100 Writing & Publishing Tips from the 2018 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
In case you didn't make it to the 2018 Writer's Digest Annual Conference, or you didn't manage to catch a session you were dying to attend, we've selected 100 of the greatest writing and publishing tips from the speakers who graced us with their knowledge and experiences.
5 Tips for Incorporating Real-World Politics into a Futuristic Narrative
Many authors seek to incorporate contemporary themes and issues into novels that are set in the future. Here, Jay Schiffman offers five ideas to get your started if you're interested in incorporating real-world politics into a futuristic narrative.
The Three Types of Book Cover Design Every Author Should Know
Here, Reedsy dips into the business end of book cover design, looking at the three basic categories of cover design, what types of books they’re good for, and how much they cost.
Bestseller Walter Mosley on Characterization and the Legacy of Devil in a Blue Dress
In a conversation with WD, Easy Rawlins author Walter Mosley reflects on the passion and craft that informs his bestselling novels.
Why I’ll Never Tell Anyone They Can’t Write
Think you can't write? That's not the case—anyone can write, as William Kenower learned in a writing class when one student took a blunt and brutal critique and used it to transform her clumsy writing into a powerful story.
Cara Black: Passion for Paris
In her setting-centric novels, bestselling mystery author Cara Black shows the seamier side of the City of Light.
4 Benefits of Joining a Writing Group
As a preview of their Writer's Digest Annual Conference panel, a thriving writing group composed of of Kimmery Martin, Bess Kercher, Trish Rohr and Tracy Curtis offer their thoughts about how the power of connection can propel your writing career, and the role a writing group can play in your journey.
Curtis Sittenfeld on Choosing Beta Readers, Outlining and Creating Complex Characters
Bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld (Eligible) explains how her characters keep it “real,” and why plumbing the awkward and uncomfortable can lead to the richest social commentary.
Adding Dimension to Characters: 10 Sly Character Development Techniques
These underhanded character development techniques are designed to relax your “thinky” brain and to draw instead on your curiosity, intuition and slightly devious sense of play in order to help your characters reveal their own inner workings.
11 Authors Discuss the Road to Getting a Literary Agent
Finding an agent who will take a chance on your book can be a challenge, and a lengthy one at that. If you’re struggling, here are some words of wisdom from celebrated authors—including Helen Hoang, Robyn Harding, Elyssa Friedland and more—to motivate you to keep working toward your goal of getting a literary...
5 Takeaways from Romance Writers of America
This July, 2,000 romance writers from all over the country, descended on Denver for the annual Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference. WD Books author and Writer's Digest conference speaker Kerrie Flanagan shares 5 takeaways for romance authors.
18 Ways to Write Funnier Fast
We're not all comedy writers, but many of us want to write a funny story or incorporate funny scenes into a novel. In this excerpt from The Byline Bible, Susan Shapiro offers 18 quick and easy ways to improve at eliciting laughs from your readers.
Unlikable Characters: A Case Study
David Corbett offers a case study of the concept of pathos, a moral argument in which an everyman employs immoral means to pursue something he considers invaluable in the face of an overwhelmingly powerful person or system.
Quick Tip: Ask This Question When You Have No Idea What to Write Next
The simple act of writing can sometimes reinvigorate your creativity. With this quick writing tip from Jane K. Cleland, you can unlock a world of new opportunities within your story.
The Novel in the Drawer
For many writers, when can't get their first novel published, they put it in a drawer and write a second one. Here, Gayle Abrams discusses the decision to put that first novel in the drawer and move on to book two, or to persevere with the first.
Sunny Author Jason Reynolds on Writing, Publishing and Advice for New Writers
Award-winning YA novelist Jason Reynolds has cemented his place in literary history with titles like When I Was the Greatest, The Boy in the Black Suit and Long Way Down. Here we talk to Jason about writing, publishing and his advice for new authors.
Keeping the Writing Faith: 6 Ways to Keep Your Novel on Track With a Process Journal
Jennifer Haupt discusses six strategies for using a process journal to stay motivated, conquer writer's block, and keep making progress on your novel.
Crypto, Sci-Fi, Soldiers, Spies (and Disasters): 5 Varieties Within the Technothriller Genre
The technothriller genre may be slated to become one of the most popular of the 21st century, and as such, it's a hot area in which writers can experiment. If you're looking to write a technothriller (or read one), here are five different varieties you'll find within the genre.
11 Web Comics for Writers: Inspiration and Motivation
Sometimes we have to look outside of our usual medium to find the motivation we need to get the words on the page—or to just feel like someone else “gets it.” These web comics for writers perfectly illustrate what it feels like to be a writer, from the moment of inspiration...
How I Stopped Sabotaging My Writing Goals: Confessions of a Late Bloomer
Despite long-standing aspirations of writing a book, initial successes with short stories and essays, and a healthy career in publishing, Andrea Jarrell published her first book at age 55. But of course, she got through it. Here, she shares her experiences and offers principles for achieving your writing goals.
Does Your Book Have a Billboard on Amazon?
Authors can leverage ads and Book Detail pages on Amazon to make them work like a "billboard" of sorts. But in order for your Amazon billboards to help sell more books, they must display certain characteristics.
Publishing Tips for Indie Authors: How to Get Your Book Into Libraries
Libraries spent more than you might expect on expanding their collection each year. But how can indie authors rise to the top and grab the attention of librarians? Find out here.
Productive Procrastination: 7 Creative Activities to Distract Yourself from Writing
Procrastination can be a writer's worst enemy. But here, Jenna Blum rethinks her approach to self-distraction and shares seven creative ways writers can productively procrastinate.
Genre Spotlight: Literary Agents Answer Burning Questions About Science Fiction Trends Today
We asked agents from our annual roundup to weigh in on some of the most popular genres they represent—talking trends, common weaknesses, series potential and more. Here’s how to stand out in the science fiction genre. Compiled by Cris Freese How has the science-fiction genre evolved in recent years? Annie Hwang,...