50+ Personal Essay Terms You Should Know
I teach a lot of classes on personal essay writing and find students are often a bit befuddled by the words I’m using. So I’ve created this rundown of the common lingo that relates to the art and business of writing personal essays. (NOTE: along the way I’ve tossed in terms of my own, made up by me).
Sending Out Your Short Story: The Nitty Gritty (including stuff people don’t normally tell you)
Short stories can be very challenging to write—specifically, they’re hard to do well (it’s fairly easy to write a so-so story), but creating a powerful short story is one of the most exhilarating creative experiences I’ve ever known. And publishing stories can be rewarding. For many writers, building a resume with story publications is just about the only way to get the attention of a literary agent.
Writing Organizations, Writing Guilds, and Writing Associations: U.S. West
Learn about writing organizations and centers in your state if you live in the U.S. West, including California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Colorado.
30+ Best Holiday Gifts for Writers in 2023
Here are my favorite gifts for writers in your life—or if you’re a writer and want to ask for a gift from others. I’ve tested most of these for helpfulness and usefulness. You’ll find affordable gifts for writers, and gifts that are more of a splurge.
How to Start a Writing Routine
Recently, I gave an interview at Famous Writing Routines on my daily habits as I work on my next novel. Here are some tips for starting your own writing routine—just don’t steal my spot at Starbucks.
What is Duotrope?
Duotrope was first created in 2005 as a database of literary journals, and a place to track your submissions. Duotrope offers a searchable database of more than 7,500 English-language publishers and agents for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in 40+ countries. The website provides a deadline calendar and statistics on Duotrope-listed publishers and agents.
36 Writing Routines: Which Will Work For You?
Writing routines and habits are as unique as the person performing them. For most of us, writing is a collection of habits picked up, stolen, acquired, and invented over time—often in response to trial and error. Which will work for you?
Making a Living as a Writer: The Business of Writing
It is possible to earn a living as a writer, with some serious caveats. Learn how making a living as a writer works.
Debut Author Hadley Leggett Interview
I first met Hadley Leggett in my Yearlong Class in 2018, when she was still in the relatively early stages of what has become her debut novel, All They Ask is Everything, forthcoming in 2024…
70+ Books on How to Write
70+ books on writing, craft, memoir, fiction, nonfiction, flash fiction and more.