Add to FavoritesQ: Is it ever appropriate to kill off or maim a character in the first sentences of a short story? A: Conflict of this … Read More “Is it ever appropriate to kill off or maim a character in the first sentences of a short story?”
And what happens if you write a poem about a poem? Read More “Do I italicize the title of a short story? What about poem titles?”
Add to FavoritesActors use all kinds of exercises to help develop their characters for various roles. For example, actors create what they call a “morgue,” … Read More “Acting out: Two exercises help fiction writers get in character”
Here are some tips on how to use one skillfully—and when not to use one at all Read More “The pleasures and perils of prologues”
An experienced writer of short fiction offers a broad range of entry points that can get you started. Read More “5 ways into a story”
What goes on in their minds is a valuable tool of fiction you can use to reveal people, build tension, and more Read More “Make your characters’ thoughts dramatic”
There’s nothing like a ‘there is’ phrase to suck the energy out of a sentence Read More “Expletives deleted”
To write a compelling story, you must thwart your character’s desire. These questions will keep you on the right track. Read More “Writing Powerful Characters: A 13-Point Checklist”
February 2023 Calls for Submissions These are the writing opportunities and contests that caught our eye and are published in the February issue of The … Read More “Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions”
The key to writing a great YA series (or MG series) is knowing your characters and plotlines inside and out – while giving yourself the flexibility to modify things when needed. Here are four things to live by when writing a series, based on tips from middle grade and young adult authors who have been there. Read More “Consistency across your YA series”
By most accounts, there are more than five senses. Some experts say there are seven, some as many as 20. But narrowing in on at least the five classical senses can lend a much-needed “sense” of detail to your writing. Here are five prompts for each of those five classic senses. Read More “25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description”
Join The Writer to read this full article
Become a member for as low as $3.99/month. Unlimited access to our website, free contest entries, and more!
Already a member? Sign in
