A writer doesn't necessarily have to write a poem or a thousand page book to be an amazing wordsmith.

Need some tips on how to grow as a writer? Check out this post!

At the beginning of every month I create a fresh start for my writing and creative projects. I have a little brainstorm, reset my task board, and take note of all the relevant stats for the previous month. Click the link to see the video that shares how I go about doing it so I’m inspired and motiv

Have you ever thought about what makes the author of any work of fiction you’ve ever read, actually tick? No, well don’t you think maybe its long past time that you did? Without excepti…

If you’re a writer, you either know rejection really well or you’ve never sent out your work. And if you’ve never sent out your work, then you’re not really a writer yet. In my opinion, you become a writer the first time you’re rejected. Rejection shapes who you are as a writer and is the … Continue reading Do these 10 things every time you submit your writing and you’ll never be rejected again!

Creative Writer Worksheet – Writing Study Guide (PDF) This week marks the end of our year of creative writer worksheets. From a multitude of possible topics I had to choose one last worksheet, and here it is! I hope this worksheet will serve as a reminder to keep studying and improving yourself as a writer. There’s always more to…

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I love new notebooks. They contain such promise - but I think that is why so many of us don’t use them. I know I certainly have a shelf FULL of blank pages. But I’ve been watching Sarra of Heart Breathings on YouTube and she has been giving advice on how we can fill our notebooks with her video: H

Here are 100+ flash fiction prompts to help you start your short short stories, drabbles and one page stories. Challenge yourself to write less & say more!

Writing with Grace is where Ann Swindell teaches live, online writing courses for writers who want to grow in their ability, craft, and voice. Students learn high-level writing techniques and insig…

Confused about tone in writing? This guest post by Tami Nantz walks through everything you need to know about tone (including developing yours).

How can journaling can make you a better writer? Explore these provoking journaling ideas and start a new journaling practice!

There are many things that I could stand to improve in as a writer‒say, everything‒but I have been told that one of the things that I have halfway down is creating characters. Since I started sharing my writing a year or two ago, I have heard time and time again that my characters are alive, so I sat down today, thought about my character process, and put together my strategy. Getting to know your characters is a lot like getting to know real people. You must spend time with them‒or in the case of characters, think on them. You must consider how all of their traits feed into other ones, and how they affect them. It’s easier said than done, but I do believe that with some practice, it can be as natural as getting ideas, and far simpler than English grammar. So here is the list that I compiled of things to consider‒in order of what I believe to be more important to less important. Flaws Quirks Interests Preferences Kind of vague, isn’t it? Here’s the more in-depth version with one of my characters being used as an example. Flaws‒Aaand this is the one that makes people people. It’s also the one that writers seem to enjoy to leave out, and I think I know why. This is why: Flaws make people less-desirable, (while some won’t admit that they think that, it’s the underlying reason for all of the picture-perfect characters in books), and people are afraid of people not liking their characters. But with that said, people are not interesting without flaws. Character‒These are the more plot-affecting flaws, usually. They’re the problems such as “not knowing when to shut up”, “finding other’s misfortunes hilarious”, or even “a tendency to lie about everything”. The latter is one of the character flaws of my character, Riley. Psychological‒These are the flaws that give the characters more depth of mind, in my opinion. Personality disorders and disabilities are good additions to any character, even though they in themselves are not good things. For example, Riley is a borderline sociopath. That makes her very complex, as well as creating a great deal of tension between her and the other characters, Physical‒I don’t find this one to be the most important, but it adds some depth as well. Imperfect people are much easier to sympathize with than the golden people we read about who have perfectly symmetrical faces and flawless physique. I don’t really enjoy reading about those people, unless there is a good reason for it. (i.e., the character is a model or the result of a genetic experiment. In which case, perfection is almost acceptable. ;) ) Riley is short‒not quite 5 feet tall‒and weighs more than would be acceptable according to most modeling agencies guidelines. Which doesn’t quite fit the cookie-cutter character list, if ya get me. Quirks‒My personal favorite. As a person who is quite quirky, as well as loving adversity, this has always been the category that I don’t run out of ideas for. So now are your characters not only imperfect, they are also unusual. It’s starting to sound like a nightmare for every Mary-Jane in the world! (It’s starting to sound real. *gasp*) Speech‒I personally love different voices. Accents, improper uses of long words, improper grammar‒they make speech a fun thing to listen to. Not lawful, (grammarly speaking,) but fun. (What fun is obeying every rule? Not much.) Riley’s manner of speech and her isms are subtle, but “there” enough that she doesn’t sound like the others. For example, when someone asks her a question, the order in which she replies is unusual. Like this: “Are you okay?” “I’m okay, yeah. It’s been a weird week, but I’m okay. Man, I’d like a break.” And that’s the way she talks. She never says yes, just “yeah”, and she directly refers to people as “man”, even if they’re not. Mannerisms‒These are not my strong suit, but I know that they’re important. Things like wringing your hands when you’re nervous, clearing your throat when you have nothing to say, and pursing your lips are all different mannerisms‒and all people have them. That should make it obvious that all characters should have them, too. Riley smirks a lot‒very generic, I know. Don’t judge my lack of creativity, hehe‒and when she cries she does so without making any noise. (I really need to work on giving my characters mannerisms.) Fears‒(This one probably could have been placed with the “Flaws”, but I thought it more of a quirk, since it isn’t exactly something that is wrong with people.) Fears are the darkest parts of people’s subconscious. They influence the character’s behavior, the other characters’ behavior, and the plot of the story. They’re very important, in other words. In my recently finished manuscript, Riley has a horrible fear of water, caused by an accident in her teenage years, which entangles itself throughout the entire story and gives her character some flavor. (She seems completely collected and arrogant, but water turns her into a frightened child.) Interests‒These are fun, but a bit harder to think of. I mean, it’s pretty simple to give non-cliché interests to characters. But at the same time, it’s a lot of fun to give them things to do aside from carrying the plot on their shoulders‒and it’s even more fun to think about. (I daydream a lot.) Hobbies‒Ah, yes. The silver lining of the cloud of the subject. Give them a love of art, of sports, of literature‒is there anything more fun than designing lives? My only advice: to go crazy. Don’t rationalize the hobby thing. That’s the fun of it. (Riley loves to prank people, play video games, and be dramatic. She would have more hobbies, but her life hasn’t been very supportive of normal pastimes.) Dreams‒Some characters have more dreams than others. Not all characters have to have many dreams. After all, not all people dream about a better future, learning how to fly an airplane, or solving world hunger. Some people are just more grounded in the present, are more rational, and for that reason don’t dream. But for your more fanciful characters, dreams are the icing on the cake. The hopes, dreams, desires, and etc. are the things that drive the plot forward. Riley, however, unlike her fellow characters, doesn’t really dream at all. She knows what’s up and doesn’t really think about the future. (It’s a dangerous habit to get into. Just ask her.) Preferences‒The less important category of individual qualities, preferences are the finishing details of the character. But details are fun. Don’t let their lesser importance stop you from making them unique. =) Style‒This encompasses two different things‒clothes and other appearance factors. What is your character’s style like? How do they wear their hair? If relevant, do they wear makeup? What kind of clothes do they wear? Do they dress eccentrically? These are all fun things to consider. Riley doesn’t wear makeup or do her hair, and she dresses very casually. These things make her much more real, personality-wise. Her personality and her style match perfectly, which is the way it’s supposed to be. Dislikes‒Haha… how fun. Give them something to hate. Find a food, an animal, or basically anything that they can’t stand, and let them do the rest. Whining makes it authentic, if the character is prone to that sort of shenanigans. Riley doesn’t like nosy people or following rules. Does that help you? I hope so‒that was my intention with sharing the list, anyway. Tell me what you think! And I’ll see you all again next week, with another post. (Don’t know what about yet, though.) ~Alyssa

A simple definition of platform is the number of people you can reach with your words, through efforts like speaking, blogging, and social media.

Good afternoon, readers! I’ve been writing since I was about 9 years old, but I didn’t start getting serious about it until I was around 13, which was 6 years ago now. I have written a …

We have been writing about the four main characters and why they are literary devices. In this post, we'll explore the love interest as a literary device.

Writers of all levels need to practice their writing skills. See and discover some tips and prompts to help you focus on your writing skills.

There are lots of things writers shouldn't do. Here are 57 things I've learned not to do as a writer. If you want to get published, you'll have to avoid these.

Want to study up on fiction but don't know the best books on creative writing? Here's a list of the best creative writing books.

I love new notebooks. They contain such promise - but I think that is why so many of us don’t use them. I know I certainly have a shelf FULL of blank pages. But I’ve been watching Sarra of Heart Breathings on YouTube and she has been giving advice on how we can fill our notebooks with her video: H

How do you know if you’re a good enough writer to pen a bestselling book? Book editor and author of THE BOOK YOU WERE BORN TO WRITE, Kelly Notaras, gives 3 clues for assessing if you're a gifted writer.

I've never had any artistic ability. None whatsoever. When in college, I had to take a class called "Art For The Handicapped Child." It was a required course for Special Ed majors. The instructor was an older woman who rarely smiled or had a kind word. We were working with clay, creating animals, I think. She walked by me, stopped and said, "That would be fine if a blind child had done it." Cringe! What I needed was help not criticism. I could not draw or paint or model clay very well but I could paint my world with words, and I did. Unlike most college students, I reveled in writing papers for my classes. I didn't start writing other things for a good many years but I always had the desire to write. I tell young would-be writers today to act upon that desire. Don't let life get in the way as I did. Artists of all kinds--sculptors, painters, musicians, writers--bring so much to our world. Think of the many hours of pleasure you have had when admiring paintings and sculptures in a museum, or at a concert or in reading myriad books. These many artists enrich our lives and soothe our souls. It always saddens me when I see budget cuts needed and the arts is one of the first groups to have funds slashed. Granted, they are not a necessity but they offer so very much. I once wrote a poem that placed in a writing contest that speaks to the part the arts play in our lives., especially writing. Read it and think about how all of these artists have touched your own life and, if you are a writer, how you have made a difference in the lives of readers. All artists speak with a different voice. As writers, ours is with words. Artists All Painting with oils, watercolors brushed across paper, clay molded by loving hands, marble chiseled to exquisite form. Artists ply their trade by the golden light of day, by the velvet depths of night with passion and joy. One more artist joins the ranks. The writer brushes words over paper, molds a story bit by glittering bit, chisels a novel to survive the ages. Life stories are gathered from country roads to city streets, written from the depths of a heart bursting with intensity and rapture. Artists all, masters of creation, be they painters, sculptors or writers, leaving footprints on canvas, marble and paper-- heartfelt tributes embraced by mankind. ---Nancy Julien Kopp

If you are passionate about writing, there are plenty of ways to make money as a writer. Here are the top tips to earn a living through writing.

The journey to begin thinking of yourself as a professional writer takes only seconds. To turn pro, you just need a mindset shift, which takes an instant.

Are you looking for ways to generate more cash as a writer or freelance blogger? Here are top ways to earn money as a writer this year and beyond.

How DO you write a character smarter than you? Moreover, smarter than all the other characters around them? It's not as hard as you may think.

Building good writing routines is important for your longevity as a writer. Follow tips for creating healthy writing routines to avoid burn out.

PIN TO READ LATER Google Docs is a great alternative to Microsoft Word. If you’re a writer, I think you’ll find the mobile apps and collaboration options particularly useful, and you may be surprised by some of Google Docs’ lesser-known features too. I’ve tried to be as thorough as possible in this article and accompanying video. I also update as new features…

Fight scenes. About one of the hardest scenes to pull off as a writer. So many things go into it, and really, most writers-and authors!-can’t seem to pull it off right. So today I’m hel…

How do you spend your time as a writer? Here are the 5 areas where you should be spending most of your time on writing.

"Writers talk about their work in many ways: as an art, as a calling, as a lifestyle. Too often missing from these conversations is the fact that writing is also a business. The reality is, those who want to make a full- or part-time job out of writing are going to have a more positive and productive career if they understand the basic business principles underlying the industry." — Richard Nash, CEO, Cursor, and former publisher of Soft Skull Press “While countless books and classes exist to help writers improve their craft, few focus on the practical aspects of maintaining a writing career over time. Friedman’s wise and wide-ranging The Business of Being a Writer offers essential and extremely helpful advice on how writers can survive and thrive in the current publishing landscape.” — Dinty W. Moore, author of The Story Cure “The Business of Being a Writer provides lucent, sage advice on setting realistic goals toward shaping a rewarding career, going well beyond simply achieving publication or getting an agent. At last, a single book to recommend to writers peering into the vast labyrinth of how to become a successful, professional writer. Thank you, Jane!” — Jeffrey Lependorf, Executive Director, Small Press Distribution and the Community of Literary Magazines and PressesThe Business of Being a Writer offers the business education writers need but so rarely receive. It is meant for early-career writers looking to develop a realistic set of expectations about making money from their work or for working writers who want a better understanding of the industry. Writers will gain a comprehensive picture of how the publishing world works—from queries and agents to blogging and advertising—and will learn how they can best position themselves for success over the long term.Jane Friedman has more than twenty years of experience in the publishing industry, with an emphasis on digital media strategy for authors and publishers. She is encouraging without sugarcoating, blending years of research with practical advice that will help writers market themselves and maximize their writing-related income.  The Business of Being a Writer will help early-career writers feel empowered, confident, and ready to turn their craft into a career. THE DETAILS Condition: New Format: Paperback Pages: 368 ISBN: 9780226393162 Published: March 2018 Publisher: University of Chicago Press Dimensions: 6" inches W x 9" inches H x 9.00 x 0.5" inches D  Rating: ★★★★★ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jane Friedman is the cofounder of The Hot Sheet, the essential industry newsletter for authors, a columnist with Publishers Weekly, and a professor with the Great Courses. Her expertise has been featured by NPR, PBS, CBS, The Washington Post, the National Press Club, among many others. Jane has previously worked for F+W Media and the Virginia Quarterly Review. She maintains a blog for writers at JaneFriedman.com.

A career in writing can look different for many, and is usually far from what people imagine it to be. Some are technical writers who spend their time meticulously creating manuals, guides, and similar works. Others dive deep into their imagination to create their next novel. Some work set schedules for a company with job security and routine while some decide their own schedules, answering to no one but themselves. However unique writing careers can be, they most often start the same way. And, if you’ve decided to commit to becoming a professional writer, you may be unsure where or how to start. If so, you have found the right post! The three main steps to building and beginning a writing career include deciding the kind of writing you want to do, establishing your brand as a writer, and building your portfolio. Decide What Kind of Writing You’ll Do When someone mentions a career in writing, most think of the struggling aspiring author who is constantly getting rejected. However, there are many types of careers in writing, and if you want to be a writer, it’s important to know what kind of writing you want to do. Creative Writing You want to be a best-selling author. As a creative person, you want to write novels, poems, short-stories, children’s books, or graphic novels. You enjoy brainstorming ideas and getting lost in the worlds you create through writing. Freelance Writing Includes a few different forms of writing, all involving being self-employed or contracted and finding clients. Technical writing, content writing, and copywriting are all forms of freelance writing. Hired Writing You want the security and steady paycheck a traditional job offers, but still want to write. There are tons of different positions for writers from magazine companies, news outlets, and many more. Some questions to ask yourself if you are unsure: Each route has its pros and cons, and though you can always try a different one, it’s nice to know the direction you’re headed. If you don’t like coming up with story ideas and become stressed with too much leeway, technical writing may be for you. On the other hand, if you hate rules and enjoy putting your own spin in your writing, creative or freelance writing might better suit you. Establish Your Brand as a Writer Establishing your brand as a writer is one of the most critical steps in starting a writing career. This is how people will begin to come to you instead of you finding customers, clients, and supporters. In short, establishing a brand as a writer includes creating a website or online portfolio, creating social media profiles for your writing career, and joining writing communities. I have an entire post detailing how to brand yourself as a writer, which you can read here. Like it or not, in today’s world, having an online presence (a brand, if you will) can make or break your business. And, even if you plan to be a hired writer, branding yourself as a writer will allow job opportunities to come to you. It can also make potential hirers more inclined to hire you if you have an impressive portfolio and/or website. Build Your Portfolio Again, another super important step as a writer is to build your portfolio. You may be tempted to include only what applies to your specific form of writing, but it’s a good idea to show a wider range of skills. Try to include a little bit of everything, or at least a few skills. For example, if you’re a creative writer, you can include short-stories, poems, and snippets of novels in a range of genres. If you want to be a content writer, show any published writing, blog posts you’ve written, articles, etc. Building a portfolio from scratch be difficult, especially if you have a separate job or other commitments, but it’s important to dedicate some time to writing. Set goals to help you follow-through like 1 hour a week or 15 minutes before bed every night. Sign up for my mailing list and receive exclusive content, printables, and more! Similar Posts You May Find Helpful: Enjoy this blog? Share it!

A complete guide to increasing book marketing, sales and engagement on TikTok It has already been more than two years since I started using TikTok to promote my books. I was hesitant to jump into a new platform at first (starting with 0 followers and being clueless is scary!), but since 20

If you’re here, it probably means you tried googling “play format” and got a bunch of confusing, different formats — I know I did when I tried to figure it out for myself. “UK format?” “Radio plays?”…