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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EDITOR’S LETTER
CONTRIBUTORS
Beyond the Newsstand • Niche, trade and international publications offer freelancers a lucrative venue for their words.
Time-Travel Blues
Poetic asides • No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer’s arsenal.
Panel Discussion • Comic writing requires a sharp understanding of visual storytelling—and the different panel types that compose the whole.
ON THE RECORD
Worth a Thousand Words
In Memoriam
Cara Black: Passion for Paris • In her setting-centric novels, bestselling mystery author Cara Black shows the seamier side of the City of Light.
Linda Camacho • GALLT & ZACKER LITERARY AGENCY
BREAKING IN • Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned and why you can do it, too.
DREAM ON • Most define their professional success as a writer by external recognition, but that’s a mistake. The real secret to actualizing your dream starts within your own imagination.
BARE YOUR SOUL • Expressing vulnerability on the page requires bravery—but also some careful strategy. These 4 techniques will take your writing to the next level.
FEAR NO MORE • What many scribes perceive as writer’s block is really the result of enduring anxieties. Free yourself from chronic fears by learning how to diagnose and treat their root causes.
NO MORE MR. NICE GUYS • Unlikable characters make for fascinating protagonists — but their behavior can risk alienating readers. Follow this blueprint for flawed-yet-relatable heroes who can still provoke empathy.
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE • Self-promotion sometimes feels like a losing battle, but building a faithful following is about more than immediate profits. Channel your inner extrovert to reap unexpected benefits, beyond simply selling books.
RISKY BUSINESS • Truth: These bold strategies will help push you forward at any stage of the writing journey. So give them a try—we dare you.
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
THE WD INTERVIEW Jacqueline Woodson • The bestselling National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature talks character building, confronting controversial subjects, and the real-world importance of books for kids and teens.
EPILOGUE George Saunders • The bestselling Lincoln in the Bardo author was the subject of our July/August WD Interview. Here he answers some previously unpublished questions about his role as a creative writing professor.
FUNNY YOU SHOULDASK • 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.
ENTERYOURSTORY • THE CHALLENGE: Write the first line (one sentence only, 25 words or fewer) to a story based on the photo prompt below. You can be funny, poignant, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story.
Revising & Editing Made Easy • FINE-TUNING YOUR MANUSCRIPT
Revise and Replace
Compartmental Writing
MAKING THE GRADE
Concept vs. Premise
TAKE TWO • Lessons from the world of screenwriting to inform, inspire and incite action!
CONFERENCE SCENE • Events to advance your craft, connections and career.
On Your Best Behavior
CONFERENCE GUIDE
POTPOURRIFORTHEPEN • An aromatic blend of writerly diversions.