Settings
How To Find and Write the Soul of a Place
When "home" is defined by more than one place, capturing each uniquely can be challenging and rewarding. Here, author Annette Libeskind Berkovits shares how to find and write the soul of a place.
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.
What Is Fan Fiction in Writing?
You might have heard the term, especially if you’re in online fandoms, but what exactly is fan fiction? Managing Editor Moriah Richard explains.
Getting Started Writing a Beach Book
Sun, sand, and surf are only a fraction of what a beachside setting can bring to your stories. Here, bestselling author Amy Clipston helps us get started writing a beach book.
5 Tips for Writing Setting as a Character
The best stories invoke all the senses. Here, author Liz Michalski discusses how to write setting as a character with 5 helpful tips.
A Fabled Kingdom: Why Readers Love a Southern Setting in Fiction
Award-winning author Kimberly Brock illuminates why stories set in the south are full of opportunities for writers, and why readers can’t get enough of it.
Fear Factor: How Embedding in Extreme Environments Can Lead to Compelling Fiction
Author Erica Ferencik took research to the next level by venturing into the same hostile environments she would later place her characters. Here, she describes the transformative power of those experiences and how her fear turned to admiration.
Research and Storytelling for Successful Historical Fiction
Bestselling historical novelist Janie Chang asked six fellow novelists to share their tips for finding and writing stories from the past that will resonate with today’s readers in this article from the Jan/Feb 2022 issue of Writer's Digest.
3 Things I Learned About Writing From Reading L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón
Every book you read can teach you something about writing. Here are 3 things I learned about writing from reading L.A. Weather.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Using Too Much Exposition (Too Early)
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so this series helps identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's mistake is using too much exposition in stories (often too early).
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.
Quite the Character: Writing New York in My Novels
Setting has the ability to resonate with readers in the same way that characters do. Here, author Stephanie Gangi discusses her experience writing New York in her novels.
3 Things to Learn About Writing From Reading The Comfort of Strangers
To add more suspense and a feeling of unease to your work in progress, a close read of Ian McEwan's The Comfort of Strangers offers plenty to learn from.
4 Tips on Research for Writing Novels and Stories Beyond Getting the Facts Right
The kind of research you do can make or break your story's authenticity. Author Blake Sanz offers 4 tips on research for your novels and stories beyond getting the facts right.
3 Tips for Picking the Perfect Setting for Your Novel
Setting is an important piece to any story—it can reveal things about your characters, inspire readers to explore, and not to mention, it's a fun part of the writing process. Author Sarah Echavarre Smith offers 3 tips for picking the perfect setting.
The Transformative Power of Writing Dialect
There are plenty of reasons against mimicking dialect when writing ... but are there any in favor? Author Ed Davis discusses.
4 Tips for Setting a Novel in a Place You Don’t Know Well
You want to write your story in a place you're not familiar with, but how can you do it justice? Kim Hooper, author of No Hiding in Boise, has some tips.
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.
Beyond the Five Senses: Six Powerful Tricks to Enhance a Sense of Place
In this article, author Jonelle Patrick shares her expertise on how to create settings that will bring your reader in and make your characters shine.
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.
The New Greek Mythology and Writing Retellings
Author Annie Sullivan delivers expert advice on how writers should handle making myth new and intriguing for readers.
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.
Writing Strong Settings: Writing Prompts for Socially-Isolated Authors
How are writers supposed to write settings when we're supposed to stay at home? Christine Meade offers writing prompts and tips for writing strong settings during social isolation.
5 Thoughts on How to Use Place to Move Your Story Forward
Author Jane Bernstein shares five thoughts on how to use place to move your story forward by showing how setting affects characters and characters affect setting.