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you've finished your first draft—now what?

You Finished Your First Draft—Now What? A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Novel’s Next Chapter

Congratulations! You’ve crossed the finish line of your first draft—an accomplishment many dream of, but few achieve. I hope you are beaming with pride, but after the adrenaline fades, you might find yourself wondering: What now? Finishing a first draft can feel like stepping out of a dark theater into bright sunlight—you’re disoriented, squinting against…

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Write into the Week: February 3, 2025

“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” –Rumi Dear Writer, I hope you’re having a good start to your week. In this newsletter: A writing prompt to inspire your creativity. Reading and listening recommendations in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Publishing, residency, and…

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Write into the Week: January 27, 2025

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” –Fred Rogers Dear Writer, I hope you’re having a good start to your week. In this newsletter: A writing prompt to inspire your creativity. Reading and listening recommendations in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Publishing, residency, and retreat opportunities…

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From Our Instructors

best gifts for writers

The 45 Best Gifts for Writers in Your Life

Professional authors chime in on gift ideas for writers—both during the holidays and any time of year. If you’re looking for the best gifts for writers in your life, look no further. There are lots of great gifts for creative writers—you just need to get in a writer’s head. With the help of some lovely…

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How to Write a Podcast Script: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want more advice on how to write a podcast script? Check out Cara Stevens’ Zoom webinar How to Start a Podcast. Cara J. Stevens is an author, editor, podcaster and book coach. She has written more than 80 books for young readers based on video games, pop-culture trends, and beloved characters including Pokémon Go, Terraria, and…

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The body and soul of your memoir | memoir writing course

Writing About Real People

Sneak Peek: This essay is excerpted from some of the materials I’ll be sharing in my class, “The Body and Soul of Your Memoir: Shape, Focus, and Write Your Memoir” at Writers.com starting June 4. When my memoir, The Sky Begins At Your Feet: A Memoir on Cancer, Community and Coming Home to the Body,…

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Character Development

Writing with Confidence

Writing Prompts

Jump-start your creativity with our writing prompts. Check back regularly for new prompts!

Show and Tell

Write a story or poem about an object with a lot of nostalgic value for you/the narrator. Do not, at any point, tell the reader explicitly what this object is.

Forgive and Forget

Write a story or poem about a time when you had to forget something to maintain a friendship or relationship.

Trash Day

Collect pieces of “junk writing”—spam emails, credit card advertisements, roadside billboards, bumper stickers, etc. Then, write a story or poem that uses all of the junk writing you collected.