Writer's Digest magazine is a comprehensive source of writing instruction for writers. Each issue provides advice and insider tips on writing and selling fiction, nonfiction, poetry and scripts.
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Back to the Future
CONTRIBUTORS
Director’s Commentary • In a crowded market, debut authors must find creative ways to connect with readers—leading one Hollywood veteran to provide the story behind her story.
Poetic Asides • No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer’s arsenal.
#POETRY • Thanks to social media, verse is more accessible than ever. Here's how poetic forms are adapting to this new environment.
Reading Wilder While Black • In the wake of the debate surrounding the recently renamed Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, an African-American author considers her relationship with the beloved children’s series.
Standout Markets • An exclusive look inside the markets that can help you make your mark.
Language Arts • Following the release of her hit book, VOX, linguist-turned-author Christina Dalcher shares powerful insight into the value of words spoken, written and suppressed.
Worth a Thousand Words
Susanna Einstein • EINSTEIN LITERARY MANAGEMENT
BREAKING IN • Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned and why you can do it, too.
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER (THAN THE WORD PROCESSOR) • 21st-century technology has undoubtedly made writing more convenient—but is it actually holding us back? One writer investigates.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
OLD HAT, NEW SUIT • Writing tips are a dime a dozen, and classic advice can seem clichéd. But with a little recasting, vintage wisdom like “keep the reader in mind” can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.
PAPERBACK WRITER • The advice to read widely is sound, but are you broadening your horizons enough? Forgotten works from decades past can offer essential writing lessons as capably as any new hardback.
TWICE UPON A TIME • Originality is overrated. Tap into the richness of literary history by putting your own spin on the classic canon.
THE IMITATION GAME • More than just a form of flattery, emulation can be a useful tool for sharpening your own writing voice. Learn why, for once, there’s no harm in being a copycat.
CASE STUDY: SUSPENSE
THE WD INTERVIEW James Patterson • After more than four decades in publishing, the record-breaking bestseller has this to say: You can go your own way.
STORY WEAVER • The winner of the 87th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition demonstrates the importance, in travel writing, of entwining hands-on research with a human touch.
WINNER’S SPOTLIGHT: Eliot Stein
WINNERS • THE 87TH ANNUAL WRITER’S DIGEST WRITING COMPETITION
FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK • A literary agent’s mostly serious answers to your mostly serious questions.
First Things First • THE CHALLENGE: Write the opening line to a story based on the photo prompt below.
ENTER YOUR STORY
FRAMING YOUR PICTURE BOOK
EXERCISE: Balancing Act
STRUCTURING MIDDLE-GRADE & YA FICTION
EXERCISES: Check Your Emotions
TAKE TWO • Lessons from the world of screenwriting to inform, inspire and incite action!
CONFERENCE SCENE • Events to advance your craft, connections and career.
Talking Points
CONFERENCE GUIDE
CONFERENCE GUIDE
POTPOURRI FOR THE PEN • An aromatic blend of writerly diversions.