Publications / 323 posts found
HuffPost: Market Spotlight
Launched in 2005 as The Huffington Report, HuffPost is a news aggregator site that’s covered a variety of topics with its newer name since 2017. It was originally launched as an alternative to conservative sites like The Drudge Report, and it was purchased in early 2021 by BuzzFeed. (Reader’s Digest: Market Spotlight.) The editors say, “At HuffPost, we report with empathy and put people at the heart of every story. We take a people-first approach in everything we report—be it news and politics or lifestyle and entertainment—and we cover real stories about real life. Regardless of who you are, where you […]
2022 April PAD Challenge: Day 4
Hopefully, you’re on your fourth day of poeming today, but it’s possible this is your first day of writing poems this April. If that’s the case, here’s your chance to catch up! For today’s prompt, write a catch up poem. This is not to be confused with a ketchup (or catsup) poem, but hey, write one of those if the poetic spirit moves you! But I’m thinking of catching up on work, catching up in a race, or catching up on some popular TV or streaming series. Remember: These prompts are springboards to creativity. Use them to expand your possibilities, […]
Lian Dolan: On Finding the Right Place and Right Time
Lian Dolan is a writer and talker. She’s the author of three best-selling novels, The Sweeney Sisters, Helen of Pasadena, and Elizabeth the First Wife. She’s a regular humor columnist for Pasadena Magazine and has previously written monthly columns for O, The Oprah Magazine and Working Mother Magazine. She’s also written for TV, radio, and websites. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Lian Dolan In this post, Lian discusses the years-long process of putting down and picking back up the idea that would become her new novel, Lost and Found in Paris, the challenges of publishing a book in […]
WD Presents: Editorial Roundtable, 6 WDU Courses, and More!
There’s always so much happening in the Writer’s Digest universe that even staff members have trouble keeping up. As a result, we decided to start collecting what’s on the horizon to make it easier for everyone to know what’s happening and when. This week, we’re excited to announce our editorial roundtable discussion, six WDU courses starting this week, and more! **** Watch the Editors of WD Discuss Beginning New Story Ideas! In an excerpt from the first episode, the editors of WD share their thoughts about what it’s like to begin a new story idea. Listen to the full episode […]
5 Creative Ways to Turn Your Book Into Audible Media
Audiobooks are one of the fastest growing formats in publishing. In 2020, publishers experienced a 12% increase in audiobook revenue according to the Audio Publishers Association (the ninth consecutive year of double-digit growth, despite a global pandemic). Audiobooks are predicted to become a $19 billion dollar industry by 2027. Why are audiobooks so popular? First, they don’t “compete” for a reader’s time the way a print book or screen does. Most people tune-in to audiobooks while multitasking (such as cleaning or driving), meaning they can make the most of their already limited time. Second, audio storytelling is more creative and […]
2022 April PAD Challenge: Day 3
I always say that people who make it through the first three days of the challenge have a much greater chance of finishing the challenge than others. Also, people who make it through the first weekend have far superior odds of completion. Once you finish today’s poem, you can put a checkmark next to both categories. For today’s prompt, write a smell poem. Strong writing uses sensory language, and one sense that is often overlooked is the sense of smell. So write about the pungent smell of teenage socks, the exquisite odor of fresh lasagna, or the coppery scent of […]
Liisa Jorgensen: On Inspiring and Challenging Readers
Liisa Jorgensen has worked as a writer and story editor on a diverse variety of film and television productions for Myth Merchant Films for over 20 years. She believes in the power of story and its ability to help audiences transform and become better humans. She is especially interested in ending the stigmas associated with mental illness and disorders, as well as highlighting those who serve a greater good and live for something other than themselves. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Liisa Jorgensen In this post, Liisa discusses tackling a new perspective […]
6 Practical Tips for Writing Great Historical Fiction
In 2019, the New York Times Style Magazine declared that we are living in a “golden age” of historical fiction. Whatever the reason for this—be it our need to escape a horribly uncertain present or our fear of what the future might bring—as the author of six World War II-influenced novels, I am very happy that people want their fiction immersed in the past. (Entertaining With the Past: How To Write Engaging Historical Fiction) It is a genre, however, which can trip up the unwary writer: We are not, after all, describing times in which we have lived. With that […]
2022 April PAD Challenge: Day 2
Welcome back! It’s day two of the April PAD Challenge, and it’s your second chance to write a poem this month. For today’s prompt, write a second chance poem. That second chance could be a second chance at a relationship, at living life, or doing the right thing. Maybe play with whether it’s deserved or not, or just dive straight into giving or taking that second chance. Remember: These prompts are springboards to creativity. Use them to expand your possibilities, not limit them. Note on commenting: If you wish to comment on the site, go to Disqus to create a […]
How To Start Writing And Publishing For A New Writer
New writers have so many opportunities now to start writing and publishing. If you want to express yourself and find readers, there is nothing to stop you. As long as you are motivated and willing to learn, you can do it. Your goals will be different depending on the type of writing you want to pursue. It might be a book, and for others, article writing, poetry, or blogging. But once you decide to take your first steps towards publishing your writing, you’ll never look back. Writing and publishing tips for new writers It doesn’t matter what you write; you […]