Jenna Blum: How I Write
“It’s really not the writing that takes me a long time; it’s the ideation, and the underlying architecture that has to feel solid before I can even start cloaking it in words.” Read More “Jenna Blum: How I Write”
Author Interviews
Karen Thompson Walker: How I Write
“Writing has become for me a type of meditation, that hour or two that I spend in the mornings every day. I wouldn’t want to give that up even if I couldn’t publish books or I had never sold my book.” Read More “Karen Thompson Walker: How I Write”
In the shadow of terror
In her debut novel, Vaddey Ratner looks to her personal memories about fleeing the Khmer Rouge and to creative spirit as an artist to honor the lives of the fallen. Read More “In the shadow of terror”
Russell Banks’ currency
The novelist talks about developing character, crafting stories and the passion necessary for both. Read More “Russell Banks’ currency”
The mything queen
Novelist Samhita Arni has a simple style, but her method is every bit as deliberate as the original writers of the myths she revisits. Read More “The mything queen”
Comfortable with the uncomfortable
Novelist Susanna Moore confronts topics that make readers shiver while firing up their imaginations. Read More “Comfortable with the uncomfortable”
The contrarian gambit
A master of the essay form offers advice about grappling with words. Read More “The contrarian gambit”
Nina Revoyr: How I Write
“The first draft is like throwing a hunk of clay onto the wheel. It’s literally getting down the raw material, and revision is my way of going back to shape something from that.” Read More “Nina Revoyr: How I Write”
Hale verbs well met
Paying close attention to verbs can enliven writing. Writer and editor Constance Hale explains the vex, hex, smash and smooch of language’s punchiest words. Read More “Hale verbs well met”
How I Write: Jenna Blum
“Once possessed by a certain story, I have to get it out. My characters don’t give me any choice. Then I write 24/7.” Read More “How I Write: Jenna Blum”
Featured Posts
Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions
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”
Consistency across your YA series
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”
25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description
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”