Indholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2025 i Writer's Digest

Run! Katie! by Doris Pariso is an adult novel. A psychic named Peter hears Sharon, a voice from the afterlife. Sharon has a warning. Her daughter Katie is in trouble. Before reading the manuscript, I see themes of a young woman running and psychic motifs—strong images to create an intriguing cover. Diving further into the story, there is a house by a lake. And so, I begin researching royalty-free stock images to create options to visually tell the story of Run! Katie! I type in Google Images “young woman running stock images.” This gives me an overview before focusing on individual stock houses. With a dark silhouette, there are no worries about matching her description, and a silhouette conveys mystery. While researching, a striking, simple portrait of a woman…

For 25 bucks, I jump-started my imagination. The rules were simple: Register for the writing contest, pay the entry fee, and at midnight, I’d receive three unique prompts—a genre, an object (mine was a sleeping bag), and an action. I had 24 hours to weave those into a 250-word story and submit it online. A couple of my friends were entering, and on a whim, I decided to take on the challenge, too. I wrote something fantastical, far outside my nonfiction wheelhouse, about a model stuck in a sleeping bag, and then rushed off to a holiday bazaar. It will come as no surprise to learn that I didn’t win. I was eliminated before the second round. I don’t even remember what the prize was. But I gained something valuable:…

Let’s set the scene: It’s been several months since you self-published your first book. It’s been listed on just about every online platform and has even received a few positive reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. On the one hand, things look promising. On the other, well, not so much. That’s because as hard as you’ve tried to market it, sales are not as robust as you think they could be. You always knew that you would have to put in the work to promote your book—and you have. You’ve posted nonstop on social media, scheduled book signings, and even appeared on a few writers’ podcasts. But as much as you’ve tried, your book is still not inching anywhere near the top of any of the bestseller lists. At this point,…

DEAR SIMON With so many ideas for stories, how do you determine whether they would make a great short story, novella, or novel? Is there a process to use in advance or does it become evi dent while writing? —Susan in Maine Dear Susan, Any book begins its life as exploratory writing. You and a blank page. You must write to find out what you want to write about. Remember, in order to write prose well, it’s essential you write about something in which you are emotionally invested. Only after you have established this emotional connection to what you’re doing, and you are perhaps 10, 20, 30 pages deep, should you step back and ask which vehicle is best suited to carrying this particular story. Now let’s consider that writing…

Rhonda DeChambeau Top Heavy (YA verse novel, June, Holiday House) “After landing a spot on a competitive dance team, a top-heavy dancer dreams of breast reduction surgery amidst her family’s growing financial problems, a deteriorating friendship, and a first-love romance.” WRITES FROM: Massachusetts. PRE-HEAVY: I applied and was selected as the 2022–2023 Associates of the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence with the first 20 pages of Top Heavy. This amazing program provides a generous stipend and an office at the Boston Public Library for an unpublished writer for children or young adults. TIME FRAME: When I was selected for the Writerin-Residence program, I had about 25 pages of Top Heavy drafted. I also had a sense of where the story was headed. I threw myself into the writing, determined to make…

The first time I watched Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, I was 7 years old. I was bored, baffled. “Nothing happens in this play,” I whispered to my dad, who’d brought me along despite the fact that this was definitely not a children’s theater. “They just keep waiting.” “Look closer,” my dad whispered back, eyes crinkling. “Pay attention. The waiting is the point.” So, I looked closer at the black-curtain clad stage; at the solitary bench the two actors occupied, exchanging quips, a naked tree next to them; at the strategic spotlights that highlighted their faces while the rest of the stage almost disappeared from sight, fading to black. And while I was about three decades too young to make sense of it all—and part of me was miffed we…

Under the best of circumstances, it can be hard to clear space—literal and metaphorical—to write amid responsibilities and commitments, busy schedules, and the many distractions and unpredictability of life. These are not, by most people’s measure, the best of circumstances. Divisiveness is on the rise; wars are being waged around the world. Our newsfeeds, inboxes, and TVs report growing political unrest, the increasingly dire effects of unchecked global warming, and a future so uncertain that many people no longer expect to enjoy more stability, freedom, or economic well-being than their parents’ generation. Add to that the personal challenges and struggles that are a regular feature of being alive, and it’s hard to clear away all the noise so you can sit down and write. Hard to focus on the worlds…

Usually when I share markets in this column, I find a few in a specific category that are open to freelance writers—that is, they have rather expansive and detailed instructions on how to submit. However, the music category is one that requires an extra amount of hustle and initiative—not only for writers but also for the musicians themselves. That becomes obvious when reading through the contact information for the several music publications covering the music industry today, and it reminds me of how I got started in publishing so very long ago. I’ve been with Writer’s Digest for more than 25 years, but I actually got my start in publishing more than 30 years ago as a teenager in an unlikely place—a local “all ages” show in Dayton, Ohio. The…

In my 28 years editing children’s books, I’ve learned that publishing exists at the intersection of art and commerce. Both are equally important for successful authors. If you write something you love that’s not particularly salable, it may never be published. If you create a project that checks commercial boxes and makes it out into the world but you’re not proud of it, that isn’t really a win either. Ideally, you want to craft meaningful literature for young readers that both delights kids and attracts an editor who’ll make you an offer. Here are tips to help you leap into that Venn diagram overlap of loveable and marketable. 1. KNOW YOUR CATEGORY. Many beginning children’s authors are inspired by their favorite books from decades past, not realizing how much the…

CALIFORNIA CUESTA COLLEGE CENTRAL COAST WRITERS’ CONFERENCE has been helping new and established writers fulfill their dreams since 1984. This year’s event will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 26–27, 2025 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Now in its 41st year, CCWC is one of the longest, continuous writers’ events in the country and offers a variety of workshops featuring experts in various genres, master classes, pitch and critique sessions, and more. Register early and save: CentralCoastWritersConference.com Contact: Meagan Friberg, CCWC Director centralcoastwritersconference@gmail.com Ph: 805/610-4252 CentralCoastWritersConference.com OKLAHOMA WRITERCON 2025, now in its 18th year, returns August 29–September 1 at the historic Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. This premier conference offers over 70 sessions led by 60+ authors, agents, and publishers, covering writing craft, publishing, and marketing. Attendees can pitch…

I like to go to author events and book signings, and I’m lucky in that a large independent bookstore near me often invites authors whose work I enjoy. What I always find interesting during the Q&A portion of these events is that inevitably someone in the audience will ask about the author’s writing setup: What do they write with, a pen and paper or computer? Do they go to a coffee shop to write? What does their writing space in their home look like? Is it a shed? The implication being that somehow a writer’s writing space will reveal how the writer did what they did: create something out of nothing. But I think, ultimately, writers know better. We know that most of the time, where you write isn’t nearly…

Writing competitions can spark creativity, provide validation, and build community. But before submitting, take these steps to avoid scams, protect your work, and enjoy the experience. Find Reputable Contests Before paying a fee or submitting your work, research the contest. Start with a simple Google search. Does the website look professional or rushed? How long has the contest been running? Anyone can start a writing competition, and many organizations use them to generate revenue. That’s not necessarily a red flag—provided the contest is legitimate and fair. Look for clear guidelines, named judges or transparent judging criteria, and well-defined fees and prizes. Seek Trusted Referrals Word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Ask fellow writers about contests they’ve enjoyed, and use trusted sources like Writer’s Digest, Poets & Writers, The Alliance of Independent Authors…

SETTING THE SCENE IN POETRY Setting is not always top of mind for people when considering how to write more compelling poems. After all, many have read poems (excellent poems, in fact) that seem to take place in a vacuum of time and space, because they’re dealing with subjects of the heart, mind, and soul. And those poems are wonderful, but setting the scene can sometimes take those same great ideas and emotions to new levels. “I consider setting to be a crucial element in my writing,” explains Marissa Davis, author of End of Empire (Penguin Poets). “It grounds the reader in the work, providing a sensory portal to leap through—and in doing so, functions as no small part of what makes a poem feel real, tangible, alive. I feel…

Marketing is as individual to the indie author as their books are. Marketing is the way that you get in front of your readers, gain a dedicated following, and create a lasting connection with people. Unlike large publishers, who often have a team of people in charge of these details, most indie authors are the ones making the strategic decisions. “My email list is my number one marketing tool,” says Roland Denzel (Man on Top; The Author Brain). “I offer free content that’s directly related to what my ideal reader would like. Once they join my list, I can email them about all of my books … I can also tell them about my courses, coaching, and events.” Horror author David Viergutz (“Scaremail”; Not Okay) agrees, saying that connection is…

When I began writing Winging It with You, I knew I wanted to write a love story wrapped in adventure. Something sweeping and cinematic, with passport stamps, plane tickets, and the chaos that comes with reality television. But more than that, I wanted to explore the true adventure inherent in intimacy, forced vulnerability, and the way relationships evolve (and unravel) when people are pulled out of their routines and placed in unfamiliar surroundings. It didn’t take long to see that the turbulence of the journey here was what cracked open the emotional core of this story. Setting can be a character in its own right. It shapes dialogue, pushes plot, and carves out space for vulnerability. In this book, it was the glue and gasoline. The thing that brought my…

Some authors know how to draw readers in effortlessly. They make it look so easy. You probably remember what it felt like the last time your favorite author grabbed you by the collar and pulled you deep into another world. Everything the characters felt, you felt, too. Their every heartbeat echoed in your own chest. You heard the soft splash of footsteps in that rain-slicked alley, smelled the damp earth rising from cobblestone streets. Later, you gripped the wild dragon’s scales, ridged and sharp as broken rock, as the beast rose into the sky over a lush valley … Fast forward to 3 a.m. As your eyelids burned with exhaustion, you knew you had to work the next morning, but you kept reading anyway. How did the author make you…

Writing a novel is hard, but some scenes are far more difficult than others. The chapters that give me the most pause feature scenes that are likely to be triggering for readers, moments where a beloved character dies or is injured or has a mental break, when a child or animal is harmed, intentionally or not, or any kind of sexual assault. The list goes on. For me, the most challenging scenes to write involve a combination of physical violence and emotional trauma. Thinking back to my favorite novels, the scenes I remember most vividly are the difficult ones. They hold the weight of the story. They are often pivotal to the plot and represent a climax or turning point. When done well, they resonate, speak a hard truth, and…

The query letters that linger the longest with me aren’t always the ones with massive twists or splashy hooks. What I often remember (and what makes me sit up straighter in my chair) are the ones that drop me into a world in the first sentence. The ones where I could hear snow crunching under boots. Feel sand grating across the skin. Smell heat rising from asphalt. That’s when I know: This writer knows what they’re doing. In the hands of a deft writer, setting isn’t just scenery. It cues genre, tone, voice, and stakes, often much faster than a plot summary can. So, when a query uses setting with precision, it tells me two things: first, that I’m in skilled hands, and secondly, what kind of story I’m stepping…

In my last column, I covered tools for researching creative writing projects as well as how to wield them effectively and productively. But even after a writer becomes comfortable with their research toolkit, questions remain: how to best weave the results of research into a project? And how to best use research techniques to enhance one’s writing life? First, let’s start with what not to do when weaving the great results of your research into your novel, story, memoir, essay, or other prose: 1. DO NOT USE IDIOT DIALOGUE. “As you know, Sue, the Volstead Act—or formally the National Prohibition Act—was enacted in October 1919 to define just what ‘intoxicating liquors’ meant in the Eighteenth Amendment, and was put into force at midnight January 17, 1920, and promptly violated in…

As I’ve done occasionally with this column, I’ve chosen to reverse the order and list the backlist title first. Rob Hart’s newest novel, The Medusa Protocol, is the second book in his un-put-downable Assassins Anonymous series, and while it can be read and enjoyed on its own, reading Assassins Anonymous first will provide a fuller experience. Backlist Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart (Putnam, thriller, June 2024) SYNOPSIS: When Mark, also known as Pale Horse, the deadliest assassin in the world, decides to stop taking jobs, he knows his life is at risk. After all, he’s made more enemies than he can count, and the organization he worked for isn’t exactly known for letting people walk off the job. But when he’s attacked after an Assassins Anonymous meeting—a support group for…

We recently stumbled upon a long-lost manuscript, The Limner’s Elements of Stylish Prose: Writing During the Plague by E. B. Black the Elder. Though much of its advice has gone the way of the guillotine, there is still something to be learned from the suggestions. Maybe. Behold, a sampling of writing advice for popular genres way back when. DRAMA Drama demandeth conflict between characters burdened with tragic fates like unrequited love, betrayal, or both. Drench storytelling with metaphors—that rusty, cracked mug isn’t just a leaking vessel but an aged, fractured soul. Patch any plot holes with biblical parables. —Sir Arthur FAIRY TALES No tale shall be believed unless it commenceth with, “Once upon a time.” Fill thy work with talking creatures, witches with poor dental hygiene, and pumpkins harboring aspirations…

POLLY CAMPBELL is the award-winning author of You, Recharged: How to Beat Fatigue (Mostly), Amp Up Your Energy (Usually), and Enjoy Life Again (Always), and three other books. She hosts the weekly “Simply Write w/Polly Campbell” podcast where she talks about the writing craft and crafting a writer’s life. Her Simply Write w/Polly column appears at SimplyWrite.substack.com. She often speaks and writes about the writer’s mindset, writing technique, and practical psychology. Her work has appeared in scores of magazines, and she is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. Polly lives with her family in Oregon where she wears fleece, avoids hiking, and appreciates a good Oregon ale or Pinot Noir. DANAI CHRISTOPOULOU is a Greek author raised on a diet of myths and tragedies. Danai’s writing has appeared in Glamour, Marie…

If punctuation marks were performers, the colon would be the master of ceremonies: commanding attention, bridging ideas, and spotlighting what matters. Precise and dynamic, this mark provides structure and weight, guiding the reader with intention. LIST MAKER’S BEST FRIEND The colon shines when it comes to organization, particularly in nonfiction writing. It introduces lists, providing a natural flow for the reader: • Remember to pack the essentials: a flashlight, water, and a first-aid kit. In fiction, this can be used for characterization or world-building: • Her desk was a chaotic mix: half-empty coffee cups, tangled charging cords, and a photo of her cat wearing a party hat. However, it’s crucial to remember that what comes before the colon must be a complete sentence: • Items to bring: flashlight, water, and…

Eli Keren was born in London. Prior to becoming an agent, he designed and synthesized novel drugs as a research scientist. He worked at United Agents for eight years before joining Curious Minds in 2024. He works across U.K. and U.S. markets. In 2022, Keren wrote and delivered “How to Write a Proposal” for Jericho Writers. He is the treasurer of the U.K.’s Association of Authors’ Agents and has been a Bloomsbury Academic Writing Fellowship judge since its founding. Keren rarely takes on new fiction clients. His dream client is “an up-and-coming academic with a passion for communication and something important to say” or “a journalist who’s uncovered something that journalism just can’t do justice and needs to take me, and the world, on this adventure.” There’s fulfillment in trying…

Savvy writers know a novel’s setting is more than just a backdrop, a time and place to ground and frame your plot and characters. A well-chosen, well-crafted setting can enhance your story’s mood, set the tone, serve as a metaphor for the theme, provide interesting plot possibilities, and much more. But it’s a tall order for one setting to carry an entire novel. In real life, if we spend too long stuck at home, we get cabin fever. If we go too long without a vacation, we get restless and stir crazy, growing bored with the same old, same old. So it is with our readers. You could set your novel in the most aspirational place in the world, but if you show only one view of it, eventually, we’ll…

As traditional publishing has condensed down into an ever-larger monolith, known as The Big Five (Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan) publishing channels may start to feel narrower than ever. While authors often chase the historically larger advances, clout, and name recognition of deals with these big publishers, smaller, independent publishers are filling in the gaps and offering newer writers with smaller platforms a home. Here are some of the benefits and innovations of small publishers and why authors who feel discouraged on the path to a Big Five might consider a smaller “home” for their book instead. Types of Small Presses The term small press can be a little confusing in an era where there are more vanity presses and hybrid presses than…

I backed into a career in literary journalism, a disappearing subgenre of creative nonfiction, accidentally because I wrote bad poetry. Or rather, I should clarify that, in my early 20s, I wrote narrative poems that actually wanted to be journalistic feature stories—lacking any focus on form or line but obsessing over experiences of real people whose lives played out like cinema. My graduate poetry advisor, frustrated but also delighted while reviewing a particularly inchoate sonnet of mine, asked about my writing process and then pronounced, “Bobby, you’re reporting your poems.” This gave me pause. “Doesn’t everyone get out there to interview their subjects?” I asked. “No, Bobby, most poets don’t have that skill set,” she reassured. “They’re either too shy or too lazy. Usually, they armchair Google a few things…