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How to Write a Romance Novel, Romance Writing
Jenn McKinlay: On Going Home in Romance Novels
New York Times bestseller Jenn McKinlay discusses writing her new romance novel, Wait For It, and choosing her home city as its setting.
Vintage WD: Decoding the Secrets to Selling Popular Fiction, Part 2
Part 2 of this April 1981 WD article by Roy Sorrels and Megan Daniel about writing and selling popular fiction picks up where part 1 left off.
Vintage WD: Decoding the Secrets to Selling Popular Fiction, Part 1
In this article about writing popular fiction like murder mysteries or regency romances, Roy Sorrels and Megan Daniel share some of their best tips.
Reddit for Writers: 47 Writing Subreddits to Explore
This supplement to the 2019 edition of our 101 Best Websites provides a guide to writing subreddits—destinations across Reddit where writers can find useful information, community, and resources.
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.
Not Your Grandmother’s Harlequin: Writing Romance in the 21st Century
When Linda Cardillo's manuscript drew the interest of Harlequin, she had reservations about the bodice-ripping stereotypes attached to writing romance fiction. But her preconceptions were dispelled when she learned more about the breadth and diversity of the genre today.
What a Coincidence: 7 Clever Strategies for Harnessing Coincidences in Fiction
Well-timed coincidences can catapult a story forward, but a poorly planned one can bring your readers to a dead stop. Use these 7 strategies to harness the power of this storytelling tool while steering clear of common missteps.
5 Takeaways from Romance Writers of America
This July, 2,000 romance writers from all over the country, descended on Denver for the annual Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference. WD Books author and Writer's Digest conference speaker Kerrie Flanagan shares 5 takeaways for romance authors.
Why Writers Should Consider Including Safer Sex in Fiction
Citing rising public health issues and a previous example of fiction influencing real-world behaviors, Phyllis Zimbler Miller advocates for including references to safer sex in fiction in order to culturally normalize healthier intimate practices.
Love Letters: How to Spark Romance in a Story Without Using the L-Word
The most convincing romantic stories are those that feel natural. Learn how to write romance scenes and romance novels without using the word "love."
How to Create a Protagonist Who is Very Different From You
How does a writer create a character unlike themselves and give it a living, breathing personality? Author Michael Mazza walks writers through the six steps to creating a unique protagonist that worked for him.
Why Point of View Is So Important for Novel Writers
The following is a brief rundown of the three most common POVs and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
5 Ways to Write Romance With Respect
Veteran authors of writing romance know that respect is key to success in the market. Here are my five tips on how to write romance with respect, for those looking to break in.
5 Tips for Writing Engaging Romance
Harlequin author Rhenna Morgan shares five tips for writing crackling romance that keeps your readers turning pages.
10 Rules of Writing a Novel From a Copywriter
Here are a few things author Helen Klein Ross learned along the way to writing a novel between stints as a copywriter from how to manage time to handle inspiration and more.
10 Ways To Hook Your Reader (and Reel Them in for Good)
When I wanted to write an essay about my difficult relationship with my brother I had to figure out a way to make it interesting to other people so I turned to these 10 elements to keep the story rolling.
The Difference Between Character Habits And Quirks
What exactly is the difference between behaviors, habits, mannerisms, and quirks? Read on to learn the subtle (yet important) differences between them and how to apply them to your characters.
Rewriting the 7 Rules of Dialogue
Understand why and how to break these 7 common rules about writing dialogue, and you’ll write more effective, nuanced and engaging character conversations.
The 5 Biggest Fiction Writing Mistakes (& How to Fix Them)
Start your revision by addressing these five biggest fiction writing mistakes, and you'll immediately change your story for the better.
7 Things That Will Doom Your Novel (& How to Avoid Them)
You can doom your debut novel from the start with these 7 (tongue-in-cheek) strategies for flailing, and failing—or, you can do just the opposite.
9 Practical Tricks for Writing Your First Novel
Whether you're writing your first novel or are struggling with completing a second one (or more), sometimes you need some help focusing and figuring out how to reach your goal. Use these 9 tricks to help you go from first sentence all the way to completed novel.
Bringing Your Readers into the Game
Writing sports-themed action scenes provides an opportunity for an author to engage the passions of three different readers: enthusiasts, well versed in the particular sport featured; others unfamiliar with the specifics of this sport, yet athletes nevertheless; and non-athletes not involved with sports in anyway.