‘Tis the season to write! Today’s post is short but fun. I hope you enjoy this Christmas writing prompt:
The elf on the shelf moved—but you didn’t move it. Something fishy is going on here . . .
Here to learn? You’re in the WRITE place!
At The Write Practice, we publish a new article each day designed to help writers tackle one part of their writing journey, from generating ideas to grammar to writing and publishing your first book. Each article has a short practice exercise at the end to help you immediately put your learning to use.
Check out the latest articles below or find ones that match your interest in the sidebar.
And make sure to subscribe to get a weekly digest of our latest posts, along with our free guide, 10 Steps to Become a Writer.
Voyage and Return Plot: Is Your Character Going Places?
As we continue to look at Christopher Booker’s 7 basic plots, today we turn to the voyage and return. If you’re trying to tell a story with a journey into strange lands on a fantastic voyage, where normal rules might not apply, you may be working with a voyage and return plot.
Playful Holiday Writing Prompts to Challenge and Inspire You
‘Tis the season of holiday parties, children’s winter concerts, filling our schedules to the brim, visiting with family, eating too much, and drinking more than we should. With all of that going on, it can be difficult to stick to our writing regimen.
When we are tired, inspiration feels like a mirage. We feel as though it is just a little bit ahead of us, but with each step we take, it takes a step away. Writing during the holidays can be tough.
Sometimes, the thing we need to get our juices going is a writing challenge.
Our Favorite Books of the Year
We’re coming up to the end of the year, so I’m wondering: what books have you enjoyed the most this year?
I asked that to members of our writing community, and got dozens of amazing book recommendations that I need to add to my reading list. So I thought I would share some of the highlights with you, as well as my own personal favorite books I read in this last year.Â
But what about you, dear reader? What are your favorite books from 2024?
The 7 Basic Plots: Rags to Riches
Everyone loves a success story, especially when it results from years of hard work and the protagonist has struggled from the depths of despair. This story type is so beloved, that it is Charles Booker’s second plot type of seven: Rags to Riches.
What is Didactic Literature? Have we Outgrown it?
What do Aesop’s Fables, the Oxford English Dictionary, the Encyclopedia Britannica, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, a science textbook, and an instruction manual have in common?
They are all didactic literature. But what is didactic literature? And is it still relevant? Let’s take a look.Â
Writing Masterclass: Best Masterclass Courses for Writers
With so many MasterClass courses available, which ones are worth your time? Here at The Write Practice, we’re attending and reviewing each author’s MasterClass to help you decide whether it’s the class for you.
Seven Basic Plots: Overcoming the Monster
Christopher Booker published The Seven Basic Plots in 2004, and he argues that all stories told in any medium can be categorized into one of seven archetypes. Today, we’re covering the first plot: Overcoming the Monster. Read on to see if this archetype can help you write a better story.
Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: 20 Creative Prompts to Practice Gratitude
It’s Thanksgiving week! During this holiday, are you hoping to find some extra practice time for writing? Or maybe you’re looking for some great Thanksgiving writing prompts that can help you express your gratitude?Â
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year for you to take a breath and slow down. You have a lot to do, I’m sure! However, sometimes taking a few minutes—even just fifteen minutes—in your day to show your gratitude can rejuvenate your holiday spirit.Â
In this article, you can have some quick and quiet writing time to reflect on what you’re thankful for—by using one fo these twenty-five Thanksgiving writing prompts and exercises.Â
Comic Relief in Literature: More Than Just Jokes?
If you’ve ever been reading an intense scene or dramatic moment when a character comes in with some witty barb or action that makes you laugh? You’ve experienced comic relief in literature. What is comic relief and how does it work? Let’s take a look.
