Skip to main content
December 3, 2021
Publish date:

Welcome Poets

Author:

Hi Writers,
I'd like to officially welcome aboard our newest bloggers, Nancy Breen and Robert Brewer, who are coauthoring Poetic Asides. In addition to being poets themselves, Nancy and Robert are part of the Writer's Digest brain trust as the editors of Poet's Market and Writer's Market, respectively.

Nancy wrote a great piece for Writer's Digest in April, The 21st Century Poet.

The dynamic poetry duo made their first posts this week, and they already have a healthy debate going on. It's an interesting mix of their personal experiences in the poetry world combined with their expertise as editors covering these same markets.

Allow me to share a poetic aside of my own. I just finished editing a piece on sestinas for our October issue. Question: How many lines are there in a sestina?

Keep Writing,
Maria
p.s. There are 39 lines in a sestina. Six, six-line stanzas followed by a tercet. Don't say I never teach you anything.

3 Things Being a Broadway Wig Master Taught Me About Storytelling
Writing Habits and Practices

3 Things Being a Broadway Wig Master Taught Me About Storytelling

A career behind the curtain helped Amy Neswald in creating her own stories. Here, the author shares 3 things being a broadway wig master taught her about storytelling.

11 hours ago
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Out of Control
Writing Prompts

Plot Twist Story Prompts: Out of Control

Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, let things get a little out of control.

15 hours ago
November PAD Chapbook Challenge
November PAD Chapbook Challenge

2021 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Next Steps

Here are the final steps for the 14th annual November PAD Chapbook Challenge! Use December and the beginning of January to revise and collect your poems into a chapbook manuscript. Here are some tips and guidelines.

19 hours ago
NaNoWriMo’s Over … Now What?
Writing Habits and Practices

NaNoWriMo’s Over … Now What?

After an intense writing challenge, you might feel a little lost. Here are some tips from Managing Editor and fellow Wrimo Moriah Richard for capitalizing on your momentum.

Dec 1, 2021
Ian Douglas: On Telling the Truth in Science Fiction
Interviews

Ian Douglas: On Telling the Truth in Science Fiction

New York Times bestselling author Ian Douglas discusses how he incorporated implausible conspiracy theories to uncover the truth in his new science fiction novel, Alien Hostiles.

Dec 1, 2021
Poetry Prompt
Wednesday Poetry Prompts

Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 589

Every Wednesday, Robert Lee Brewer shares a prompt and an example poem to get things started on the Poetic Asides blog. This week, write a yesterday poem.

Dec 1, 2021
Revenge
Writing Prompts

Revenge

Every writer needs a little inspiration once in a while. For today's prompt, write about revenge.

Nov 30, 2021
Peter Fiennes: On Finding Hope in the Writing Process
Interviews

Peter Fiennes: On Finding Hope in the Writing Process

Critically acclaimed author Peter Fiennes discusses his quest to find hope in his new travel/Greek mythology book, A Thing of Beauty.

Nov 30, 2021
November PAD Chapbook Challenge
November PAD Chapbook Challenge

2021 November PAD Chapbook Challenge: Day 30

For the 2021 November PAD Chapbook Challenge, poets are tasked with writing a poem a day in the month of November before assembling a chapbook manuscript in the month of December. Today's prompt is to write a The End and/or The Beginning poem.

Nov 30, 2021