The Writer’s Alibi: My Terrible, Dreadful, Hope-the-FBI-Doesn’t-Look-at-This Search History
The internet search histories of novelists can be quite disturbing. Writer Kathleen Valenti shares the methodology behind web searches for her newest medical mystery.
Is Hybrid Publishing Right For You?
Are you a bit mystified with the book publishing process? Jennifer Scroggins, executive vice president of the hybrid press KiCam projects, explains what hybrid publishing can do for authors.
Genealogy Research and the Crime Novelist
Mystery writer Kristen Lepionka shares how her love of solving mysteries led her to researching her family history, and what genealogists and mystery writers have in common.
How to Write a Science Fiction Novel
In this post, learn how to write a science fiction novel from beginning to end, including 4 approaches for the first chapter of your novel, tips for writing about fictional technology, writing dystopian fiction, writing a science fiction series, and more.
Life Into Fiction: Turning a True Event Into a Compelling Story
Lawyer and crime novelist Stephanie Kane delves into the complications and rewards of using real-life events as inspiration for writing compelling fiction.
Writing Tips From Writer’s Digest Conference Instructors
As we make final preparations for the 2019 Writer's Digest Annual Conference, here's a taste of some of the writing tips you'll enjoy from our speakers.
Trauma: What Happens When We Put It On the Page?
Writing the story of her assault wasn't easy for Karen Stefano. The author shares her experience writing about trauma, including how she found the strength to put it all on the page, the inevitable ups and downs, and the self-care needed in between.
Gaslighting and Writing Villains Who Make Your Spine Tingle
Writing villains can be a challenge but one approach is having them use gaslighting techniques on their victims. Learn more from this excerpt from Fight Write by Carla Hoch.
10 Tips for Effective Networking at a Writer’s Conference
Nervous about connecting with other writers and publishing professionals at your next writer's conference? John Peragine has 10 tips on how to network effectively and get the most out of your experience.
How I Interviewed a Serial Killer and Stayed Sane
Talking to a serial killer for research, Dr. Aysha Akhtar, MD, MPH, reveals the planning that went into her interviews and how she stayed sane through the process.
Take Two: How to Adapt a Book Into a Screenplay
When adapting a novel for film, Script Magazine editor Jeanne Bowerman says your number-one job is to tell an amazing story—enhancing it for the format.
Using Story Tropes to Subvert Reader Expectations
Taylor Simonds tells how being aware of the tropes of your genre and turning them upside down can help your work stand out in an oversaturated market.
Sifting through Mythology: Finding the Grains of Your Story
Marc Graham explains how he used popular—and differing—myths and archaeological records to find the story of his new novel, Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba.
How to Hone Your High Concept Pitch
Literary agent Danielle Burby of Nelson Literary Agency offers her best tips on how to hone your pitch for your high concept book.
Why Writers Should Embrace Their Weird Side
Debut author Sarah Sover shares how embracing her weird side led to the publication of her first book.
Agent Alert: Hannah Brattesani of Emma Sweeney Agency
Hannah Brattesani of Emma Sweeney Agency is actively acquiring adult literary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction culture and lifestyle books.
6 Elements of A Successful Author Website
Building your author website? Incorporate these six elements in your design to ensure its success.
Writing a Novel? Here are Seven Friends You Need
From the veteran writer to the friend who doesn't read, author Karen Dukess presents the seven friends you need to keep on track while writing and publishing your novel.
Sometimes the Story Writes Itself
Writing fiction can be like dreaming, coming from our subconscious. Cheryl A. Ossola suggests writers need to get out of the story's way.
Nothing Is Fiction
Former journalist and award-winning author Fred Waitzkin made the leap from nonfiction to fiction by accepting that nothing is fiction—everything is inspired by his real-life experience.
Three Ways to Discover Who Your Characters Really Are
Don't "create" characters; get to know them instead. John Jamison has used the power of story in various roles—from pastor to brand development consultant—and he has some unique methods for getting to know his characters.
Creeping Common Sense: Let’s Talk Mistakes
It's important for new writers to ask the pros about the mistakes they've made; successful, well-published writer and WD contributing editor Jeff Somers reveals why.
Take Two: Ways to Submit Your Story to Hollywood
If you dream of your story being on the big screen, Script's editor, Jeanne Veillette Bowerman, gives you a peek inside the filmmaking industry and shares ways to submit your story to Hollywood.
Advice From a Playwright: Have Actors Read Your Novel
Playwright Frank Strausser shares the benefits of working with actors to figure out why your scenes are not working.