How do skillful writers make readers like characters who are truly bad? Our author offers a simple concept to organize your thinking.

On his way to landing a book contract, our persistent writer developed his ability with small articles and hundreds of reviews.

How one writer learned to stop taking “no” personally and started moving on.

In this story opening, our critiquer says, the writer stays too fuzzy in describing a woman who is home after a stay in a mental hospital.

At the start of his extremely successful career, Ken Follett simply set out to give readers the same sense of excitement he got from James Bond novels.

Developing rich online content that complements your book’s subject or genre can lure new readers. Here’s how.

Go ahead, get on the clock: A veteran novelist and teacher offers you a proven five-step plan for starting a piece of fiction. It works for novices and experienced writers alike.

An array of published authors answer the question: What do you wish you’d known about the process of writing a nonfiction book before you did it?

A graduate shares her story and suggests that you look at your motivations to decide if a degree is right for you.

Our writer takes a look at four programs around the U.S. that offer a variety of approaches.

What is the novelist’s responsibility? Our author found a few surprises in 19th-century America.

Two veteran agents share insider tips for pitching in this genre.

Our monthly focus on a writing conference gets a new location in the magazine and more space starting this month.

Editors are looking for fresh stories that defy stereotypes and celebrate a vibrant culture.