If you tell anyone you're a writer, you are bound to get a lot of opinions. Most of those opinions stink. Unfortunately, many of them can be harmful to aspiring writers. Even though everyone reads (or at least has read at some point in their life), it often feels like people don't have a lot … Continue reading 15 Myths About Writing
When I tell people I have a writing blog, the most common question I get asked (other than how much money I make from it) is, what is your niche? Wait a minute. I said it's a writing blog. Doesn't that count as my niche? While writing about writing is technically a niche in itself, … Continue reading How to Pick Your Writing Niche – And Why You Need One
Sending off your writing to be considered by one of your favorite publications can be both exciting and nerve wracking. On the one hand, you are proud of your work and couldn’t imagine a better home for it. On the other, there’s the intense fear of rejection. Having that dream publication tell you your story … Continue reading When it’s time to accept silence as a rejection
In the realm of academic and persuasive writing, a claim holds significant importance. A claim serves as the central assertion or argument made by a writer to support their position or viewpoint. It is the backbone of an essay or any piece of writing, providing a clear focus and direction for the reader. Crafting a … Continue reading Understanding Claims in Writing and How to Craft Effective Ones
I recently saw a meme regarding Little Women and Jo’s $100 prize for winning a short story contest. According to the meme, the truly sad part of Little Women is it shows writers that rates for short stories haven’t changed in the past 100 years. While there may be some truth to this, there are … Continue reading How To Sell Short Stories for Good Money
Written communication is an important skill to have, especially in the modern age. Most jobs you'll find require you to communicate in writing through email, text messages, or formal letters. Written communication skills allow you to efficiently convey your thoughts, ideas, and emotions. The same is said for essays. However, there are some guidelines to … Continue reading Mastering the Art of Effective Communication in Essay Writing
Update: We now have over 100 short story ideas on this list. These are all bona fide story prompts that you can turn into full short stories. These are not just writing exercises to get your brain doodling. If you write one of these ideas, you have a very good chance of being published. These … Continue reading Over 100 Great Short Story Ideas to Get Published in 2023
Imagine you are a writer who has just written a book. You think it's amazing, and you're sure it's going to be a bestseller. There's just one problem: you're afraid to publish it under your real name. Maybe you're worried about how your family or friends will react, or perhaps you fear it will negatively … Continue reading Should You Use a Pseudonym for Your Writing?
When I was a creative writing teacher, I thought about buying a stamp that said "show, don't tell." It would have made grading papers a lot faster. I would've worn out that stamp faster than anything else I've done before. And that right there is a prime example of telling, not showing! As a writer, … Continue reading Show, Don’t Tell: How to Master the Art of Writing Descriptions That Engage Your Readers
As a writer, your voice is what sets you apart from other writers. It's a mix of tangible and intangible factors your reader can point to in order to identify that you are indeed the author who wrote the piece. If you have a true voice, then your readers can instantly tell your writing from … Continue reading Finding Your Writing Voice: Actionable Tips for Developing Your Unique Style
