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A Long-Haul Writer’s Lament

Advice for Those at the Start

Daniel Willcocks

When Winter Comes; The Self-publishing Blueprint (Nonfiction books for authors, horror, and suspense fiction; Activated Authors [nonfiction]; Devil's Rock Publishing [fiction])

The 26" Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers

Creating this list is a yearlong project that involves an overwhelming number of bookmarked sites on our browsers. Th ere are so many great websites for writers—with more popping up practically daily—it’s no wonder this is still one of our most popular features aft er 25 years.

Better Story Structure Through Musicals and Kung Fu Movies

Build emotion and conflict for your characters and readers by taking a note from the structure of two popular storytelling forms.

Escalate Conflict to Keep Readers Turning Pages

Draw readers in through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual conflict.

BREAKINGIN

Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned, and why you can do it, too.

Conflict Avoidance

Setting expectations early in the author-editor relationship can prevent conflict and help manage emotions when the edits come in.

Hilarity With a Side of Heartbreak

Katie Love, first place winner of WD's 2023 Personal Essay Awards, shares how she walks the line between comedy and tragedy in her writing.

Don't Come To My Meeting

As CEO, I've created an unusual meeting policy at my company. It helps build a culture of respect, agency - and substantial productivity, too.

What's Your Ghost Job?

It's one of your five jobs. And if you want to find meaning at work, you must identify all of them.

When Life Is Preparation

Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.

Serving the Underserved

When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.

HOW ONE MOM & POP SHOP EXPANDED 2,700 TIMES

Jersey Mike's famously began as a single shop owned by a teenager. Now it's everywhere. How exactly does that happen?

WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER

For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.

YOU'LL ONLY FIND THIS HERE

When a local, independent business becomes known for something special - a product or service, or even just a unique vibe customers love knowing they're getting a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Here, seven mom-and-pops around the country share what helps them stand out.

'People Don't Buy What They Don't Know'

This snack brand was failing. Then its founder discovered the problem: He wasn't speaking his customers' language.

Your Small Business Is About to Get Bigger

That's what this issue is all about. Read on!

MAKING PEOPLE COMFORTABLE DOESN'T HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE

Just ask the couple who built a basically unmarked bar that, within three years, has become one of the most beloved mom-and-pop shops in the country.

When It's Time to Go All In

Do you have a side hustle? Do you want to make it a full-time hustle, and escape your 9-to-5 job? Blavity founder Morgan DeBaun has some advice: Do it carefully, but steadily.

If at First You Don't Get Clients...

Try, try again? That's the lesson of Facet, an innovative financial planning startup that tried everything to get its first customers.

HOW DAVID BEATS OUT GOLIATH

Can mom-and-pop shops truly compete against big-box behemoths and e-commerce giants? Yes, experts say - but they have to think and act truly local.

MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER

For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.

How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You

There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.

Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.

Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.

He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales

When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

There's no one way to market a small business. So how do you get the word out? Experts say you must experiment...and really stick with it.

Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?

We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.

How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller

After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.

Adding Value to Listings & the Advantage of Identifying Neighborhood Amenities

Walking a fifteen-minute radius of the area or performing a deep-dive into customer review sites or food blogs can help you identify hidden gems or local favorites.

Modern Email Etiquette for Today's Agents

In today’s tech-forward culture, consumers are constantly inundated with promotional emails, alerts, invites, and social media blasts.