The Novelist's Survival Kit
How Not to Write Your Novel
You can doom your debut from the start with these 7 (tongue-in-cheek) strategies for flailing, and failing-or, you can do just the opposite. by James Scott Bell
6 Secrets to Creating and Sustaining Suspense
No matter what you write, keep your readers captivated with these no-fail techniques. by Steven James
Put Your Novel on the Map
Regardless of your experience or how far along you are in your book, creating a story map can be a vital technique to guide you to your goal. by Nancy Ellen Dodd
Namedropping
What's in a character's name? Everything. Here's how to master the neglected art of moniker-making. by Elizabeth Sims
Tried & True: Timeless Novel Advice
Digging around the Writer's Digest archives proves it: While fad advice in the writing world comes and goes, some wisdom is so novel that it's withstood the test of time. Culled from 91 years of WD articles, interviews and essays, here are 23 of our favorite nuggets of enduring advice and inspiration. compiled by Kristen Grace
The WD Interview: Diana Gabaldon
From her genre-defying hit series to her mind-boggling writing process, nothing about Diana Gabaldon has ever fit neatly into a box. And that's just how she likes it. by Zachary Petit
WRITER'S WORKBOOK: Supporting Characters
Understanding the Minor Characters' Role
by Orson Scott Card
Crafting Effective Supporting Characters
by Hallie Ephron
Putting Your Supporting Cast to Work
by Joseph Bates
INKWELL
Sneaking in the Back Door:
A first-time author offers 4 strategies to connect with editors and sell your manuscript—without an agent.
by Diane Kelly
PLUS:
- Is Your Partner a Shadow Writer?
- 5-Minute Memoir: Cars for Words
- Poetic Asides: Hay(na)ku
- Top Shelf
COLUMNS
Ask the Agent: Betsy Lerner of Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary Agency
by Kara Gebhart Uhl
Breaking In: Debut Author Spotlight
by Chuck Sambuchino
Questions & Quandaries: Non-AAR Agents; Sample Chapters; First Rights
by Brian A. Klems
Your Story: First Things First, Contest #35
Standout Markets: CBAY Books; Flaunt; The American Scholar
by Tiffany Luckey
Conference Scene: Events for literary, horror and children's writers
by Linda Formichelli
Reject a Hit: Jurassic Park spoof-rejected by Matthew Lauser
PLUS:
- CONTRIBUTORS
- EDITOR'S LETTER
- ONLINE EXCLUSIVES
- READER MAIL
| 
