World-Building Tips from the Masters
Five celebrated speculative fiction authors give their best world-building tips, demonstrating how different approaches can work.
Co-writing a Serial Novel
Writing doesn't have to be a lonely profession. Dan Koboldt shares how he collaborated with two other writers to plan, write, and revise a serial novel.
Re-Thinking Writer’s Block
Offering a different perspective on Writer's Block, Will Dowd suggests re-thinking it as an illness. Can writers become stronger after overcoming it?
Jerry Seinfeld’s 5-Step Comedy Writing Process
Former WD staffer Jess Zafarris crossed paths with Jerry Seinfeld, who shared his comedy writing process. His tips are not only useful for aspiring standup comedians, but also have broader applications for writers looking to add comedic elements to their own work.
It’s Great to Suck at Writing
Author Karen Rinaldi sucks at surfing, but she continues to dedicate hours to it anyway, and she explains why we should also be okay with failure in many forms—even our writing.
The WD Interview: Susan Orlean on The Library Book and Finding the Red-Hot Center of the Story
Susan Orlean talks to WD about the challenges of researching and writing The Library Book, and how libraries are meeting the needs of 21st century patrons.
Interview with Reena Shah, Winner of the WD 19th Annual Short Short Story Competition
Read an interview with Reena Shah, winner of the 19th Annual WD Short Short Story Competition.
Psst! Novelists – Steal These Screenwriting Secrets! Part Two
Barri Evins reveals Screenwriting Secrets novelists should steal to elevate dialogue, up emotional impact, and focus theme to deliver a resonant message.
The Complicated Reality of a Minority Writer—UPDATED
UPDATE: California Coldblood, publisher of Tynes' novel They Called Me Wyatt, announced they are canceling its publication after an incident on Twitter on May 10th, a few days after this article originally published. As several links to this post were part of the incident coming to light, we've decided to leave...
8 Traits I Wish Employers Knew About Writers
Writers work hard. Now, if only employers would. E.L. Tenenbaum shares eight skills writers have that make them great candidates for that necessary-for-most day job.
Learn Screenwriting Lessons by Reading Screenplays — 10 Best of the Best
Reading great screenplays provides valuable screenwriting lessons for both emerging or seasoned writers. Professional script reader Ray Morton points out the craft tips in ten of his favorite scripts.
The Author’s Guide to Business Cards
Since writing is a business, an author needs to be a professional. E.J. Wenstrom shares advice on the do's and don'ts of business cards for authors.
Getting the History Right in Historical Fiction Using Declassified Records
Award-winning historical fiction author Samuel Marquis tells how he was finally able to tell the true story of Operation Condor through declassified government documents made available to the public.
Want to Be More Productive? Start by Being Honest About the Type of Writer You Are
Understanding what works for you only requires taking an honest inventory of the way you relate to your everyday to-do list. Writing is a practice, sure, but so is getting dinner together every night, staying on top of the laundry, or making time for some exercise, and I bet you make...
How I Wrote My Son As the Hero of His Own Adventure Novel
When John Peragine's son became sick, turning him into the hero of a children's novel became part of the family's journey to healing.
Psst! Novelists – Steal These Screenwriting Secrets!
Barri Evins shares Screenwriting Secrets every novelist should steal to power your creative process, elevate your storytelling and up your marketing game.
Where Do I Start?: The Anatomy of Chapter One
No matter the genre, editing is essential. Here, author Audrey Wick and editor Julie Sturgeon give readers a behind-the-scenes industry peek at the process of editing the first chapter of a manuscript.
The Secret to Overcoming Writer’s Block: Meditation
How does meditation help overcome writers' block? A writer and meditation teacher explores the science behind it all.
How to Make Yourself Look Good Without Lying
How should talented, upcoming writers present themselves to editors when pitching articles? Freelance professional Katherine Swarts has a few tips.
Embracing the Blank Page: Why All Writing is an Act of Courage
From writing sketch comedy to novels to telling true stories from his own life, William Kenower has found that all writing takes courage. Learn more about how to gather the courage to turn nothing into something.
How to Write Historical Fiction
Author Mariah Fredericks reveals how she conducted research on The Gilded Age for her new book, Death of a New American.
How Shame Can Stop You From Fulfilling Your Writing Potential
Journalist-turned-writing coach Greta Solomon explains that writer’s block can come from factors such as the fear that your draft won’t live up to your expectations. Read on to learn about her exercise to stop this creative drain. Do you find it difficult to write what you really want to write? Does...
Write a Book that Authors the Change You Wish to See in the World
Not all writers start out as writers. Some of them begin as people who want to make a difference. Learn how to write a book that authors the change you wish to see in the world.
Moves and Counter-Moves: Letting Your Antagonist Drive the Plot
So if you're having a hard time coming up with what your protagonist does in the middle of your story, it may help you to figure out what your antagonist is doing.