Write Better Fiction
Character | Dialogue | Genre (Children's / Comics & Graphic Novels / Historical / Horror / Humor Fiction / Literary / Mystery & Thriller / Romance / Science Fiction & Fantasy / Screenwriting / Spiritual / Young Adult) | Grammar | Plot | Revising & Editing | Settings | Short Story | Writing Scenes | Writing Techniques
This is the place to learn how to write better fiction. WD editors & guest contributors cover everything about writing—from grammar to writing tips to fueling your creative fire, we have you covered. Your fiction writing career will thank you.
Michael J. Seidlinger: On Asking Questions in Horror
Author Michael J. Seidlinger discusses the writing process of his new literary horror novel, Anybody Home?
10 Tips for Building a Realistic and Vibrant Fictional World
World-building of any kind can seem like a daunting task. Here, author Nalini Singh shares 10 tips for building a realistic and vibrant fictional world.
Adalyn Grace: On Writing for Escape
New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace discusses combining her favorite genres into her new YA fantasy novel, Belladonna.
Writing Nonfiction History vs. Historical Fiction
Author John Cameron discusses how nonfiction history and historical fiction are more similar than they are different.
Zac Bissonnette: On the Passionate Community of Mystery Lovers
New York Times bestselling author Zac Bissonnette discusses the process of writing his new cozy mystery, A Killing in Costumes.
The WD Interview: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The bestselling author of Mexican Gothic shares her approach to world-building, character development, and what she’s learned about the business of writing in this interview from the July/August 2022 issue of Writer's Digest.
How to Create a Compelling Premise for a Thriller
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.
3 Tips for Writing Dystopian Young Adult Fiction
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.
Rimma Onoseta: On Trusting the Process of Revision
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 September/October 2022 Cover Reveal
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.
Why Is This Love Scene Here? How To Write Compelling Love Scenes
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.
Phong Nguyen: On Freedom To Invent in Historical Fiction
Award-winning author Phong Nguyen discusses his lifelong dream of writing his new historical fiction novel, Bronze Drum.
Historical Fiction Authors Don’t Expect Their Characters’ Battles To Appear in Modern Headlines, but Here We Are
What happens to historical fiction when history repeats itself? Author Addison Armstrong discusses writing about the past and seeing it reflected in the present.
Larry Beinhart: On Rejection Leading to Mystery
Award-winning author Larry Beinhart discusses what he learned in the process of writing his new mystery novel, The Deal Goes Down.
Pacing Your Fight Scene (FightWrite™)
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.
Kwana Jackson: On Finding the Right Home for Your Story
USA Today bestselling author Kwana Jackson discusses writing her new romance novel, Knot Again.
A Conversation With Jaden Terrell on Writer Expectations, Part 2 (Killer Writers)
Killer Nashville founder Clay Stafford continues his conversation with novelist Jaden Terrell about writer expectations and success.
Making Middle-Grade Novels Believable
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.
Tamron Hall: On Turning Reporting Into Storytelling
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.
Sarah Zachrich Jeng: On Trying Out Different Endings
Debut novelist Sarah Zachrich Jeng discusses the process of writing her thriller novel, The Other Me.
3 Tips for Writing a Second Chance Romance
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.
Inspiration vs. Perspiration: Where Do Middle-Grade Fiction Ideas Come From?
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: On a Story’s Evolution
Matt & Harrison Query discuss the short story origins that led to their new horror novel, Old Country.
Creating Memorable Friends for Main Characters
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.