Writing Basics 2013 (PDF)
Building Blocks
Juggle Like a Pro
A full-time job. A dusty house. A clogged sink. If the only thing you've written lately is your to-do list, it's time to work on your juggling skills. Use these tips to make the most of whatever writing time you've got.
by PAMELA REDMOND SATRAN
Questions & Quandaries
From preposition placement to the definition of proofreader, we have the answers to your writing and publishing questions.
by BRIAN A. KLEMS
Research Your Way to the Top
Whether you write fact or fiction, a sense of authenticity can set your work apart from the rest. Use these techniques to enrich your stories from the start.
by CHARLES J. SHIELDS
Novel Structure, Simplified
Structuring your novel doesn't have to be complicated. With these key pillars in place, you'll transport your readers from exhilarating start to satisfying finish.
by JAMES SCOTT BELL
Creativity
52 Writing Prompts
Keep your muse fueled with these weekly creativity-inducing story starters.
by BRIAN A. KLEMS & ZACHARY PETIT
How to Be Creative On Demand
Condition your creativity to be ready when you need it with these 10 simple exercises.
by ROGER MORRIS
Knock Your Block Off
Here's why we get writer's block,and what we can do to get our pens moving again and keep them that way.
by MIKE BECHTLE
Learn the Craft
Starting on the Right Foot
The first line of a story is a powerful thing: It must grab an editor's attention, set the tone for the rest of the piece and make sure readers stay through The End. Here are 10 ways to steer yours toward success.
by JACOB M. APPEL
7 Simple Ways to Make a Good Story Great
There's a difference between fiction that's passable and fiction that pops. Use these techniques to take your work to the next level.
by ELIZABETH SIMS
7 Steps to a Foolproof Revision
Follow this simple path to a polished piece.
by DON FRY
Turning Pixels Into Profit
Here's everything you need to know to make money writing for the Web.
by KELLY JAMES-ENGER
Becoming a Pro
Brave New World
The publishing industry is changing every day. Here's how to ride the wave of the future.
by APRIL EBERHARDT
Query Letter Clinic
If traditional publication is your goal, a query is the essential tool you need to submit your work. Learn how to make it great.
by ROBERT LEE BREWER
How to Lose Assignments & Infuriate Editors
Avoid these eight freelancing gaffes that even the sharpest pros make.
by JAMES ROLAND
Q&Agent
Here's everything you've always wanted to ask a literary agent, answered.
by BARBARA POELLE
Learn the Craft
How to Publish Your Book
Discover the true path to publication with this tongue-in-cheek flowchart on the writing life.
by ZACHARY PETIT
