So you want to write fiction. Where do you begin? And what creative writing tools do you need to accomplish your writing goals?
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.
When Do You Use “Quotation Marks”?
A few years ago, I rented a car. Normally this wouldn’t be a memorable event. But an appalling misuse of grammar burned it into my mind, and years later, I haven’t forgotten.
You see, when I went to the airport to return the rental, I saw this wonderfully instructive sign:
Please… LEAVE “KEYS” IN CAR!
And this brings me to today’s grammar lesson: how and when to use quotation marks.
9 Action Story Clichés to Avoid As a Writer
Writing an action story or screenplay can be a lot of fun. There’s something exhilarating about writing fast-paced action sequences filled with excitement and suspense.
However, it’s important to avoid common clichés—overused ideas or stereotypes lacking original thought—if you want your story to stand out. In this article, we will take a look at 9 clichés to avoid when you are writing an action story or movie!
Children’s Book Agents: Answers to the Six Most Asked Questions
Last time we looked at the different routes to publishing your children’s book in our series on How to Write a Children’s Book. If you decide that the traditional publishing route is for you, you will hear lots of conversation around agents. How to find them. If you need one. Through this article, I hope to answer some of the questions I hear most about securing an agent for your project.
Writing Prompt: Two Reasons to Write About Departures
Whether leaving for vacation or a job in a new city, departures can be stressful, exciting, and full of conflict. Use this prompt to reimagine a departure today in your writing time.
I think there are two qualities about any departure that make them great for writing. See if you agree and try this prompt with me today!
3 Reasons You Should Write Ghost Stories
Ghost stories have a rich literary tradition, but for most of my life, I dismissed them. I don’t believe in ghosts, and I’ve seen enough horror movies to know I’m not interested in seeing another. However, I just finished Denis Johnson’s Train Dreams, a finalist for the Pulitzer, and was surprised to see a very moving account of a ghost.
It made me realize how many ghost stories are in the literary canon. There’s Poe’s The Raven, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw, basically all of Nicolai Gogol’s work, and more recently Michael Cunningham’s Specimen Days, among many others I’m forgetting. We love ghost stories!
So here are three reasons to write a ghost story:
One Haunted Writing Prompt, Plus a Chance to WIN a Writing Contest
Halloween is just a few short weeks away. And we’re getting ready for the season with the Fall Writing Contest! Share your best scary story with us for the chance to win frightfully rewarding prizes!
Writing Prompt: Monster
Sometimes, all you need to give your writing a boost is an inspiring writing prompt. And when it comes to writing prompts, we’ve got you covered.
How Do You Publish a Children’s Book?
The question I get asked most is this: "How do I publish my children's book?" There are more options than ever depending on the book and your goals. Today's article will help you decide how to publish your book. In this series How to Write a Children's Book, we've...
Synecdoche: What it is and How to Use It
Today we’re looking at a literary device that you’re probably using in everyday speech, even if you didn’t know the name of it. Let’s define synecdoche, look at some examples, and talk about how you can use it in your writing.
