Writing Tips
Expert advice on all aspects of writing, updated weekly. To get Writing Tips in your inbox for free, join our newsletter.
Newest Articles
How to Start a Poem (When You Don’t Know Where to Start)
How do you start a poem? Where does it start? What does the poet do to step inside a poem? Writing poetry can feel daunting, particularly when the blank page stays blank and stares at you, waiting to be imbued with meaning. If you’re stuck and wondering how to start a poem, you’re in the…
Creative Writing Classes for Adults: Everything to Know Before You Enroll
There are hundreds of creative writing classes for adults, both online and in a city near you. Adult learners looking to work on their writing skills will find no shortage of options around them. But, which courses are right for you? What are creative writing classes for adults like? How do you get the most…
The Hardest Part of Being a Writer
Earlier this month, we asked writers from all walks of life: “What’s the biggest thing holding you back in your writing?” One hundred forty-four answered us. Among twenty options—everything from “I struggle to complete large projects” to “I don’t feel confident navigating publishing”—here were their top 7 answers, in order: I’m worried my work isn’t…
From Our Instructors
How to Write a Podcast Script: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want more advice on how to write a podcast script? Check out Cara Stevens’ Zoom webinar How to Start a Podcast. Cara J. Stevens is an author, editor, podcaster and book coach. She has written more than 80 books for young readers based on video games, pop-culture trends, and beloved characters including Pokémon Go, Terraria, and…
Writing About Real People
Sneak Peek: This essay is excerpted from some of the materials I’ll be sharing in my class, “The Body and Soul of Your Memoir: Shape, Focus, and Write Your Memoir” at Writers.com starting June 4. When my memoir, The Sky Begins At Your Feet: A Memoir on Cancer, Community and Coming Home to the Body,…
The 35 Best Gifts for Writers in Your Life
Professional authors chime in on gift ideas for writers—both during the holidays and any time of year. If you’re looking for the best gifts for writers in your life, look no further. There are lots of great gifts for creative writers—you just need to get in a writer’s head. With the help of some lovely…
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How to Read Like a Writer
Literary Devices
Character Development
Writing with Confidence
Writing Prompts
Jump-start your creativity with our writing prompts. Check back regularly for new prompts!
Show and Tell
Write a story or poem about an object with a lot of nostalgic value for you/the narrator. Do not, at any point, tell the reader explicitly what this object is.
Forgive and Forget
Write a story or poem about a time when you had to forget something to maintain a friendship or relationship.
Trash Day
Collect pieces of “junk writing”—spam emails, credit card advertisements, roadside billboards, bumper stickers, etc. Then, write a story or poem that uses all of the junk writing you collected.
