New Daily Writing Guides from The Write Practice

3 Ways to Use the Rule of Three in Writing to Satisfy Readers

As writers, we want to capture our readers’ attention, rivet them to the page, and leave them clamoring for more. We want to create something that moves people, deepens their understanding, and keeps them thinking about our story long after they’ve devoured the last word.

You may have noticed how I used sets of three in my opening paragraph, and if you didn’t consciously register it, your subconscious mind certainly did. Using the Rule of Three in your writing is one way to meet reader expectations and engage reader interest.

Setup vs. Set Up: The Truth About Phrasal Verbs

by Alice Sudlow | 15 Comments

Words in English are tricky things. They merge and morph, even little changes adding layers of new meaning. Don’t believe me? Here’s an area I see lots of people getting tripped up: setup vs. set up. Is it one word or two? And does it even matter?

Actually, it’s both, and yes, it does matter. Let’s take a look at why, shall we?

What Not to Do When NaNoWriMo Ends

by Sue Weems | 37 Comments

Writers across the globe spent a frenzied month neglecting their laundry, sneaking writing time at lunch, and compulsively checking their word counts. Whether you won, lost, or didn’t participate at all, here’s what NOT to do the day after NaNoWriMo ends.

Malcolm Gladwell MasterClass Review

by Brendan Hufford | 0 Comments

You may have heard of MasterClass over the past few years--the online learning platform has grown quickly and is now a market leader. The first time I noticed MasterClass was when I saw that one of my favorite writers ever, Malcolm Gladwell, was teaching his own class...

The Secret to Writing the Middle of a Story

by Sue Weems | 1 Comment

If you’ve ever had the middle of a manuscript sag and feel flabby, congrats. You’re a writer! One of the questions I ask when get stuck in the middle of a manuscript is this: “How can I make this worse for this character?” One of the key elements you might use is the very thing we try so hard to avoid on a daily basis: abrasive people.

How can an abrasive character push your character’s arc, keep the plot moving, and deepen the theme? Read on to find out.

Writing Prompt: The Secrets We Bury

by Sue Weems | 0 Comments

I recently finished a novel where a character hiding in a secret panel in an old house had lost consciousness and died. The only person who had an inkling of the hiding space was a child who grew up harboring the terrible secret. Secrets are a great way to add depth to a character, especially if the secret is on theme. Try this writing prompt and see what you uncover!

How to Use Allusion Like a Master Storyteller

by Pamela Fernuik and Sue Weems | 23 Comments

Master storytellers often use allusion to add richness or depth and to let readers make deeper connections to a story. Let’s look at a definition, some allusion examples, and how to use allusion in your own writing.

How to Write a Scary Story

by Emily Wenstrom | 55 Comments

I love Halloween. The creepy movies, the crisp fall air, the pumpkins. And who doesn’t love to get dressed up and hit the town for night? But there’s nothing like a horrifying story to get in your head—and get you in the spirit.

What makes a good scary story? Here’s a few pointers on how to write a scary story to start you off in the right direction.

How to Write Good Fiction: 4 Foundational Skills and How to Build Them

by J. D. Edwin | 0 Comments

Do you want to write a novel but are unsure on how to write good fiction?

Writing good fiction takes time and practice. There’s no way around it.

However, if you’re looking for some specific and valuable writing skills that you should concentrate on building, this post is for your.

Here, learn the four foundational writing kills that will make you a better fiction writer which I’ll share with practical tips to help you improve your craft today.

How to Become a Successful Writer: 5 Things You Need for Productive Writing

by J. D. Edwin | 1 Comment

Have you ever wondered how some writers publish a book or more a year? Do they have a secret that could teach you how to become a successful writer? Are there tools you could use to make you equally productive?

If you want to become a successful writer, you need to first learn how to become a productive writer. But what does it really take to be productive?

In this article we will look at five tools you can use to become a more productive and successful writer—all of which you’ll want to place neatly in your writer’s toolkit.

Here to learn? You’re in the WRITE place!