WD Presents: 5 WDU Courses, a Chance at Publication, 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 five WDU courses, a call for submissions to the magazine, and more!
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5 WDU Courses Begin This Week!
Getting Started in Writing
When you take this online writing course, you’ll discover your voice, learn the basics of grammar and examine the different types of writing. No matter what type of writing you’re planning on crafting—nonfiction or fiction—you’ll need guidance along the way.
Blogging 101
A key to success for any writer is having an online presence. Blogging is one way to share your expertise and—at the same time—build an author platform. Don’t know how to start a blog? Not sure what to focus on? Don’t fret! This online writing course will guide you through the entire blogging process—how to create and setup a blog, where to start, and much more. You’ll learn how to attract readers and how to market your writing. Start a successful blog today and get noticed by editors and publishers.
Writing the Picture Book
In this course, you’ll learn how to write a winning picture book narrative, envision it with illustrations, and put together a picture package that a publisher will really notice. Plus, you’ll receive feedback on each assignment from your instructor and have the chance to participate in the peer critique section of the course with other classmates.
Short Story Fundamentals
Throughout this four-week course, you will have feedback and support while you write and hone an entire short story from beginning to end, and you’ll leave with a polished draft of your story. You will get insider information about what editors are looking for in short stories they choose to publish. Literary journals are always looking for quality stories, and with the advances in online submissions, getting your work in front of an editor has never been easier.
The Art of Storytelling: Showing vs. Telling
Over the course of six session, you will learn the difference between showing and telling and when it’s good to tell instead of show; how to balance showing and telling to create memorable characters and realistic, seamless dialogue; how the right mix of showing and telling can help you establish a powerful narrative voice; and so much more.
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Submit to Our MFA Workbook Column!
The Writer’s Workbook column is now the MFA Workbook. Rather than sharing excerpts from WD books as done previously, this column will be written by a different MFA student/teacher each issue. These articles will serve two purposes: 1) to provide an opportunity for MFA candidates to get bylines in a national publication in service of their degree. 2) Offer MFA-type instruction/tips to writers who are not in MFA programs. Generally craft-focused with an emphasis on writing exercises and techniques (as opposed to touting the benefits of an MFA program), this column may occasionally include a business-based column if it’s connected to what’s learned in an MFA program (for example, successful networking).
Click here for the full submissions guidelines and how to submit your work.
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Sign Up For Our 8th Annual Mystery and Thriller Virtual Conference!
Writer’s Digest University is pleased to present an exclusive online event for mystery and thriller writers! On March 26 and March 27, our 8th Annual Mystery & Thriller Virtual Conference will provide expert insights from six award-winning and best-selling authors on the finer points of how to write within the mystery and thriller genres. Spend the weekend learning techniques for honing your craft from six different published authors, then (if you choose) pitch your novel via query letter to a literary agent specifically looking for material in the mystery or thriller genre. The agent will provide you with a personalized critique of your query—and maybe ask to see more.
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