The Writer

Since 1887 The Writer has provided the motivation, writing techniques, expert tips and compelling author insights that turn good writing into great writing. We’ll help you become a better writer, find markets for your work, understand the business of writing, follow industry news and trends, reach your goals, and more!

The Writer

Prologue

Busywork

» Bookish

» Opportunities

National Association of Memoir Writers • Interested in writing and publishing your life story? Consider joining this organization, which aims to provide advice and community for every step of the journey.

Stanford University’s Online Certificate Program in Novel Writing • Stanford’s two-year certificate program for aspiring novelists boasts acclaimed faculty, small class sizes, and an online-only format designed for busy working adults.

The Keepthings • This Instagram journal is devoted to sharing “stories of the things we keep to keep our dear dead with us.”

Solarpunk Magazine • Optimistic speculative fiction – plus poetry and nonfiction – is welcomed with open arms at this bimonthly magazine.

Shelved ambitions • How working at a library made me reevaluate my long-term writing goals.

What you can’t find in research – and why it matters • Sometimes, the questions you can’t answer are the ones that shed the most light on a story.

Broadening the Bookshelves • Getting to know Caribbean literature

Talk to the Practitioner: Celeste Mohammed

The Nightstand

Opening ACTS • A successful beginning should both invite readers into a story and make them eager to stick around until the conclusion. Here are five tried-and-true strategies for writing your own.

The art of PLOTTING • Novelists share their best tips for creating a strong narrative that engages readers from beginning to end.

TIPS from the PROS

Semi-permeable writing • How learning to filter the feedback I received made me a better writer.

The writer’s virtual toolbox • SITES, APPS, AND OTHER RESOURCES TO MAKE OUR WRITING LIVES A LITTLE EASIER.

In search of more diverse imagery

Fun, free work breaks

Writing resources delivered to your inbox

THROWING OUT THE RULEBOOK • HOW IGNORING POPULAR WRITING ADVICE FREED ME TO WRITE MY WAY

CRAFT SECRETS FROM 10 WRITERS ACROSS 10 GENRES • AND WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM ABOUT WORD CHOICE, PLOTTING, PACING, AND MORE.

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER

REMEMBER, REPORT, REPEAT • HOW TO COMBINE LIVED EXPERIENCES WITH RESEARCH TO CRAFT A MEMOIR THAT COVERS NEW GROUND.

MORE RESEARCHED MEMOIRS TO EXPLORE

Long way home • My book took me 30 years to finish – and I’m glad it did. Here’s why.

Postscript

THE MONTHS AHEAD

Gigi • Will Know