Plot
12 Dos and Don’ts of Revealing Critical Backstory in a Novel
How much backstory is too much backstory, and how do we know when we haven’t given enough? Here, bestselling author Jenna Kernan offers six dos and six don’ts of revealing critical backstory in a novel.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself for an Airtight Plot
No matter the genre of book you’re writing, certain questions authors ask themselves can help them strengthen their plots and, by extension, strengthen their stories, Here, authors Boyd Morrison and Beth Morrison share 10 questions to ask yourself for an airtight plot.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Ending Your Story Too Soon
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake is ending your story too soon.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Ignoring Your Weaknesses
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake is ignoring your weaknesses.
Character Conflicts That Mirror a Larger Societal Conflict
When a character’s personal conflict reflects a larger societal issue is when character and plot come together. Author Beth Kirschner discusses how to create character conflict that can mirror a larger societal conflict.
What Is a Split-time Novel and Why Do Readers Love Them?
Bestselling author Katherine Reay discusses the purpose and appeal of split-time novels, as well as recommending titles for both readers and writers.
Motive Magic for the Middle Grade/Young Adult Writer
Doctors don’t want you to know this secret to melt sagging plotlines and eliminate one-sided characters. Luckily, Ren Koppel Torres is here to share!
The Play Really Is the Thing
Studying different genres can make you a stronger writer overall. Here, author Jessica Barksdale Inclán explains why reading more Shakespeare is a great idea.
Writing Multiple Timelines and Points of View
YA author Natalie Lund gives her top reasons why writers who might be afraid to play with multiple timelines and/or points of view should jump in feet first.
Why Did I Write a Novel About Death?
What draws an author to a particular subject? In this article, novelist Richard Alther discusses why he was drawn to discussing death in his latest novel Bedside Matters.
Amp up Your Story Impact: Pushing Against and Leaning In
Founder of FoxPrint Editorial and bestselling author Tiffany Yates Martin explains the pros and cons of increasing tension and showing character arcs.
Vintage WD: Trapping the Elusive Idea
To celebrate our 100th anniversary, we’ve selected this article from the very first issue of Writer’s Digest on the still-relevant topic of how to record your ideas.
Vintage WD: It’s So Unusual!
In this article from 1931, writer Alfred I. Took answers the age-old question, “How do I make my story different than the rest?”
What Is a Narrative Arc (or Story Arc)?
In this post, we answer the question of what is a narrative arc or story arc, and we look at a few examples to help show how the narrative arc is different from individual plot twists and points.
Learn Better World-Building Strategies Through World of Warcraft and the New Shadowlands Expansion
WD editor and fantasy writer Moriah Richard shares five unique ways in which writers can use World of Warcraft to better build their worlds—without playing the game.
10 Tips For Writing a Family Drama Novel
Bestselling author Clare Mackintosh shares the 10 things she learned when writing a family drama and reveals what will be key when writing your own.
5 Ways to Surprise Your Reader (Without It Feeling Like a Trick)
Readers love to be surprised, but they're not fans of being tricked or manipulated. Author John McNally shares his five tips for surprising your readers without it feeling like a trick.
The 5-Step Process for Reworking a Classic Story
Learn bestselling author MarcyKate Connolly's five-step process for reworking a classic story, including her "fairy tale flip chart." While these lessons are sure to be a great fit for plotters, it should help out pantsers as well.
7 Tips for Developing a Compelling Middle-Grade Fiction Premise
A strong premise often leads to a strong story. In this post, MG author Fleur Bradley shares her seven tips for developing a compelling middle-grade novel, including advice related to writing for the age group, the gatekeepers, and the kids in all of us.
What They Don't Teach You in MFA Programs: 5 Rules for Writing Stories That Work
Bestselling author and creative writing instructor Chris Mooney shares his five rules for writing successful stories that they don't often teach in MFA programs.
Vintage WD: Just Say No
This August 1989 Writer's Digest articles encourages writers to say no to their characters—in other words, create compelling conflicts in their stories.
How to Mine the Facets of Premise for Story Gold
In this article from our March 2020 issue, Larry Brooks explains the 8 facets that make up the premise of a winning story.
Why I Write Jewish Historical Fiction
Novelist Michelle Cameron explain why she's driven to write Jewish historical fiction and why it's not about the Holocaust.
Andrew Sean Greer: The WD Interview
In this March 2020 interview, the Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist weighs in on altering the course of a novel to unfold plot elements more harmoniously and facing rejection from his publisher.