Writing Great Middle Grade Dialogue
Because dialogue is an essential element of any book, it’s worthwhile to take a specific look at writing great middle grade dialogue.
November 18, 2021
Middle Grade Characters: Beyond Likability | IFW
Let’s look at the complex middle grade characters who aren’t really likable, and how they can play a part in grabbing the reader and holding on.
November 11, 2021
Writing for Middle Grade: An Essential Primer | IFW
Middle grade books are seeing an awakening in the publishing world. What you need to know when writing for middle grade.
November 3, 2021
Writing Income -Side Hustle: Making Money in Unexpected Ways
Many writers do not make a living solely from writing income. Those who do often build their writing income from a variety of sources. Let’s talk about your side hustle.
October 28, 2021
A Word on Recordkeeping for Writers
Careful recordkeeping for writers helps cut time when it comes to filing taxes, and helps you make better use of your time by knowing what is working and what is not.
October 21, 2021
Would You Work for Hire? Should you?
For many writers seeking steady money for their writing skill, work for hire offers opportunities that are often easier to break into than traditional publishing.
October 13, 2021
Write for Money
Professional writers take on extra challenges, and often face extra limitations as well. So the decision to write for money is best made after careful consideration of what you’ll gain and what you may give up.
October 7, 2021
Contests Are More Than Winning
Beyond the possibility of winning, there are so many benefits for writers entering contests. Jan Fields shares what contests can do for you.
September 30, 2021
Connecting to Learn
Discover how connecting to learn with others can make a huge difference in your writing skills.
September 22, 2021
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.
September 14, 2021
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.
September 7, 2021
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.
August 31, 2021
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.
August 24, 2021
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.
August 16, 2021
Writing for Holidays in Books and Magazines | IFW
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.
August 9, 2021
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.
August 2, 2021
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.
July 29, 2021
Put on Your Mystery Thinking C.A.P.
Jan Fields shares her process for writing mysteries for readers of all ages.
July 23, 2021
Winning Mysteries
Jan Fields reveals how to write a winning mystery for readers of all ages.
July 15, 2021
Freedom of Speech: What Does It Mean for Writers ? | IFW
Jan Fields explains Freedom of Speech and what it means for writers
July 1, 2021
