Write Better Nonfiction
Articles | Business Books | Creative Nonfiction Writing | Grammar | Historical Books | Humor in Nonfiction | Personal Writing | Revising & Editing | Travel Books
This is the place to learn how to write better nonfiction. WD editors & guest contributors cover everything about writing—from grammar to writing tips to fueling your creative fire, we have you covered. Your nonfiction writing career will thank you.
Interviewing 101: Tips for Writers
Interviewing sources for quotes or research will be part of any writer's job. Here are tips to make the process as smooth and productive as possible.
10 Tips on Covering Events as a Freelance Journalist
From planning ahead to staying late, Alison Hill shares 10 tips for journalists while covering events as a freelancer.
Writing Through the Lens of Social Justice
WD Editor-at-Large Tyler Moss makes the case for reporting on issues of social justice in freelance writing—no matter the topic in this article from the July/August 2021 issue of Writer's Digest.
What Is Food Writing? 4 Critical Keys to Becoming a Food Writer
So, you want to write about food. How do you get started? Here, food writer Deanna Martinez-Bey shares 4 critical keys to becoming a food writer.
9 Ways To Insert Your Own Voice and Style Into Research-Based Nonfiction Writing
After years of journalist writing, author Lucy Ward had to relearn how to incorporate her own voice when it came to writing her nonfiction book. Here, she shares 9 ways to insert your own voice and style into research-based nonfiction.
Sari Botton: On Finding Compassion Through Memoir
Award-winning writer and editor Sari Botton discusses the transformative process of writing her memoir, And You May Find Yourself.
Lectern vs. Podium vs. Pulpit (Grammar Rules)
Let's look at the differences between lectern, podium, and pulpit with Grammar Rules from the Writer's Digest editors, including a few examples of correct usages.
The 6 Stages of Writing a Bestseller
Cartoonist and humorous writer Bob Eckstein shares the 6 stages of writing a bestseller.
A Different Angle: How To Revisit a Painful Past Without Re-Triggering Your Present
Writer Sari Botton knew she had a memoir in her but felt conflicted over writing about her traumatic experiences. Here, she shares how she navigated writing her memoir from a different angle.
Decent vs. Descent (Grammar Rules)
Learn when to use decent vs. descent in your writing with Grammar Rules from the Writer's Digest editors, including a few examples.
Mark Kurlansky: On Coincidences Driving Memoir
Award-winning author, playwright, and journalist Mark Kurlansky discusses the experience of channeling Ernest Hemingway in his new memoir, The Importance of Not Being Ernest.
The Time Is Now: Securing First-Hand Accounts of History for Writing Projects
Writer Stephen L. Moore discusses the benefits of having first-hand accounts for historical writing and offers advice on best practices in securing interviews while there’s still time.
Telling My Story: How to Work Through Painful Feelings While Writing a Memoir
When revisiting your past means unearthing painful memories, it’s important to find solitude somewhere. Here, author Laura L. Engel discusses how to work through painful feelings while writing a memoir.
Marcia DeSanctis: On a Decade of Traveling Through Essays
International bestselling author Marcia DeSanctis discusses the process of combing through a decade’s worth of travel essays for her new travel memoir, A Hard Place to Leave.
Jon Taffer: On Constructive Conflict
New York Times bestselling author Jon Taffer discusses the inclusive nature of his new book, The Power of Conflict.
6 Types of Creative Nonfiction Personal Essays for Writers to Try
In this post, we reveal six types of creative nonfiction personal essays for writers to try, including the fragmented essay, hermit crab essay, braided essay, and more. Take your essay writing up a notch while having fun trying new forms.
Florence Olajide: On Perseverance and Persistence Through Memoir
Florence Olajide discusses how the persistence from others led her to writing her new memoir, Coconut.
What Is a Contronym in Writing?
In this post, learn what contronym is, including the definition of a contronym and example contronyms.
Tom Clavin: On the Voyage of Writing Historical Nonfiction
Bestselling nonfiction writer Tom Clavin discusses the bittersweet experience of publishing his newest co-authored book, To the Uttermost Ends of the Earth.
Writing to End Stigmas Associated With Mental Illness and Disorders
Writer and editor Liisa Jorgensen tackles destigmatizing mental illness through her research in writing her nonfiction book, Far Side of the Moon.
The Braided Essay: What It Is and Why I Used This Writing Structure for My Food Memoir
Award-winning writer Madhushree Ghosh defines the braided essay and discusses its power in her new book, Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family.
Liisa Jorgensen: On Inspiring and Challenging Readers
Writer and editor Liisa Jorgensen discusses tackling a new perspective in her new nonfiction book, Far Side of the Moon.
What Is a Lyric Essay in Writing?
In this post, we look at what a lyric essay is, including what makes it different from other types of essays and when writers may prefer to use this style.
How to Write Compelling Personal Essays: 9 Ingredients for Spicing Up Your Writing
Author Elaine Klonicki discusses how to turn the stories you tell in person into compelling personal essays on paper.