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.
You’re Just Too Good to Be True: How to Make Your Protagonist’s Love Interest More Believable—Flaws and All
In crafting fiction across genres, a perfect love interest is a tempting trap—and a trope. Writing flawed characters, even when your character is head over heels in love with them, is a must. Here's how to make the object of your character's affection believable and lovable while avoiding clichés.
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."
5 Ways to Combat Author Anxiety
It turns out Author Anxiety is a Thing. It’s not just me. I discovered this on the eve of publication of my debut novel, DECEPTION ISLAND, when I was silly enough to Google my shiny new title. Up popped a Netgalley reviewer live-tweeting as she read it. Only she was hating...
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Laurie Flynn
This is a recurring column I’m calling “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,” where writers (this installment written by Laurie Flynn, author of FIRSTS) at any stage of their career can talk about writing advice and instruction as well as how they possibly got their book agent — by sharing seven things they’ve learned along their writing...
New Literary Agent Alert: Janna Bonikowski of The Knight Agency
She is Seeking: Women’s fiction, romance, historical fiction, literary/commercial fiction, young adult, suspense.
New Literary Agent Alert: Vanessa Robins of Corvisiero Literary
She is Seeking: NA—all, especially humor; YA—gritty plots with diverse characters; Fiction—thought out thrillers, romance with strong female leads, heavily based science sci-fi, and sports-centric plots; Nonfiction—memoirs including coming of age, cultural/ethnic/sexuality, survivor, and humor themed. Bonus points for Medical Narratives (characters with medical illnesses and chronic diseases, or MS told...
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Pat Esden
This is a recurring column I’m calling “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,” where writers (this installment written by Pat Esden, author of BEYOND YOUR TOUCH) at any stage of their career can talk about writing advice and instruction as well as how they possibly got their book agent — by sharing seven things they’ve learned along...
Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards: Behind the Scenes of a Writing Competition with Romance Judge Sharon Naylor
Today, as part of our Behind the Scenes of a Writing Competition series, Romance judge Sharon Naylor discusses standout submissions, clichés, and how entering your story could spark a writing career. Meet the Judge I am the author of over 35 books, hundreds of articles and two novels (so far.) My...
What’s Missing in the Modern Romance Heroine
The following is a guest post by romance author Kait Jagger. She is the author of two novels: Lord and Master and Master’s Servant. Jagger is currently working on the final installment of her Lord and Master trilogy, The Marchioness. You can follower her on Twitter at @KaitJagger. The alpha male...
Sweet vs. Sexy: What You Need to Know About Writing Both
In the world of romance, “sweet” has a very specific connation. A “sweet romance” is one where the bedroom door remains firmly closed so that the reader cannot see inside. Readers who prefer characters who don’t have sex before marriage choose these books, but so do those who are fine with...
Four Tips for Writing for the Romance Market
BY JESSICA BARKSDALE INCLAN After writing literary short fiction and then six contemporary novels, my then-agent told me to go henceforth and write a romance. A romance? I thought. Really? So when I decided to try my hand at romance, I learned a lot about writing in that genre. Here’s...
Writing Gender-Specific Dialogue
Writing dialogue to suit the gender of your characters is important in any genre, but it becomes even more essential in romance writing. In a romance novel, characters of opposite sexes are often paired up or pitted against each other in relationships with varying degrees of complication. Achieving differentiation in the...
Choosing a Story Idea: 4 Questions Every Romance Writer Should Ask Themselves
*Get On Writing Romance for $4.99 today! No promo code needed, while supplies last.* Today’s tip on writing comes from On Writing Romance by Leigh Michaels. In this excerpt, she discusses how to go about selecting your story and whether or not your story idea is strong enough to sustain an...
Defining Conflict: What Conflict Is and Isn’t in Writing a Romance Novel
Are you thinking of writing a romance novel or in the planning stages of writing one? Learn what conflict is and how to use it in your romance novel. Today’s tip of the day comes from On Writing Romance by Leigh Michaels. What Is Conflict? Conflict is the difficulty between the...
Ask the Pro: Editorial Manager Deborah Werksman
Editorial Manager Deborah Werksman is seeking romance novels, series and trilogies in the paranormal, time travel, romantic suspense, historical, contemporary and erotic genres for Sourcebooks Casablanca. She is also interested in innovative women’s fiction, as well as international and historical fiction. For submission guidelines, visit ...
Writer’s Digest Annual Competition
For 80 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers just like you for their finest work. We continue the tradition by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes! Win a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference in New York City !
3 Ways to Know When to End Your Chapters
At some point in writing your novel, you have to start thinking about “chaptering,” the process of deciding exactly when and where your chapter breaks will go. Here are three simple, essential techniques that can help you make effective chapter pauses.
by Aaron Elkins
by Aaron Elkins
How to Organize and Develop Ideas for Your Novel
With so many great ideas, how do you organize them into some sort of coherent outline that will guide your writing? Here's how.
by Laura Whitcomb
by Laura Whitcomb
How to Improve Your Writing Style in 10 Minutes or Fewer
Everyone can benefit from the occasional reminder of the principles of strong writing. Below are 10 tips and exercises designed to make your writing more clear and concise. Think of them as a 10-minute refresher course.
by Brandon Royal
by Brandon Royal
How to “Up the Stakes” for Your Main Character
Don’t be afraid to make things hard on your characters. You should always come up with several different problems to choose from. Here are 3 ways to do that.
by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
How to Write Intriguing Male and Female Characters
Understanding gender differences can improve your writing in any genre. Here’s how.
by Leigh Anne Jasheway
by Leigh Anne Jasheway
Quick Tip: How to Develop Your Characters
Here are 4 quick exercises to make sure your characters speak to readers (and agents).
Best Writing Advice in 10 Words or Fewer
Several Writer's Digest contributors share their best advice in 10 words or fewer.