May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Brian Klems’ The Writer’s Dig
Brian A. Klems is a published author and the online editor of WritersDigest.com. His blog, which covers everything writing—from grammar rules to publishing—is one of the most popular in the writing community. Follow him on Twitter @BrianKlems.
How to Push Your Characters to Their Limits
How far can a character go before she’s “out of character”? Here’s how to use the interplay of context, conflict and contradiction to your story’s advantage. Read more
10 Questions with Humor Writer Dan Zevin, Author of Dan Gets a Minivan
As part of my 10 Questions Series, humorist Dan Zevin took a minute to talk with me and answer 10 fascinating questions about humor writing—covering the writing process, finding an agent, important advice for aspiring humor writers and more—that anyone who has ever considered writing humor should check out. Read more
Tackling Historical Fiction
For those of you who are curious about the craft of historical fiction writing, let us part the curtain a little and let you have a peek. Read more
10 Questions Writers Must Ask Before Quitting Their Day Job
Ask yourself these 10 crucial questions before you quit your day job. Read more
6 Secrets to Creating and Sustaining Suspense
No matter what you write, keep your readers captivated with these no-fail techniques. Read more
8 Steps To Help Secure Your Beyonce Interview
Here’s the 8-part recipe for landing interviews with famous actors, actresses and musicians. Read more
5 Ways to Make Your Novel More Suspenseful
Suspense happens when a scene becomes charged with anticipation. Here’s how to accomplish that in your writing. Read more
Memoir vs. Autobiography
What’s the difference between autobiography vs. memoir? Here’s the answer. Read more
RIP Andrew J. Offutt
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew J. Offutt’s family. Offutt, who once served as a consultant to the WD Criticism Services, reportedly died on April 30. You can read Offutt’s full obit here. Read more
How to Create Tension Through Misdirection
A car engine breaks the stillness of the night … the smell of seaweed intrudes on an afternoon chess game … an unopened letter slips behind couch cushions. These are what we might call “plot-hypers,” in that they add elements of uncertainty and tension. Here’s how to add them to your story. Read more
Representing Minorities in Your Writing
Here’s how a Jewish writer was able to gain some perspective and successfully write from the viewpoint of a different minority. Read more
LAST DAY TO ENTER: WD’s 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
Whether you’re a professional writer, a part-time freelancer or a self-starting student, here’s your chance to enter the premier self-published competition exclusively for self-published books. Writer’s Digest hosts the 21st annual self-published competition — the Annual Self-Published Book Awards. This self-published competition spotlights today’s self-published works and honors self-published authors. Read more
9 Questions with Thriller Writer Doug Richardson (Die Hard 2, Blood Money)
Doug Richardson may be best known for his scriptwriting and producing chops on Die Hard 2, Bad Boys and Hostage, but he’s a successful thriller writer as well. His new novel, Blood … Read more
The 4 Best Strategies for Savvy Self-Publishers
If you’re excited by the prospect of achieving success on your own, but intimidated by the ever-changing options available, take heart. Here’s how the savviest writers approach the self-publishing process—and where to go for the help you’ll need along the way. Read more
Stormwriting: What It Is and Why You Should Try It
Now you’re to the point where you’re ready to start crafting your book. You’ve done a bit of brainstorming, and perhaps you’ve done some writing. But there’s something about brainstorming that’s only … Read more
Free Book: Tyrus Book Giveaway
Our good friend Ben LeRoy, publisher of Tyrus books, is offering a free e-book copy of the second novel in the Moe Prager series, Redemption Street. Find out how you can get your free copy here. Read more
Have You Written Something Great? It’s Time For Some Recognition
When your writing wins an award, it gives it more credibility. It’s a badge that says to others, “My writing is good and I have proof.” One competition worth checking out is the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. This one, whose early-bird deadline is fast approaching on May 1, is special for a few reasons … Read more
5 Ways to Deal with Word Repetition
Word repetition can really weigh down your writing and slow down readers. Try out these five simple ways to tackle word repetition and improve your writing skills. Read more
7 Creative Writing Prompts To Spark Your Writing
Man I hate writer’s block. We all get stuck in a writing rut from time to time. Sometimes it gets so bad for me that I can’t even come up with a clever status update for Facebook—for Facebook! If my creative muscle is having difficulty piecing together a one-sentence quip, how in the world can I flex it long enough to turn out a short story or a novel or even a new blog post? The remedy I’ve found that works best for me is trying a writing prompt … and here are 7 worth trying. Read more
Winners of our April Fool’s “Write Your Best Fake Headline” Contest
First off, thanks to everyone who participated in our April’s Fools “Write Your Best Fake Headline” contest. (If you missed it, you can get the details here.) Second I had a blast reading through all entries. For a moment I was really excited, as I read one entry that said “Brian is Super Awesome!” and I thought, that’s pretty cool of someone to send! Then I realized that I was the one who sent it when testing the system. (Oops!) Anyway, without further ado, the winner is .. Read more
The 411 on Contest Guidelines and Formatting for Writers
When submitting a story via email for a contest, how should it be formatted? Here’s the inside scoop on what rules to follow. Read more
Dear Writers: What Have Been Your Career-Changing Moves?
Want to be featured in an upcoming issue of Writer’s Digest? Here’s your chance. We’re busy putting together an issue about how to “Take Control of Your Career,” and we want to hear from you about how you’ve successfully done just that. So The Q for you is … Read more
Answers to 14 Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask Literary Agents
Do agencies really read every query letter? Do agents ever go through the slush pile? Get answers to what you’ve always wanted to know but have been afraid to ask, thanks to this leading literary agent who is willing to give it to you straight. Read more
Editors’ Newest Concern: Penmanship
Recently at the Writing 3.0 Conference, a panel of editors surprised attendees when they said that while plot and character development are important, the key to getting their attention—and a book contract—is excellent penmanship. “Perfect handwriting is what sets the best writers apart from the rookies,” says popular novel editor … Read more
How to Develop Any Idea Into a Great Story
Even stories that start with brilliant strokes of inspiration too often fizzle out before we reach The End. Use this four-step method to develop your best ideas to their fullest. Read more
