CATEGORIES

Agentspotlight

Seasoned literary agents on the business of publishing.

Captive Audience

THE CHALLENGE: Write a drabble-a short story of exactly 100 words-based on the photo prompt below.

Luis Alberto Urrea

The bestselling novelist shares the forgotten \"fated\" true story behind his new novel and why he encourages writers to find joy in what they do.

Praising Connection in Poetry. Family, and Life

Purvi Shah, winner of the 17th Annual Writer's Digest Poetry Awards, shares the story behind her winning poem, \"Helix of the gift, lineage song.\"

The Literature of Comic Books

Trace the rise of comic books from \"disposable entertainment for children\" to graphic novels telling the most important stories of our time.

The Pocket Guide to Pantsing

How to write a novel without an outline (with confidence).

Double the Fun

Writing a manuscript with dual points of view can be a challenge, but it can also be rewarding for both you and readers if it serves the story. Here's how.

Building the Essential Linkages

Ten ways to craft the connective tissue your story needs.

Structure at the Chapter Level

Keep 'em reading with irresistible Big Bang-Cliff Hangs.

This Changes Everything

Five steps to approach writing your story's inciting incident.

Sacha Black, Ruby Roe

The Anatomy of a Best Seller: 3 Steps to Deconstruct Winning Books and Teach Yourself Craft; 8 Steps to Side Characters: How to Craft Supporting Roles With Intention, Purpose, and Power; A Game of Hearts and Heists (Nonfiction writing craft; sapphic fantasy romance; Atlas Black Publishing)

Write It Out

Writing prompts to boost your creativity.

The Hemingway Home & Museum - Literary Tourism, Part 1

To the seasoned literary tourist*, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum might seem too obvious a choice to launch a series about the best writer homes, haunts, and hubs around the world.

A Good Ending

Learn where a personal essay delivers its gift.

Creation Myths

Tips for making your story concrete

Omit Those Needless Words: How to Do Ruthless Editing 101

Ten tips to make your writing efficient, yet engaging.

Poetic Asides

No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer's arsenal.

Unearthing the Personal

Toni Lepeska, the Writer's Digest 3rd Annual Personal Essay Awards grand-prize winner, discusses the difference between journalism and essay writing, exploring grief, and raising the bar for yourself

Brandon Taylor

The bestselling author discusses the interconnectedness of his work, the importance of short stories, and his latest release, The Late Americans

"That's My Journey"

Susan Mattern, author of Out of the Lion's Den, grand-prize winner of the 10th Annual WD Self-Published E-Book Awards, talks staying true to her story and the benefits of writing at a distance from the events.

Honing the Power of Suggestion With Flash Fiction

Tips for making the biggest impact with the fewest words.

The Four Elements

Learn the difference between loglines, elevator pitches, query pitches, and a plot synopsis to make the best first impression with literary agents

The 25th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers

Now in its 25th year, the Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers aims to guide writers of all ages, genres, and skill levels to reputable and useful resources to inspire, educate, and support them in every stage of their writing journey