In this article, author and trained fighter Carla Hoch explains the basics of various types of knives and the implications a knife fight may have on your characters and plot.

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.

In the first of a two-part series, WD editor Moriah Richard explains how magic systems exist on a spectrum and gives you some tips on selecting a system that works for you.

In this article from 1931, writer Alfred I. Took answers the age-old question, “How do I make my story different than the rest?”

Author Les Edgerton explains the differences in structure between a short story and a novel, and he provides writers tips for how to expand their short stories into something more substantial.

Author Dallie Ago explores what it means as a writer to spend time on a project you're really passionate about and how writers can hook an audience by being honest in their work.

In this article from 1948, authors Clara Spiegel and Jane Mayer give some helpful hints about what makes a lasting co-authorship.

Romance author Denise Williams dishes out her top five tips to penning a romantic scene that hooks your readers and avoids cliche.

In this humorous article from 1955, writer John F. Silleto gives readers a clear outline for how to procrastinate that work-in-progress.

Mystery novelist Tessa Wegert gives writers simple tricks to ensuring your character's secrets are revealed at just the right time.

Author and trained fighter Carla Hoch answers a writer's question about writing from the perspective of criminals and when best to utilize a fight.

In this article from 1960, poet and author Richard Armour explores the importance of light verse and gives helpful hints to the hopeful poet.

In this article from 1977, children’s writer and poet Jean Conder Soule explores the question, “How will I know when I’ve written a poem?”

Writer and WD editor Moriah Richard shares her top advice to help you fight world-building overwhelm and organize your story.

Mystery writer Nev March shares how she found herself writing historical mysteries and what she hopes readers will get from her storytelling.

Author Jennifer J. Chow shares her expertise on what makes a great cozy mystery novel engaging and thrilling.

An editor and freelance writer demonstrates how to make your articles more intriguing, more entertaining, more salable—and just plain better in this article from 1989.

In this 1999 article, top science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler shares her secrets for overcoming the dreaded writer’s block and producing stellar work.