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How to Avoid Clichés in Writing

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A few weeks ago, we discussed the myth of originality as it relates to writing a compelling story. While no story is truly original, something all unoriginal stories share is the use of clichés. Countless clichés in writing exist, but the savviest writers know how to snuff out trite sentences and overused character tropes. This […]

How to Write a Compelling Story

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What makes a story interesting? Hasn’t every original idea already been taken? Trying to write an interesting story seems impossible when so many books have been written, and if you’re at the start of your literary career (or trying to start your next book!), you might be daunted by the task of originality. In other […]

6 Things to Know Before Taking a Creative Nonfiction Course

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Taking a creative nonfiction course online is a great way to improve your writing, or even just to hold yourself accountable to writing creative nonfiction. If you haven’t taken creative nonfiction online classes before, though, it can be difficult to know if a particular creative nonfiction writing class is the right fit for you. In […]

How to Read Prose: Close Reading Strategies for Prose Writers

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In this article, we’ll give you strategies to begin reading prose like a writer. We’ll discuss applying close reading strategies to prose: that is, to anything that isn’t written in verse, from short stories to novels to memoirs and more. This article is third in our series on how to read like a writer—in other […]

Concise Writing: How to Omit Needless Words

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This article is all about concise writing, summed up in the timeless phrase “Omit needless words.” We’ll examine some of the best advice on writing concisely, define what concise writing is and isn’t, and describe 11 writing habits that encourage concision. “Omit Needless Words” and The Elements of Style In 1920, William Strunk Jr. published […]

Why “Show, Don’t Tell” is a Golden Rule of Creative Writing

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“Show, don’t tell” is one of the most plainspoken rules in creative writing, and yet its message will carry your writing journey. “Show, don’t tell” is not just a suggestion for creative writers; it’s at the heart of what defines creative writing itself. “Show, don’t tell” is not just a suggestion for creative writers; it’s […]

7 Common Writing Mistakes: Creative Writing Tips for Beginners

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Creative writing mistakes are nothing to feel down about. All good creative writing is not just writing: it’s writing, revising, editing, and proofreading—not only to polish the beauty of our language, but to work with common creative writing mistakes that pop up for all of us. Today, we’ll be looking at seven common creative writing […]

10 Important Literary Devices in Prose: Examples & Analysis

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Any writer looking to master the art of storytelling will want to learn the literary devices in prose. Fiction and nonfiction writers rely on these devices to bring their stories to life, impact their readers, and uncover the core truths of life. You can, too, with mastery over the different literary devices!  If you’re not […]

24 of the Best Places to Submit Creative Nonfiction Online

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After weeks of deliberating over the right words and fine-tuning your creative nonfiction piece, you’re ready to begin submitting to literary nonfiction journals. The only problem is finding the right home for your creative nonfiction submission. What journals or literary nonfiction magazines should you prioritize submitting your work to? Find your answer here: we’ve searched […]

11 Common Literary Devices: Definitions, Examples, and Exercises

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Did high school make you hate the phrase “literary devices?” If so, you’re not alone. Common literary devices, such as metaphors and similes, are the building blocks of literature, but because they’re analyzed in such stuffy, antiquated ways, many people come out of high school with a disdain for what English classes teach. However, for […]
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