Writing Tips
Expert advice on all aspects of writing, updated weekly. To get Writing Tips in your inbox for free, join our newsletter.
Newest Articles
Write into the Week: June 15, 2025
“It is not down on any map; true places never are.” –Herman Melville 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 available now. Join our free Monday…
Write into the Week: June 8, 2025
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” –Maya Angelou 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 available now. Join our…
Subplots in Fiction: How to Use Them to Deepen Your Story
Maybe you’re drafting your first novel, or just finished. Or maybe you’re in the early stages, working from a novel outline you’re excited about. Regardless of where you are in the writing process, there may come a moment when something feels off, flat, or scattered—like the story is doing too much, or not quite enough….
From Our Instructors
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…
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…
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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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.