Publications / 323 posts found
2022 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 17
In my very first creative writing class in college, I remember my professor ripping pages out of a book of photos, crumpling them, and putting them in a bag. We would reach into the bag and pick out a page, uncrumple it, and then whatever object was pictured was what we had to use as inspiration to write. Instead of a book of photos, here’s a list of just a few objects: Hammer Key Fishing pole Lamp Book Bottle For today’s prompt, use one or more of these objects to inspire your story! Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are […]
10 Things to Consider When Writing About Obsession in Fiction
Obsession can be a powerful engine in fiction writing. Your main character might be fixated on another person, or an object, or a task. Yet by its nature, their desire cannot be satisfied. Getting more leads to wanting more. Obstacles only make the need stronger. (Kiare Ladner: On Anticipating False Summits) As the stakes increase, obsession brings a natural arc to your story. Tension rises and rises until … what? In the end, something has to give, whether it is the obsession itself or the main character’s sanity or their life. Sound easy? Nothing’s ever as easy as it sounds […]
3 Ways To Incorporate Food in Your Fiction
Food and books are probably the greatest pleasures of my life. So imagine my excitement when I found out there was an entire sub-genre that combined my two loves: culinary cozy mysteries. I was so happy to contribute my own spin on the genre last year with my debut novel, Arsenic and Adobo, which is part of the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series. My books center around a family-run Filipino restaurant in a small town just outside of Chicago (and murder, but this article isn’t about that). (Mia P. Manansala: On Savoring Positive Feedback) Just like sex scenes and fight […]
Julie Bogart: On Navigating the Digital World
Julie Bogart is known for her commonsense parenting and education advice. She’s the author of the beloved book, The Brave Learner, which has brought joy and freedom to countless home educators. Her new book, Raising Critical Thinkers, offers parents a lifeline in navigating the complex digital world our kids are confronting. Julie’s also the creator of the award-winning, innovative online writing program called Brave Writer, now 22 years old, serving 191 countries. She home educated her five children who are globe-trotting adults. Today, Julie lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, and can be found sipping a cup of tea while planning her […]
Your Story #117
MoMo Productions via Getty Images Prompt: Write a short story of 650 words or fewer based on the photo prompt above. You can be poignant, funny, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story. Email your submission to yourstorycontest@aimmedia.com with the subject line “Your Story 117.” No attachments, please. Include your name and mailing address. Entries without a name or mailing address with be disqualified. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to every entry we receive, due to volume. No confirmation emails will be sent out to confirm receipt of submission. But be assured all submissions received before entry deadline are considered […]
2022 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 16
Earlier in the month, we talked a bit about character motivations. I want to revisit that subject from a new angle today. For today’s prompt, write about a hoarder. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.) Here’s my attempt at writing about hoarding: Hoarder They’re coming, Arthur. It’s not like I haven’t thought about this, because I […]
Wednesday Poetry Prompts: 600
Wow! Today marks 600 Wednesday Poetry Prompts! Good stuff. For today’s prompt, write an occasion poem. The occasion might be doing something for the first time, the 50th time, or 600th time. Or it might be a big event like watching the Super Bowl or giving heart-shaped cards to each other (with some kind of flowers and/or candy and/or use your imagination). Or the occasion could be something much more low key, though maybe just as important, like writing a poem. Remember: These prompts are springboards to creativity. Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them. Note on commenting: […]
How To Write About Love While the World Is Falling Apart
I wrote what I hoped would be a slightly unconventional novel that would ideally be really accessible. It took me a long time to figure out how to do this! Part of the problem was that when I was in middle school and they tried to get us to write short stories, they would tell us to write a summary of what was going to happen and then write the story. This is great! Here’s the problem: If I write out what’s going to happen in the story, then I already wrote the story. I have no idea how to […]
Writer’s Digest Presents: Flash Writing (Podcast, Episode 2)
In the second episode of the Writer’s Digest Presents podcast, Amy, Robert, Moriah, and Michael discuss flash fiction, short stories, and the origin of the February Flash Fiction Challenge. This includes sharing their own personal favorites and how reading short fiction is different than reading a novel. Then, Robert has a conversation about flash nonfiction with Gina Barreca, author or editor of more than 20 books, including Fast Funny Women: 75 Essays of Flash Nonfiction and They Used to Call Me Snow White But I Drifted: Women’s Strategic Use of Humor. Quote on writing flash pieces: “You have to see […]
How to Sell Your Novel: Learn Essential Steps Here
Writing a book is hard work. The crying, frustration, and stress of getting all those words down on paper (and it is fun!) but let’s be honest: Writing is work. Knowing how to sell your novel is even more work. But what about selling your book once it’s published? Marketing Your Novel This is—for every author—when the real work begins. You created this great book, and now, you have to sell it and try to recoup your money from the initial book production investment. Now, I said it was a lot of work, but it’s the part of the process […]