Fiction Writing: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
third person omniscient
A definition of the literary term third person omniscient point of view as defined for fiction writers.
A definition of the literary term third person omniscient point of view as defined for fiction writers.
third person limited
A definition of the literary term third person limited point of view for writers of short stories and novels. In third person limited, the narrator reveals the thoughts of only a single character.
A definition of the literary term third person limited point of view for writers of short stories and novels. In third person limited, the narrator reveals the thoughts of only a single character.
third person
A definition of the term third person point of view as it applies to the craft of fiction writing. Third person point of view may be limited or omniscient.
A definition of the term third person point of view as it applies to the craft of fiction writing. Third person point of view may be limited or omniscient.
round character
Chances are good that the characters you've most loved or appreciated in fiction are round characters. Find out what makes a round character dynamic and how you can create your own round characters here.
Chances are good that the characters you've most loved or appreciated in fiction are round characters. Find out what makes a round character dynamic and how you can create your own round characters here.
Writing Dialogue
These simple rules and obvious pitfalls are good to keep in mind when writing dialogue that advances the action of the story and builds the characters.
These simple rules and obvious pitfalls are good to keep in mind when writing dialogue that advances the action of the story and builds the characters.
first person point of view
A definition of the literary term first person point of view as used by fiction writers.
A definition of the literary term first person point of view as used by fiction writers.
flat character
: A flat character is a minor character in a work of fiction who does not undergo substantial change
: A flat character is a minor character in a work of fiction who does not undergo substantial change
Types of Characters
Round characters, flat characters, stock characters . . . learn about all the different kinds of characters and what they mean for you as a writer and a reader.
Round characters, flat characters, stock characters . . . learn about all the different kinds of characters and what they mean for you as a writer and a reader.
figurative language definition
A figurative language definition for creative writers, students, and teachers from About.com's guide to fiction writing.
A figurative language definition for creative writers, students, and teachers from About.com's guide to fiction writing.
Punctuating Dialogue
Provides the absolute essentials for punctuating dialogue: the details that most clearly mark a beginner from a professional.
Provides the absolute essentials for punctuating dialogue: the details that most clearly mark a beginner from a professional.
second person point of view
A definition of the literary term second person point of view as defined for fiction writers.
A definition of the literary term second person point of view as defined for fiction writers.
Metaphor Examples
Metaphor examples are easy to find, both in great literature (and not-so-great literature) and in everyday speech. These examples of both will help you make the most of this writing tool.
Metaphor examples are easy to find, both in great literature (and not-so-great literature) and in everyday speech. These examples of both will help you make the most of this writing tool.
Figurative Language Quiz
Figurative Language Quiz From Ginny Wiehardt ,Your Guide to Fiction Writing .FREE Newsletter. Sign Up
Figurative Language Quiz From Ginny Wiehardt ,Your Guide to Fiction Writing .FREE Newsletter. Sign Up
Rules for Mystery Writing
The mystery, more than other genres, tends to follow standard rules, making it both easier and harder for the mystery writers. Whether you end up following them or breaking them, it's important to at least know what they are.
The mystery, more than other genres, tends to follow standard rules, making it both easier and harder for the mystery writers. Whether you end up following them or breaking them, it's important to at least know what they are.
Sample Bios
If you're not sure what to write for the short bio in your cover letter to a literary journal -- perhaps because you don't have any publications yet -- these samples from published writers will get you started.
If you're not sure what to write for the short bio in your cover letter to a literary journal -- perhaps because you don't have any publications yet -- these samples from published writers will get you started.
Choosing a Point of View
As a writer, you must choose which point of view will allow you to most effectively develop your characters and tell your story, but how do you make that crucial decision?
As a writer, you must choose which point of view will allow you to most effectively develop your characters and tell your story, but how do you make that crucial decision?
dynamic character
Chances are good that the characters you've most loved or appreciated in fiction are dynamic, or round, characters. Find out what makes them dynamic and how you can create your own dynamic characters here.
Chances are good that the characters you've most loved or appreciated in fiction are dynamic, or round, characters. Find out what makes them dynamic and how you can create your own dynamic characters here.
How to Write a Short Story
To write a short story successfully, a number of elements have to come into play. Read about each of these elements and learn how to employ them in your short stories.
To write a short story successfully, a number of elements have to come into play. Read about each of these elements and learn how to employ them in your short stories.
Overcoming Writer's Block
Though some people say that writer’s block doesn’t actually exist, the fact remains that most writers have trouble with writer's block at some point in their careers. Almost anything, it seems, can cause writer's block. Fortunately, there are just as many ways to overcome writer's block as things that cause it.
Though some people say that writer’s block doesn’t actually exist, the fact remains that most writers have trouble with writer's block at some point in their careers. Almost anything, it seems, can cause writer's block. Fortunately, there are just as many ways to overcome writer's block as things that cause it.
Cover Letter Advice
Submitting creative writing for publication is not that different from applying for a job. You want to put your best, most professional foot forward, starting with your cover letter. How do you achieve this?
Submitting creative writing for publication is not that different from applying for a job. You want to put your best, most professional foot forward, starting with your cover letter. How do you achieve this?
How to Publish Short Stories
Learn how to publish short stories in journals and magazines, from formating your work to weathering rejection.
Learn how to publish short stories in journals and magazines, from formating your work to weathering rejection.
Short Story Ideas
Sometimes the hardest part about writing is finding original short story ideas. These exercises and prompts will provide a jumping-off point when you're feeling stuck or uninspired.
Sometimes the hardest part about writing is finding original short story ideas. These exercises and prompts will provide a jumping-off point when you're feeling stuck or uninspired.
protagonist
The protagonist is the main character in a story, novel, drama, or other literary work, the character that the reader or audience empathizes with. The antagonist opposes the protagonist. In the most simple narratives, this boils down to bad guy vs. good guy: Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vadar.
The protagonist is the main character in a story, novel, drama, or other literary work, the character that the reader or audience empathizes with. The antagonist opposes the protagonist. In the most simple narratives, this boils down to bad guy vs. good guy: Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vadar.
static character
: Static characters are minor characters in a work of fiction who do not undergo substantial change or
: Static characters are minor characters in a work of fiction who do not undergo substantial change or
Writing in the Third Person
In a rut with the first person? It's common for beginning writers to avoid writing in the third person initially, but some stories benefit from the freedom it allows you. This exercise will help you rewrite a story in the third person.
In a rut with the first person? It's common for beginning writers to avoid writing in the third person initially, but some stories benefit from the freedom it allows you. This exercise will help you rewrite a story in the third person.
voice
: Voice has two meanings as it concerns creative writers: Voice is the author's style , the quality that
: Voice has two meanings as it concerns creative writers: Voice is the author's style , the quality that
Contests by Month
Keep up with short story contest deadlines with these monthly calendars, and find information on fellowships and residencies.
Keep up with short story contest deadlines with these monthly calendars, and find information on fellowships and residencies.
Creating Characters
Creating complex, well-rounded characters takes time -- time spent thinking about how your characters look, where they're from, and what motivates them, for instance. The questions on this page provide structure to this all-important thought process.
Creating complex, well-rounded characters takes time -- time spent thinking about how your characters look, where they're from, and what motivates them, for instance. The questions on this page provide structure to this all-important thought process.
Creative Writing Prompts
Need a starting point for your creative writing session? These creative writing prompts will get you or your class or your writing started.
Need a starting point for your creative writing session? These creative writing prompts will get you or your class or your writing started.
allusion
An allusion definition for creative writers, students, and teachers from About.com's guide to fiction writing.
An allusion definition for creative writers, students, and teachers from About.com's guide to fiction writing.
Examples of Third Person
If you're still a little confused about what third person looks like in prose, learn from these examples from classic fiction.
If you're still a little confused about what third person looks like in prose, learn from these examples from classic fiction.
How to Write a Novel
Though there are no hard and fast rules for how to get from first draft to bookstore shelf, these tips on how to write a novel will help you find your way with this labor-intensive form.
Though there are no hard and fast rules for how to get from first draft to bookstore shelf, these tips on how to write a novel will help you find your way with this labor-intensive form.
How to Find a Literary Agent
Finding a literary agent can be one of the hardest steps in getting your book published. This how-to breaks the process of finding an agent into manageable tasks.
Finding a literary agent can be one of the hardest steps in getting your book published. This how-to breaks the process of finding an agent into manageable tasks.
style
: Style, to a fiction writer, is basically the way you write, as opposed to what you write about (though
: Style, to a fiction writer, is basically the way you write, as opposed to what you write about (though
The New Yorker
Founded in 1925 by Harold Ross, the New Yorker continues to be one of the most venerated publishers of short fiction. As such, it has helped make the career of writers such as John Updike, Haruki Murakami, Raymond Carver, Janet Frame, Salman Rushdie, and Alice Munro.
Founded in 1925 by Harold Ross, the New Yorker continues to be one of the most venerated publishers of short fiction. As such, it has helped make the career of writers such as John Updike, Haruki Murakami, Raymond Carver, Janet Frame, Salman Rushdie, and Alice Munro.
Assonance Examples
Examples can help you make use of a literary technique in your own work. These examples of assonance and alliteration have been compliled to help you do just that.
Examples can help you make use of a literary technique in your own work. These examples of assonance and alliteration have been compliled to help you do just that.
theme
: A theme is the central idea or ideas explored by a literary work. John Gardner puts it this way: "By
: A theme is the central idea or ideas explored by a literary work. John Gardner puts it this way: "By
symbol
Definition of the literary term, symbol, as used by writers, and in literature and art.
Definition of the literary term, symbol, as used by writers, and in literature and art.
Writing Prompt Pictures
Choose one of these photographs as a writing prompt for your next free writing session. By using an image you did not take, you are more likely to free associate.
Choose one of these photographs as a writing prompt for your next free writing session. By using an image you did not take, you are more likely to free associate.
Figurative Language Overview
Metaphor and simile are the two most common examples of figurative language, but figurative language also includes hyperbole, synecdoche, puns, and personification, among others. Learn more about what makes these types of figurative language.
Metaphor and simile are the two most common examples of figurative language, but figurative language also includes hyperbole, synecdoche, puns, and personification, among others. Learn more about what makes these types of figurative language.
More Literary Magazines
Looking to start submitting your fiction to literary magazines, but unsure of where to begin? These ten journals are prefect for beginning the process. All are well-respected, but also open to work by new authors.
Looking to start submitting your fiction to literary magazines, but unsure of where to begin? These ten journals are prefect for beginning the process. All are well-respected, but also open to work by new authors.
character
Definition of the word character as used by writers of novels, short stories, and other fictional works.
Definition of the word character as used by writers of novels, short stories, and other fictional works.
antagonist
An antagonist is one of the central characters in a piece of fiction, key in providing a source of conflict upon which the plot may turn.
An antagonist is one of the central characters in a piece of fiction, key in providing a source of conflict upon which the plot may turn.
June Writing Contests
Find book and short story writing contest information, as well as details about awards, fellowships, and residencies with June deadlines.
Find book and short story writing contest information, as well as details about awards, fellowships, and residencies with June deadlines.
assonance
: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in a phrase or line. It's harder to use and spot in fiction
: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in a phrase or line. It's harder to use and spot in fiction
plot
: Plot concerns the organization of the main events of a work of fiction. Plot differs from story in
: Plot concerns the organization of the main events of a work of fiction. Plot differs from story in
Basic Plot
While some writers have absorbed or were born with a sense of how to tell a story effectively, most study the elements of plot and pay serious attention to how to successfully construct a narrative. Here's what to keep in mind.
While some writers have absorbed or were born with a sense of how to tell a story effectively, most study the elements of plot and pay serious attention to how to successfully construct a narrative. Here's what to keep in mind.
Photographs as Writing Prompts
Pictures, and especially photographs, carry with them implicit narratives, making them ideal writing prompts for generating new short story ideas.
Pictures, and especially photographs, carry with them implicit narratives, making them ideal writing prompts for generating new short story ideas.
Writing Style
To a certain extent, your writing style will evolve naturally over time through your reading and writing, but there are things you can keep in mind with regard to writing style. These tips are outlined here.
To a certain extent, your writing style will evolve naturally over time through your reading and writing, but there are things you can keep in mind with regard to writing style. These tips are outlined here.
metaphor
Used correctly, metaphors can be a powerful tool for fiction writers. Used incorrectly, however, metaphors only confuse and distract your reader.
Used correctly, metaphors can be a powerful tool for fiction writers. Used incorrectly, however, metaphors only confuse and distract your reader.
Teen Publications
Are you a teenager or pre-teen who's ready to publish your work? Magazines from Stone Soup to Teen Ink are taking work from young writers now.
Are you a teenager or pre-teen who's ready to publish your work? Magazines from Stone Soup to Teen Ink are taking work from young writers now.
Creative Writing Exercises
No matter what stage you're at with your writing, it's always beneficial to work on craft and technique. These creative writing exercises target common problems and weaknesses.
No matter what stage you're at with your writing, it's always beneficial to work on craft and technique. These creative writing exercises target common problems and weaknesses.
stock character
Stock characters draw from widely known cultural types for their characteristics and mannerisms, and are often used in parody. Every culture has its own set of stock characters.
Stock characters draw from widely known cultural types for their characteristics and mannerisms, and are often used in parody. Every culture has its own set of stock characters.
May Writing Contests
Find information on writing contests for the month of May, including website urls, contest deadlines, and fees.
Find information on writing contests for the month of May, including website urls, contest deadlines, and fees.
personification
Personification, a common figure of speech along with simile and metaphor, is used in prose and poetry as well as in everyday speech.
Personification, a common figure of speech along with simile and metaphor, is used in prose and poetry as well as in everyday speech.
figure of speech
Figures of speech are imaginative, non-literal ways of using language that will make your prose stronger and more effective when used properly.
Figures of speech are imaginative, non-literal ways of using language that will make your prose stronger and more effective when used properly.
Freewriting
Freewriting is one of the best tools for generating short story ideas. It is a simple writing exercise that can be done anywhere and requires a minimum of time. The only thing free writing does require, in fact, is a pen and paper. Even the willingness to let go is provided by the exercise.
Freewriting is one of the best tools for generating short story ideas. It is a simple writing exercise that can be done anywhere and requires a minimum of time. The only thing free writing does require, in fact, is a pen and paper. Even the willingness to let go is provided by the exercise.
Story Starters
Almost everyone could use a little help in filling a blank page from time to time. Use these story starters, contributed by readers, to launch your writing session.
Almost everyone could use a little help in filling a blank page from time to time. Use these story starters, contributed by readers, to launch your writing session.
22 Facts about Jane Austen
As critic Gary Kelly has observed, "Jane Austen is one of the few novelists in world literature who is
As critic Gary Kelly has observed, "Jane Austen is one of the few novelists in world literature who is
climax
: A climax is a moment of great intensity in the plot of a literary work, generally bringing events to
: A climax is a moment of great intensity in the plot of a literary work, generally bringing events to
mystery novel
: Mystery is a genre of fiction in which a detective, either an amateur or a professional, solves a crime
: Mystery is a genre of fiction in which a detective, either an amateur or a professional, solves a crime
Literary Magazines to Note
Are you starting out with the process of submitting work to literary magazines and journals? The first step is familiarizing yourself with the market. This list will help you begin.
Are you starting out with the process of submitting work to literary magazines and journals? The first step is familiarizing yourself with the market. This list will help you begin.
Description
Many writers struggle with description, but it's a necessary element of vivid prose. How can you add description to your writing? These tips will help you get details on the page.
Many writers struggle with description, but it's a necessary element of vivid prose. How can you add description to your writing? These tips will help you get details on the page.
How to Get Story Ideas
The truth about where great story ideas come from and how you can learn to generate more of them than you could ever use.
The truth about where great story ideas come from and how you can learn to generate more of them than you could ever use.
Novel Ideas
If you're going to commit years of your life to a project, you obviously want to be sure that it's worth it. So how do you know if your idea is novel worthy? A few questions will help you decide.
If you're going to commit years of your life to a project, you obviously want to be sure that it's worth it. So how do you know if your idea is novel worthy? A few questions will help you decide.
Everyday Metaphors
We don't have to look very far to find examples of metaphor . From expressions like "raining cats and
We don't have to look very far to find examples of metaphor . From expressions like "raining cats and
Create Your Own Metaphors
Spending just a little time on metaphors and similes can spur you to make better use of them in your writing. This exercise designed for poets works for fiction writers as well.
Spending just a little time on metaphors and similes can spur you to make better use of them in your writing. This exercise designed for poets works for fiction writers as well.
Ten-Minute Writing Exercise
If you think you don't have time to write, think again. See what you can produce with a simple set of writing prompts and ten minutes of your time with this creative writing exercise.
If you think you don't have time to write, think again. See what you can produce with a simple set of writing prompts and ten minutes of your time with this creative writing exercise.
Harper Lee
For the 50th anniversary of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, we're taking a look at the author's life and her most important work.
For the 50th anniversary of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, we're taking a look at the author's life and her most important work.
Genre Twister Exercise
A quick, fun writing exercise to help you come up with a ton of story ideas in no time.
A quick, fun writing exercise to help you come up with a ton of story ideas in no time.
All About Avi
Avi's Background: Avi was born Edward Irving Wortis in 1937 in New York City and was raised in Brooklyn,
Avi's Background: Avi was born Edward Irving Wortis in 1937 in New York City and was raised in Brooklyn,
How to Get Published: A Quiz
How to Get Published: A Quiz From Ginny Wiehardt ,Your Guide to Fiction Writing .FREE Newsletter. Sign
How to Get Published: A Quiz From Ginny Wiehardt ,Your Guide to Fiction Writing .FREE Newsletter. Sign
Is Your Story a Novel?
How do you know if a short story is really a novel? These six signs will help you evaluate whether or not to expand your short story into a novel.
How do you know if a short story is really a novel? These six signs will help you evaluate whether or not to expand your short story into a novel.
point of view
: Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told; the narrator's position in relation to
: Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told; the narrator's position in relation to
Modifiers
While modifiers -- adjectives and adverbs -- can add to a story, too many, or the wrong ones, can bog down your prose and lead to weaker nouns and verbs. This writing exercise, by forcing you to hold off on modifiers altogether, will challenge you to choose your nouns and verbs more carefully.
While modifiers -- adjectives and adverbs -- can add to a story, too many, or the wrong ones, can bog down your prose and lead to weaker nouns and verbs. This writing exercise, by forcing you to hold off on modifiers altogether, will challenge you to choose your nouns and verbs more carefully.
Setting Exercise
Many writers swear that setting is the most important element of any fictional work -- that story and character grow out of setting. Here, you will devote some time reflecting on your story's setting.
Many writers swear that setting is the most important element of any fictional work -- that story and character grow out of setting. Here, you will devote some time reflecting on your story's setting.
Avoiding Back Story
Does your fiction tend to get bogged down in back story? Are you unsure of how to stay in the present with a piece? This exercise will help you learn to create forward-moving fiction.
Does your fiction tend to get bogged down in back story? Are you unsure of how to stay in the present with a piece? This exercise will help you learn to create forward-moving fiction.
simile
Simile, like metaphor, is a type of figurative language used by fiction writers to convey an image or idea to the reader.
Simile, like metaphor, is a type of figurative language used by fiction writers to convey an image or idea to the reader.
Editing Checklist
Before you show your story to anyone, make sure that you've caught at least the obvious spelling and grammar mistakes using this comprehensive editing checklist.
Before you show your story to anyone, make sure that you've caught at least the obvious spelling and grammar mistakes using this comprehensive editing checklist.
Writing a Short Bio
For writers just starting out, the idea of writing a “short bio” to go along with their submission to a literary journal can be daunting. What exactly are editors looking for? This FAQ will put your mind to rest.
For writers just starting out, the idea of writing a “short bio” to go along with their submission to a literary journal can be daunting. What exactly are editors looking for? This FAQ will put your mind to rest.
Publishing Companies
When you're ready to publish your novel, you'll want to start with the big publishing companies: Random House, Penguin, Simon & Schuster, etc. Learn a little bit about each one before you start this process.
When you're ready to publish your novel, you'll want to start with the big publishing companies: Random House, Penguin, Simon & Schuster, etc. Learn a little bit about each one before you start this process.
alliteration
Alliteration is another tool used by creative writers, especially in more poetic works, although it is often employed for comic purposes as well.
Alliteration is another tool used by creative writers, especially in more poetic works, although it is often employed for comic purposes as well.
magic realism
The term magic realism describes contemporary fiction, often from Latin America or the third world, whose narrative blends magical or fantastical elements with reality. Magic realist writers include Gabriel García Márquez, Alejo Carpentier, and Isabel Allende.
The term magic realism describes contemporary fiction, often from Latin America or the third world, whose narrative blends magical or fantastical elements with reality. Magic realist writers include Gabriel García Márquez, Alejo Carpentier, and Isabel Allende.
Hands: Writing Exercise
This creative writing exercise begins with a description prompt and then leads writers through a series of seemingly unrelated steps, resulting in original and surprising associations.
This creative writing exercise begins with a description prompt and then leads writers through a series of seemingly unrelated steps, resulting in original and surprising associations.
Idea Box
An idea box is one way to ensure that you always have a stock of ideas for your creative writing.
An idea box is one way to ensure that you always have a stock of ideas for your creative writing.
bildungsroman
: A bildungsroman is a novel that traces the development of a character from childhood to adulthood,
: A bildungsroman is a novel that traces the development of a character from childhood to adulthood,
Cover Letter Example
Middle-grade novelist Berniece L. contributed this example of a cover letter she sent for her first novel.
Middle-grade novelist Berniece L. contributed this example of a cover letter she sent for her first novel.
Gift-Buying Guide
Having trouble selecting gifts for writers in your life? Want something that shows support, but is more creative than a generic pen and pencil set? With a little thought, you can choose a gift that your friend will cherish. This guide will help you get started.
Having trouble selecting gifts for writers in your life? Want something that shows support, but is more creative than a generic pen and pencil set? With a little thought, you can choose a gift that your friend will cherish. This guide will help you get started.
Use Metaphors Correctly
When used correctly, metaphors are effective fiction writing tools, but like most literary devices, metaphors bomb when used incorrectly. Learn about the two most common traps to avoid when using metaphors in your fiction writing.
When used correctly, metaphors are effective fiction writing tools, but like most literary devices, metaphors bomb when used incorrectly. Learn about the two most common traps to avoid when using metaphors in your fiction writing.
American Short Fiction
A quarterly magazine, American Short Fiction strives to discover and publish new fiction in which transformations of language, narrative, and character occur swiftly, deftly, and unexpectedly. This profile provides all the information you need to submit your work to ASF.
A quarterly magazine, American Short Fiction strives to discover and publish new fiction in which transformations of language, narrative, and character occur swiftly, deftly, and unexpectedly. This profile provides all the information you need to submit your work to ASF.
Writing Action Scenes
Action scenes aren't just for espionage or fantasy novels: almost every story will have some sequences in which the characters are doing things. How do you get the action right? These tips will help.
Action scenes aren't just for espionage or fantasy novels: almost every story will have some sequences in which the characters are doing things. How do you get the action right? These tips will help.
Monthly Writing Challenges
Each month from September to May, the fiction writing site at About.com supplies a monthly writing challenge and posts reader responses. Read the challenges from past months and submit a response to the most recent writing challenge.
Each month from September to May, the fiction writing site at About.com supplies a monthly writing challenge and posts reader responses. Read the challenges from past months and submit a response to the most recent writing challenge.
Are You Ready to Publish?
Before beginning the process of trying to get your fiction published, it's important to know whether or not you're ready. These five questions will help you evaluate whether or not you're ready to embark on that stage of your writing life.
Before beginning the process of trying to get your fiction published, it's important to know whether or not you're ready. These five questions will help you evaluate whether or not you're ready to embark on that stage of your writing life.
Secrets Writing Exercise
It's sometimes hard to come up with original short story ideas. This game involving secrets helps writing students discover new inspirations for their short stories.
It's sometimes hard to come up with original short story ideas. This game involving secrets helps writing students discover new inspirations for their short stories.
How to Write Fiction
Want to learn how to write better? If you have a willingness to work at it, you can learn to write anything, including fiction. Start by reviewing these basic components.
Want to learn how to write better? If you have a willingness to work at it, you can learn to write anything, including fiction. Start by reviewing these basic components.
Pun
: A pun is a play on words, often humorous, that uses words that have similar or identical sounds but
: A pun is a play on words, often humorous, that uses words that have similar or identical sounds but
Know Your Theme
A different way of examining theme in fiction and how knowing yours can improve your writing.
A different way of examining theme in fiction and how knowing yours can improve your writing.
denouement
: The denouement refers to the resolution of the complications of a plot in a work of fiction, generally
: The denouement refers to the resolution of the complications of a plot in a work of fiction, generally
Literary London Walking Tour
If you're a fan of English-language literature, few places are as full of literary landmarks as London, home to everyone from Shakespeare and Milton to Virginia Woolf and T.S. Eliot. This literary London tour points out just a few of the many places where you can commune with your literary heroes.
If you're a fan of English-language literature, few places are as full of literary landmarks as London, home to everyone from Shakespeare and Milton to Virginia Woolf and T.S. Eliot. This literary London tour points out just a few of the many places where you can commune with your literary heroes.
Short Story Writing Contests
Find info on book and short story writing contests, fellowships, and residencies with July deadlines here.
Find info on book and short story writing contests, fellowships, and residencies with July deadlines here.
Exercises for Story Ideas
Sometimes the hardest part of writing is coming up with something to write about. These exercises and writing prompts will help you generate new short story ideas.
Sometimes the hardest part of writing is coming up with something to write about. These exercises and writing prompts will help you generate new short story ideas.
How to Freewrite
Are you foggy on exactly what freewriting should look like? Here's one example of how the process might play out.
Are you foggy on exactly what freewriting should look like? Here's one example of how the process might play out.
Make Time to Write
For most of us, making time to write will always be something of a struggle. With friends and family, financial obligations, and emotional issues all vying for our attention, it takes determination to make a writing schedule and stick to it. I've come to the conclusion that there is no easy answer, but there are concrete things we can do to make time to write.
For most of us, making time to write will always be something of a struggle. With friends and family, financial obligations, and emotional issues all vying for our attention, it takes determination to make a writing schedule and stick to it. I've come to the conclusion that there is no easy answer, but there are concrete things we can do to make time to write.
Stephen King's On Writing
A review of Stephen King's book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, a funny and practical look at the secrets behind King's prolific career.
A review of Stephen King's book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, a funny and practical look at the secrets behind King's prolific career.
How to Be a Writer
What makes a person a writer?
What makes a person a writer?
epilogue
The epilogue, which comes at the end of a work of literature, can be important in closing a story or novel.
The epilogue, which comes at the end of a work of literature, can be important in closing a story or novel.
Writer's Market
A review of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market series, an indispensable tool for any fiction writer wishing to see his or her work in print.
A review of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market series, an indispensable tool for any fiction writer wishing to see his or her work in print.
The Artist's Way
Since 1992, The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron's guide to achieving a more creative life, has helped countless artists and writers to uncover the reasons for their creative block and then implement a habit to overcome it.
Since 1992, The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron's guide to achieving a more creative life, has helped countless artists and writers to uncover the reasons for their creative block and then implement a habit to overcome it.
detective story
: The detective story is a genre of fiction in which a detective, either an amateur or a professional,
: The detective story is a genre of fiction in which a detective, either an amateur or a professional,
connotation
This definition of connotation from the glossary of literary terms will help you to make better use of this fiction writing tool.
This definition of connotation from the glossary of literary terms will help you to make better use of this fiction writing tool.
Listening for Dialogue
For many writers, writing natural-sounding dialogue is one of the hardest parts. This little exercise helps you develop an ear for the way that people really talk.
For many writers, writing natural-sounding dialogue is one of the hardest parts. This little exercise helps you develop an ear for the way that people really talk.
Reading Like a Writer
Francine Prose's Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those Who Want to Write Them instructs writers in the art of close reading, showing them how it can help them improve their own work.
Francine Prose's Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and For Those Who Want to Write Them instructs writers in the art of close reading, showing them how it can help them improve their own work.
Format Short Stories
If you want to be taken seriously as a writer, you'll want to be familiar with these rules for formatting short stories.
If you want to be taken seriously as a writer, you'll want to be familiar with these rules for formatting short stories.
Testing a New Story Idea
Robert McKee, in his book, Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, has
Robert McKee, in his book, Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, has
synecdoche
Definition of the literary term, synecdoche, for writers of short stories and novels.
Definition of the literary term, synecdoche, for writers of short stories and novels.
hyperbole
: Hyperbole, a type of figure of speech , uses exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis. Mark Twain
: Hyperbole, a type of figure of speech , uses exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis. Mark Twain
Alliteration Examples
Examples can help you make use of a literary technique in your own work. These examples of alliteration have been compiled to help you do just that.
Examples can help you make use of a literary technique in your own work. These examples of alliteration have been compiled to help you do just that.
Tips from Kris Saknussemm
Kris Saknussemm, author of Zanesville: A Novel, offers his advice on making it as a novelist.
Kris Saknussemm, author of Zanesville: A Novel, offers his advice on making it as a novelist.
conflict
Conflict is the heart of any plot. The conflict can be between the protagonist and another character, the antagonist; between the protagonist and nature; or the protagonist and society. It can also be an internal or psychological conflict.
Conflict is the heart of any plot. The conflict can be between the protagonist and another character, the antagonist; between the protagonist and nature; or the protagonist and society. It can also be an internal or psychological conflict.
Using Dialogue Tags
Veering too much from "he said/she said" only draws attention to the tags. While readers tend to read
Veering too much from "he said/she said" only draws attention to the tags. While readers tend to read
Realistic Dialogue
Your first draft of a story may be messy, with a lot of unnecessary words and phrases. You'll probably
Your first draft of a story may be messy, with a lot of unnecessary words and phrases. You'll probably
An Example of Assonance
Poets tend to work more consciously with literary devices like assonance , the repetition of vowel sounds,
Poets tend to work more consciously with literary devices like assonance , the repetition of vowel sounds,
Dialogue and Action
These examples illustrate how to ground your dialogue in the physical world with action and description.
These examples illustrate how to ground your dialogue in the physical world with action and description.
Verbal Pitch
How to craft and deliver a killer pitch of your novel that will have them begging to read it.
How to craft and deliver a killer pitch of your novel that will have them begging to read it.
Writers' Rooms
Since the Writers Room opened in Manhattan in 1978 to provide urban writers with a place to write, a number of similar spaces have opened up around the U.S. and abroad. Though it doesn't guarantee the proverbial room of one's own, it does offer a cubicle and some community.
Since the Writers Room opened in Manhattan in 1978 to provide urban writers with a place to write, a number of similar spaces have opened up around the U.S. and abroad. Though it doesn't guarantee the proverbial room of one's own, it does offer a cubicle and some community.
Write a Novel
With regard to writing a novel, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we decided to ask our readers for their advice on how to write a novel. Our article on the topic offers one perspective, but it wouldn't strike home with everyone, at least not for all aspects of the process.
With regard to writing a novel, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we decided to ask our readers for their advice on how to write a novel. Our article on the topic offers one perspective, but it wouldn't strike home with everyone, at least not for all aspects of the process.
Writers' Rooms in NYC
Famous for attracting writers and infamous for exorbitant rents, New York City has more writers' rooms than any other American city. The Writers Room created the model when it opened in Manhattan in 1978, and similar spaces have sprung up in the city since then, offering space and community to the city's many writers.
Famous for attracting writers and infamous for exorbitant rents, New York City has more writers' rooms than any other American city. The Writers Room created the model when it opened in Manhattan in 1978, and similar spaces have sprung up in the city since then, offering space and community to the city's many writers.
Alix Ohlin
Alix Ohlin is the author of the novel "The Missing Person" (2005) and the short story collection "Babylon
Alix Ohlin is the author of the novel "The Missing Person" (2005) and the short story collection "Babylon
First Line Story Starters
Often all you need is the first line to fill a page. These story starters, meant as opening phrases, were offered by readers as their favorite story starters.
Often all you need is the first line to fill a page. These story starters, meant as opening phrases, were offered by readers as their favorite story starters.
euphemism
Euphemisms, used in dialogue, can be helpful tools for the creative writer. This definition will help you make better use of them.
Euphemisms, used in dialogue, can be helpful tools for the creative writer. This definition will help you make better use of them.
epigraph
Though an epigraph may also be found marking buildings or monuments, they have a specific function with regard to creative writing.
Though an epigraph may also be found marking buildings or monuments, they have a specific function with regard to creative writing.
Books for Beginning Writers
With so many books for writers out there -- particularly for the beginning writer -- it can be hard to know where to start. These reviews of some classic and recent books for writers will help you decide which ones are right for you.
With so many books for writers out there -- particularly for the beginning writer -- it can be hard to know where to start. These reviews of some classic and recent books for writers will help you decide which ones are right for you.
episodic novel
: An episodic novel is a narrative composed of loosely connected incidents, each one more or less self-contained,
: An episodic novel is a narrative composed of loosely connected incidents, each one more or less self-contained,
SASE
Are you ready to get published, but not quite sure what this little bit of jargon means? It's not nearly as mysterious as it sounds.
Are you ready to get published, but not quite sure what this little bit of jargon means? It's not nearly as mysterious as it sounds.
Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird
A review of Anne Lamott's popular work, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, which has become a classic in the genre.
A review of Anne Lamott's popular work, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, which has become a classic in the genre.
Dictionary Writing Exercise
The dictionary is a wealth of story ideas and writing prompts. This exercise will guide you through the process of unlocking this tool.
The dictionary is a wealth of story ideas and writing prompts. This exercise will guide you through the process of unlocking this tool.
Agent FAQs
A good agent will help edit your book, get it into the hands of receptive editors, and make sure that you get the best deal. How do you go about finding the right one? Find answers to common questions here.
A good agent will help edit your book, get it into the hands of receptive editors, and make sure that you get the best deal. How do you go about finding the right one? Find answers to common questions here.
Learn from Other Writers
While books on writing have a lot to say about the writing process, many valuable skills and strategies can be learned by studying the work -- as well as the lives -- of writers you admire. Writing fiction is a complex process: it requires a suitably nuanced course of study. In the same way, the answers to many questions about how to lead a writer's life can be found in the examples set by successful writers.
While books on writing have a lot to say about the writing process, many valuable skills and strategies can be learned by studying the work -- as well as the lives -- of writers you admire. Writing fiction is a complex process: it requires a suitably nuanced course of study. In the same way, the answers to many questions about how to lead a writer's life can be found in the examples set by successful writers.
hard-boiled
Definition of the literary term, hard-boiled detective novel, for writers of mystery and detective fiction. Hard-boiled detective novels typically feature a professional detective as opposed to an amateur sleuth.
Definition of the literary term, hard-boiled detective novel, for writers of mystery and detective fiction. Hard-boiled detective novels typically feature a professional detective as opposed to an amateur sleuth.
NaNoWriMo
Every November, National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, spurs writers all over the world to write -- or at least attempt to write -- an entire novel in one month. Sound crazy? You don't know the half of it.
Every November, National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, spurs writers all over the world to write -- or at least attempt to write -- an entire novel in one month. Sound crazy? You don't know the half of it.
Chandler Metaphor Example
For examples of metaphor in contemporary literature, it's hard to do better than Raymond Chandler, the hard-boiled detective novelist. Here we look at a metaphor example (or two) from The Long Goodbye.
For examples of metaphor in contemporary literature, it's hard to do better than Raymond Chandler, the hard-boiled detective novelist. Here we look at a metaphor example (or two) from The Long Goodbye.
The Journal
The Journal, published twice yearly by the Ohio State University, publishes exciting, challenging writing, without giving the impression that writers are the core audience. If you care about language and can still deliver a well-crafted plot, consider The Journal for your work.
The Journal, published twice yearly by the Ohio State University, publishes exciting, challenging writing, without giving the impression that writers are the core audience. If you care about language and can still deliver a well-crafted plot, consider The Journal for your work.
imagery
: Imagery is visually descriptive or figurative language in a literary work. It is also the pattern of
: Imagery is visually descriptive or figurative language in a literary work. It is also the pattern of
Books for Writers
What creative writing books should every writer have on his or her shelf? From getting inspired to getting published, these books on creative writing will help show you the way.
What creative writing books should every writer have on his or her shelf? From getting inspired to getting published, these books on creative writing will help show you the way.
Creative Writing Programs
Creative writing programs can provide a writer with time and space in which to write, but they can also be uncomfortable places. Some careful consideration can make a big difference in your experience.
Creative writing programs can provide a writer with time and space in which to write, but they can also be uncomfortable places. Some careful consideration can make a big difference in your experience.
Storyteller Exercise
This imaginative exercise inspired by one in Julia Cameron's The Right to Write, encourages writers to listen for story ideas.
This imaginative exercise inspired by one in Julia Cameron's The Right to Write, encourages writers to listen for story ideas.
Research Literary Agents
Before you can begin to query literary agents, you first have to know a few things about them. A little research will help you address them professionally and ensure that you get reliable representation.
Before you can begin to query literary agents, you first have to know a few things about them. A little research will help you address them professionally and ensure that you get reliable representation.
How To Write Faster
Tools, tips and techniques to write fiction faster than you ever have before.
Tools, tips and techniques to write fiction faster than you ever have before.
The Claremont Review
The Claremont Review publishes high-quality poetry, short stories, and short plays by writers aged 13-19. Learn more about submitting your creative writing to them.
The Claremont Review publishes high-quality poetry, short stories, and short plays by writers aged 13-19. Learn more about submitting your creative writing to them.