All of the sudden, people are using the wrong variation

Posted on 07/17/2019 at 03:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Sometimes, common usage wins out over established grammar rules. That day has not officially arrived for “all of t...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Grammar Girl, Language, Writing advice

Your context's clues

Posted on 07/16/2019 at 10:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

The plot is what drives your story, right? Yes, but sometimes it needs a helping hand.  Jane Friedman recently shar...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Jane Friedman, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

Gaslighting is good ... when you need to write a villain

Posted on 07/12/2019 at 03:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

We recently reminded you of the importance of making your villains complex, rather than pure evil.   Writer’s...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Characters, Writer's Digest, Writing advice

Author reflects on writing about her real-life trauma

Posted on 07/10/2019 at 02:54 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

It’s natural for a writer to turn to words as a way to process trauma. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, th...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Writer's Digest, Writing advice

What makes a great villain? Creating an antagonist for your story

Posted on 07/10/2019 at 09:48 AM by Guest Author

View post titled What makes a great villain? Creating an antagonist for your story

Discover what makes a great villain so you can create a well-developed antagonist for your story. Table of Contents Why...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Characters, Writing advice

How to safely write romance ... and violence

Posted on 07/08/2019 at 03:38 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Romance and violence can both be used effectively, no matter what genre you’re writing in — but they can als...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: C.S. Lakin / Live Write Thrive, Romance, Writer's Digest, Writing advice

Let your story stand out in a good way

Posted on 07/03/2019 at 11:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Novelist and ghostwriter Justin Attas understands the writerly urge to produce something distinct, something that will s...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Characters, Jane Friedman, Plot / narrative, Writing advice

How to interview a serial killer

Posted on 07/01/2019 at 11:31 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Dr. Aysha Akhtar needed to interview some experts for her recent book, Our Symphony With Animals. The process of finding...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Writer's Digest, Writing advice

What writers need to know about habits

Posted on 06/28/2019 at 04:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

A great deal of writing advice boils down to, essentially, just do it. Still, that’s easier said than done, especi...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Motivational, Writer's Digest, Writing advice

How removing filter words can benefit your writing

Posted on 07/07/2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

If you’re developing any sort of self-editing checklist, Louise Harnby has a new entry for you: filter words. Filt...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Editing, Writing advice