Comic Book Writing, and His New Book Blackout
Not only has Alex Segura's book Blackout earned attention from the crime fiction community far and wide, but his Pete Fernandez Miami Mystery novels—which include Silent City, Down the Darkest Street and Dangerous Ends—have recently been optioned for TV.
How and Why to Pitch Agents at Pitching Events
Many writers are paralyzed at the prospect of pitching their stories, but Script's editor, Jeanne Veillette Bowerman, wants to push you past those fears with concrete tips on how to successfully pitch agents at pitching events.
3 Writing Tips From Bestseller Sloane Crosley
Sloane Crosley can coax humor from the unlikeliest of depths, whether it’s a good line from your locksmith or avenging a childhood slight during a pride parade.
21 Ways to Pivot Your Plot
You can write a great character sketch, a moving love scene, a thrilling chase, even a heart-clutching murder—but a good story needs more than those elements. It needs plot movement—articulated by pivot points.
5 Lessons Studying Sleight-of-Hand Can Teach You About Writing Suspense
Learning magic taught Michael Kardos several important lessons about performance and technique that have served him well when writing suspense.
How to Increase Your Screenplay’s Commercial Appeal
Selling a screenplay is no easy task. Ray Morton shares advice on how to increase your screenplay's commercial potential to help you choose the best stories to put on the page.
The 3 Questions That Will Solve Every “Plot Problem” You’ll Ever Have
Whether you're an outliner or an organic writer (a plotter or a pantser), the solution to almost every plot problem can be found by answering three simple questions.
Leveling Up as a Writer with Peer Critique
Not all practice makes perfect. A writer who works in isolation will not improve significantly over time. Leveling up requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. Here's how your can do that through peer critique of your work.
Politics, Personality and Process: Activism in Fiction
If you feel strongly about a topic, should you incorporate politics in fiction writing? The choice is deeply personal, but here, Nina Sadowsky makes a case for taking a stand in your work.
13 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sign That Book Contract or Take That Freelance Writing Job
In a competitive industry, it’s easy to feel like publishers hold all the power. But the truth is they need good content—and writers have a right to not be fleeced. Here are some situations when the best option just might be to walk away from that book contract or that freelance...
Staying Alive: How to Thrive in the Publishing Industry
Staying alive, staying alive, ah, ha, ha, staying alive. Here, Jenny Milchman explains how to not just survive, but thrive in the publishing industry.
Camp NaNoWriMo: Take Our “What Kind of Camper Are You?” Quiz
Here, the Camp NaNoWriMo team has shared a special quiz for campers (and any writer!) to determine which camper personality matches yours. Are you an adventurer, or are you more relaxed—or are you the glamping type? Find out here.
Making Time to Write: Time Management For Screenwriters
Not all writers can afford to spend their whole day in front of the computer, typing out their next great script. Learn effective time management techniques on how to plan ahead and make writing a fixed part of your life.
Encouraging Young Writers: Why You Should Set Aside Time to Read and Write With Kids
Making time to read and write with your kids can not only encourage your young writers to flex their creative muscles—it can also help you find time to work on your own passion projects.