Keep Learning, Never Stop
Don’t be a stagnant writer. No matter where you are at in the journey, you still have places to go and things to learn.
Making the Most of Writing Classes
Writing classes have considerable value for a writer, but there are things you can do to help the writing class do the most for you. Let’s look at four ways to make the most of writing classes.
Lights! Camera! Action! Creating Dramatic Action Scenes
IFW Instructor Kris Franklin illustrates how to build more tension in your story but showing and not telling.
With Writing, the Learning Never Stops
Whatever your writing journey entails, it always includes learning. To write is to learn. And every piece of writing you do will teach you something if you let it.
Types and Topics: Nonfiction That Doesn’t Get Old
A look at magazines published one, five, ten, and twenty or more years ago will reveal the same categories of nonfiction and many of the same topics. Why? Because they address universal needs and aim to help readers improve their lives.
Recurring Topics: Seasons
Seasonal stories, seasonal poetry and even a bit of seasonal nonfiction can be counted upon to appear in magazines and on publishers’ book lists every year. Jan Fields shares how to make this perennial topics feel new.
Remember the First Day of School?
Every year one event rolls around that is profoundly meaningful for children: the first day of school and these stories can offer a special opportunity for writers.
Planning Ahead for Timely Submissions
What’s (Going to Be) Happening? Victoria Sherrow helps us plan ahead for timely submissions.
Writing for Holidays in Books and Magazines
Most publishers (including both book and magazines) produce some holiday pieces each year. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of these opportunities.
Mystery Elements: The Satisfying Ending
Mysteries are rarely open-ended because the very nature of how mysteries work requires closure to be successful. So let’s think about what makes for a good mystery ending.
Mystery Elements: Double Duty Dialogue
Dialogue is important in virtually every story you’ll ever write, but in mysteries that importance (and difficulty) is compounded by the use of dialogue in relation to clues.
Building Your Author Press Kit
Kelli Panique gives tips for what to include your author press kit to make it easy on you and your contacts.
Put on Your Mystery Thinking C.A.P.
Jan Fields shares her process for writing mysteries for readers of all ages.
Winning Mysteries
Jan Fields reveals how to write a winning mystery for readers of all ages.
Getting the Most Out of a Writers’ Conference: Part 2
Karen Hammond offers tips and tricks for getting back in the swing of attending writing conferences.
Freedom of Speech: What Does It Mean for Writers?
Jan Fields explains Freedom of Speech and what it means for writers
Getting the Most Out of a Writers’ Conference: Part 1
Karen Hammond is getting us in tip-top shape for a return to in-person writing conferences.
Can I Do That? Writing Difficult True Stories
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > One of the most compelling types of writing for many is telling true stories from the writer’s own life, in other words, writing a memoir. Memoir writing isn’t just for books targeting…
Tough Topics in Fiction for Kids
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > Today, many children’s books do not take place in an idealized world where children are always loved, cared for, and healthy. Instead, some writers set their plots in worlds where children can…
Writing About Painful Subjects
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter We teach our students how to write and get published! View our Course Catalog > Pandemic. Who hasn’t heard that word by now? Since early 2020, news about the global spread of the deadly virus known as COVID-19 has dominated the news. We’ve heard about millions of…