Write Better Fiction

Learn how to create a compelling premise for a thriller or mystery novel by asking a simple question and tying it to a specific circumstance to set the stage for a thrilling read.

If you've ever heard it said that there's no new way to write a story, let author Julian R. Vaca tell you otherwise. Here, he shares 3 tips for writing dystopian young adult fiction to help silence our inner critics.

Author Rimma Onoseta discusses how seeing other Black female authors on bookshelves encouraged her to finish writing her contemporary YA novel, How You Grow Wings.

Writer's Digest is excited to announce our Sept/Oct 2022 issue featuring our Annual Literary Agent Roundup, an interview with NYT-bestselling YA horror novelist Tiffany D. Jackson, and articles about writing sinister stories.

Not sure which way to turn when writing intimate scenes? Author Jo McNally shares how to write compelling love scenes that make sense for the story you’re writing.

Award-winning author Phong Nguyen discusses his lifelong dream of writing his new historical fiction novel, Bronze Drum.

What happens to historical fiction when history repeats itself? Author Addison Armstrong discusses writing about the past and seeing it reflected in the present.

Award-winning author Larry Beinhart discusses what he learned in the process of writing his new mystery novel, The Deal Goes Down.

Trained fighter and author Carla Hoch discusses how to pace your story's fight scene and shares three examples from writers who tackle pacing differently.

USA Today bestselling author Kwana Jackson discusses writing her new romance novel, Knot Again.

Killer Nashville founder Clay Stafford continues his conversation with novelist Jaden Terrell about writer expectations and success.

Tapping into universal human emotions, doing lots of research, knowing the ending to your story before you start, and more—author Elizabeth Raum shares how to make middle-grade novels believable.

Emmy® Award-winning talk show host Tamron Hall discusses how her decades as a reporter led to writing her new thriller novel, As the Wicked Watch.

Debut novelist Sarah Zachrich Jeng discusses the process of writing her thriller novel, The Other Me.

What makes second chance romance so enticing to read and challenging to write? Author Kerry Winfrey offers 3 tips for writing a second chance romance.

Where does inspiration come from? Author Melissa Dassori shares what helped inspire her debut middle-grade novel, and offers four ways to dig for ideas for your own stories.

Matt & Harrison Query discuss the short story origins that led to their new horror novel, Old Country.

Filling your book with realistic friendships can offer your main characters fresh perspectives on the story's core plot. Here, author Danielle Jackson shares tips for creating memorable friends for main characters.