Jeff Somers and the Rough Beast, Episode 1: How to Write a Novel
This video series follows author Jeff Somers (Writing Without Rules, coming from WD Books in May 2018) as he begins and works on a new science fiction novel, tentatively titled Rough Beast.
8 Novel Writing Insights from Successful Authors
We've selected some helpful novel writing tips from authors who have been interviewed in past issues of WD to assist you in getting your story on the page.
Thrilling Humor: 5 Tips for Incorporating Humor into Thriller Novels (and Other Serious Fiction)
[Value Pack: 5 Resources to Help You Write and Sell Bone-Chilling Horror] Photo by Owen Kemp on Unsplash by Andrew Mayne Humor is such a subjective notion that I’m hesitant to say that I’ve figured it out or point to something I did and say that it’s funny. That said, I try. As a...
7 Top Tips to Create a Cinematic Novel
Writing a story that has all the enticing elements of a screenplay in novel form can be a challenge, but if done right it can lead to a cinematic manuscript that's bound to catch the eye of agents and readers. Here are seven ways to take your eye for big screen...
7 Misconceptions About Revision
Rewriting is 90 percent of the writing process. If you don’t believe me, download The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as Taken from the Journal of the Whills. That’s what a first draft looks like. That’s what your first draft looks like to any reader who’s willing to be honest with you....
4 Tips from the WD Novel Writing Conference: Day 3 (Plus a Giveaway!)
Attendees spent their final day at the inaugural Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference focusing on both the craft and business of novel writing. Topics ranged from writing an attention-grabbing query letter to revising a manuscript with targeted, proven techniques. The event ended with an inspiring closing keynote from New York Times bestselling writer Christopher Rice. Here...
4 Tips from the WD Novel Writing Conference: Day 2
Saturday’s sessions and networking events at the Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference proved helpful, inspiring, energizing and, in the case of the Halloween-themed cocktail party, downright spooky. Here are some of our favorite tips and highlights: “Your POV determines how close or ‘intimate’ the reader is to your character.” —Jordan Rosenfeld...
5 Tips from the WD Novel Writing Conference: Day 1
The inaugural Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference, which kicked off today, is a chance for attendees to immerse themselves in the craft of novel writing: plot, characters, setting, point of view, and more. In sessions that ranged from hooking readers with a strong beginning to modulating your novel’s pace, today’s speakers shared...
5 Helpful Lessons for Writing a Novel
No doubt about it: writing a novel isn’t easy. But use these lessons to help make it (slightly) easier.
Novel Writing Advice: How to Write Battle Scenes
A battle scene in a novel can be a very powerful. Here is some novel writing advice about writing battle scenes.
7 Things That Will Doom Your Novel (& How to Avoid Them)
You can doom your debut from the start with these 7 (tongue-in-cheek) strategies for flailing, and failing—or, you can do just the opposite.
8 Practical Tips to Avoid Too Much Plot in Your Novel
How do you stop over-plotting your novel? It isn’t easy, and it isn’t pleasant, but the reward for plot discipline can be a lean, compelling narrative that attracts literary agents. Try these tips.
10 Tips for Fiction Writers from the 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market
The 2015 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market, now in its 34th year, is hot off the presses, and today I'm sharing ten pieces of advice from the contributors to this year's edition. NSSWM features articles on fiction craft, getting published, and marketing and promotion, as well as more than 400...
Tighten the Tension in Your Novel
“Your novel is lacking tension.” “I understand the reason for this scene, but my mind kept wandering while I was reading.” “This chapter is missing a hook … I’m just not interested.” You might have received this or similar feedback from your writing buddy, critique group, or even an agent or...
Learn the Basics From a Bestseller: 10 Things Every Writer Should Do in Their Novel
The following is a guest post from bestselling author Brenda Novak. In writing about the keys to penning a hit novel, Novak reveals a valuable point: It often boils down to nailing the core storytelling basics. 10 Keys to Writing a Bestselling Novel: 1. Start your story in the right...
8 Things First-Time Novelists Need to Avoid
Do you dream about writing a novel one day? Every aspiring writer has to start somewhere. Before you start writing your novel’s first draft, it’s wise to do your research and learn as much as you can. Watch the preview video below from the Writer’s Digest Tutorial titled 8 Things First-Time...
Writing a Novel: Chapter Breaks
If you are writing a novel for the first time, you’ll need to know when and how to end a chapter. Learn about chapter breaks and see examples of some from popular novels in the following excerpt from the book Your First Novel by Ann Rittenberg and Laura Whitcomb. Novels have...
7 Simple Ways to Make a Good Story Great
To stand out to the gatekeepers who hold the keys to publication, it’s not enough for your story to be good. Use these techniques to take your fiction to new heights.