Telling your story in the first  person can feel like a natural choice, but this primer will help you better understand its limitations and possibilities.

This writer’s chance discovery of an old short story she had written, which was partly inspired by a horrible true event, eventually led to a published novel.

For this bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and The Great Santini, the high-wire act of writing is dizzying and rewarding.

Whether you start with a theme or find it later, our poet offers some tested organizing principles.

Readers tend not to remember a plot, but they sure do remember good characters, says an author whose books have sold millions.

Before this prolific fiction writer sharpens his satirical and comedic knives, he must first find something intriguing in the stuff of history and current issues.

Seven writers and editors offer you a couple of dozen titles worth getting some sand in your swimsuit over. Get out the sunscreen!

A top editor at a Penguin imprint offers her Top 20 reasons for acceptance or rejection.

Advice on writing routines, finding your voice and more, from the bestselling author's letters to Irish college students.

Time to head out to the digital frontier: An author shares her process—and tips—for creating a fun book app.

How one writer produced a fine-looking self-published book without breaking the bank. Plus, read Howard Scott’s sidebar on how he managed to sell 27,000 copies of his little book about bees the old-fashioned way.

Freelancers can gain an edge with editors when writing about the area they live in and already know intimately.   

Is your home office a debris pit? Professional organizers offer some tips to build your efficiency and waste less time.

Why you may be better off cutting ties with a client—and how to be professional about it.

Love is in the air at this conference devoted to writing about matters of the heart.

To write a self-improvement book, start with what you know and are passionate about.

This month’s spotlight is on the literary journal Fairy Tale Review, describing its tone, editorial preferences and contributors.

What yoga can teach you about freelance writing, a question for Ask The Writer, Lisa Shearin’s regular column on fiction writing, and much more.

Reviews of three new writing books.   

This month, a variety of magazine, agent and publisher markets, plus Market Q&A.

For Ann Whitford Paul, the special warmth of reading to her children inspired her to write her own children’s books.