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Spiritual Writing

It takes a certain kind of writing to reach people on a spiritual level. This section shows you how to share stories that lift people up, give them peace, and strengthen their beliefs.

How to Resurrect a Stalled Manuscript

February 28, 2012 | Aine Greaney | Comments: 1

Is your manuscript stuck? Take a break from completing your fiction project and diagnose it. Here’s how to take your manuscript into its next phase: completion. Read more

Crafting Novels & Short Stories Exclusive

October 31, 2011 | Melissa Wuske | Comments: 0

Download a free PDF with interviews with novelists like Stephen King, Kurt Vonnegut, Anne Tyler, Margaret Atwood, and more. Find out more ways to make your fiction stand out with Crafting Novels … Read more

Crafting Novels & Short Stories

October 31, 2011 | Melissa Wuske | Comments: 2

Crafting Novels & Short Stories by The Editors of Writer’s Digest Books Writer’s Digest Books, 2011 ISBN-13: 978-1-59963-571-2 ISBN-10: 1-59963-571-2 $19.99 paperback, 368 pages Buy the Book at WritersDigestShop.com! Online Exclusive Download … Read more

3 Tips for Consistent Tone

October 24, 2011 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 3

If you find yourself having a difficult time sustaining one tone over a long work, try these three tricks. Read more

How to Be an Online Critique Geek

September 13, 2011 | Brian A. Klems | Comments: 4

Can a virtual critique group really be as good as meeting face to face? If you make the most of the format, it could be even better. Here’s how. Read more

3 Ways to Know When to End Your Chapters

May 10, 2011 | Aaron Elkins | Comments: 3

At some point in writing your novel, you have to start thinking about “chaptering,” the process of deciding exactly when and where your chapter breaks will go. Here are three simple, essential techniques that can help you make effective chapter pauses.

by Aaron Elkins
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Twist Ending Tips From Harlan Coben

April 26, 2011 | Jessica Strawser | Comments: 0

Award-winning writing, quick-witted characters and the kind of suspense every reader craves—his books may be classified under mystery or thriller, but Harlan Coben seems to have it all. And he’s willing to share his secrets.

by Jessica Strawser
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How to Craft Compelling Characters

April 12, 2011 | David Corbett | Comments: 4

To make characters seem real, you need to tap into what drives them. Use this foolproof method to bring the emotion of your story to life.

by David Corbett
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10 Ways to Start Your Story Better

March 29, 2011 | Jacob M. Appel | Comments: 4

A good opening line is a powerful thing: It can grab an editor’s attention, set the tone for the rest of the piece, and make sure readers stay through The End. Here are 10 ways to steer your story toward success.

by Jacob M. Appel
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3 Secrets to Great Storytelling

March 7, 2011 | Steven James | Comments: 4

If you think you’ve heard all you need to know about what drives a plot, think again. Here’s the real stuff the best stories are made of.

by Steven James

How to Balance Action, Narrative and Dialogue in Your Novel

February 1, 2011 | Gloria Kempton | Comments: 0

Most of the time, we want to balance our scenes using dialogue, action and narrative to engage readers at an emotional level and keep them hooked. Here’s how to do that.

by Gloria Kempton
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Novel in 30 Days Worksheet Index

January 31, 2011 | admin | Comments: 0

To help you successfully complete your book in 30 days, here are nine worksheets to help you keep track of plot, scenes, characters and revisions. All of these worksheets originally appeared in Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt and were also featured in the special issue Write Your Novel in 30 Days.
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The 7 Tools of Dialogue

January 25, 2011 | James Scott Bell | Comments: 2

My neighbor John loves to work on his hot rod. He’s an automotive whiz and tells me he can hear when something is not quite right with the engine. He doesn’t hesitate … Read more

10-Minute Fixes to 10 Common Plot Problems

December 7, 2010 | Elizabeth Sims | Comments: 4

Structural problems can sink a novel. Let’s look at 10 common plot problems and how to quickly fix them.

by Elizabeth Sims
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How to “Up the Stakes” for Your Main Character

October 5, 2010 | Victoria Lynn Schmidt | Comments: 0

Don’t be afraid to make things hard on your characters. You should always come up with several different problems to choose from. Here are 3 ways to do that.

by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
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9 Must-Follow Manuscript Rules

September 28, 2010 | Anica Mrose Rissi | Comments: 0

Here’s editor Anica Mrose Rissi’s list of what you can do to increase your book’s chances of making it out of the slush pile and into the spotlight.

by Anica Mrose Rissi
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How to Write Intriguing Male and Female Characters

September 3, 2010 | Leigh Anne Jasheway | Comments: 2

Understanding gender differences can improve your writing in any genre. Here’s how.

by Leigh Anne Jasheway
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Quick Tip: How to Develop Your Characters

August 27, 2010 | admin | Comments: 0

Here are 4 quick exercises to make sure your characters speak to readers (and agents).
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The 4 Story Structures that Dominate Novels

August 24, 2010 | Orson Scott Card | Comments: 1

All stories contain four elements that can determine structure: milieu, idea, character and event. Here’s a look at each one and how each will affect your novel.

by Orson Scott Card
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5 Steps to a Great Female Protagonist

July 9, 2010 | Jessica Strawser | Comments: 0

According to bestselling authors JT Ellison, Alex Kava and Erica Spindler, there are 5 key ways to make your heroine shine. Here they are.

by Jessica Strawser, reporting from ThrillerFest 2010 (New York City)
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Motivate Your Characters Like a Pro

July 8, 2010 | Jessica Strawser | Comments: 0

In his session “The Psychology of Character Motivation,” Edgar-nominated author D.P. Lyle, MD, shared this invaluable exercise for developing your characters’ motivations as your story unfolds.

by Jessica Strawser, reporting from ThrillerFest 2010 (New York City)
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How to Give Your Character the Perfect Name

June 8, 2010 | Devyani Borade | Comments: 0

What you call your characters could influence your readers’ perceptions of them. Here are some factors to consider in finding the perfect match.

by Devyani Borade
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From Idea to Page in 4 Simple Steps

February 16, 2010 | N.M. Kelby | Comments: 0

Nothing is more exciting than the promise of a story in your head, but in order to get it on the page you need to figure out exactly what you need to do to make it work. Here are 4 steps to help you build the framework of your story.

by N.M. Kelby
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Take Your Novel to the Finish Line

February 1, 2010 | Lin Enger | Comments: 0

You need stamina to transform that out-of-shape first draft into a story with staying power. Use these 4 revision strategies to make your novel go the distance.