The Write Practice: The Online Writing Workbook

2 Ways to Beat Writing Procrastination and Finish Your WIP

We hear voices in our heads in the middle of the night. We see scenes in our minds like movies and are compelled to capture them on the page. We look around at the world and notice things, things other people might not see. Writing procrastination—well, that’s just not in our vocabulary.

We are lovers of stories. We gasp at expertly crafted sentences. We smile at innovative turns of phrase. We’re left breathless at the fierce beauty of a story well told.

We are writers. And writers write, right?

Well…

7 Simple Hacks to Get Writing When You Just Can’t

by Kellie McGann | 26 Comments

“How do you write so much?” asked one young writer. “I struggle so hard to write for even just a few minutes everyday!”

Needless to say, there are days I really just can’t write, but I have to. So, I’ve developed a few hacks of how to do it when I just can’t.

How to Write a Lead Paragraph that Wins Readers’ Attention

by Jeff Elkins | 170 Comments

You’ve spent countless hours pondering the plot, creating the characters’ voices, and building the perfect twist at the end that will leave readers speechless. Once everything is as good as you can make it, you publish your writing and wait. . . .

But no one reads your masterpiece.

Unfortunately, in our content-saturated age, if you don’t grab people by the throat, pull them in close, and yell, “Pay attention to me!” with your first paragraph, they won’t stick around to read the amazing story you’ve crafted. Here’s how to write an opening paragraph that will draw your readers in and keep them reading to the end.

Good Writers Borrow; Great Writers Steal (Politely)

by The Magic Violinist | 13 Comments

Writers are thieves. Intentionally or unintentionally, we steal from other artists all the time. We can’t help but be inspired and influenced by the stories we consume. However, we can steal productively by borrowing from other works in a conscious manner.

The Fundamental Secret to Finding Time to Write

by Ruthanne Reid | 11 Comments

Hey, you. Yes, you—the one with the storied dreams and the demanding imagination. You need to TAKE the time to write. I’m sorry to say this, but that time will never materialize on its own.

Further vs Farther: What’s the Difference?

by Liz Bureman | 72 Comments

This weekend in Denver is apparently supposed to be b-e-a-utiful. Weather reports are calling for temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and it’s going to be a great weekend to spend outside in the park. The only problem with this is that I’ll be in Philadelphia during this amazing weather spot. It will not be in the 60s and 70s in Philly. It will be in the 40s. That’s further than I’d like to be from those glorious spring temperatures.

Wait. Further? Or is it farther?

Public Speaking Tips for Writers: 7 Keys for a Great Speech

by Monica M. Clark | 13 Comments

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about writers, it’s that we hate public speaking. Sure, public speaking tips are helpful—but we’d rather not have to give a speech in the first place.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about publishing, it’s that you’d better be able to speak publicly. It’s essential for pitching your book, sitting on panels, leading author talks, and more. One of my journalist friends was even asked to give an actual commencement speech to our high school!

Who Is Your Audience in Writing

by Kellie McGann | 29 Comments

Your writing deserves an audience. But do you know who that audience is? Knowing your audience—who they are, their needs and wants—will help you write things that are meaningful and powerful to them.

Not sure who your audience is? These four questions will help you find them.

The Thrift Store Adventure Writing Prompt

by Pamela Fernuik | 9 Comments

Every item has a story: The true story of where the item was acquired, who owned it, and where it traveled, and the story you are inspired to write about the item.

This is an Adventure Prompt. However, this is not the television show Mission Impossible, starring Peter Graves, Barbara Bain, and Greg Morris, a popular series from the late 60’s to the seventies. This blog post will not self-destruct in five seconds.

Even so, we will pretend we are going on a real adventure.

4 Quick Tips for Short Story Editing

by Jeff Elkins | 14 Comments

As attention spans grow shorter, there is an increased demand for shorter stories.

I’ve noticed recently a lot of contests and submissions calling for stories under 3000 words. Writing a story this short is different than writing a novel or even a 10,000-word story. We need to get into the story, make a connection with the reader, and then wrap it up without wasting any time. It can feel strange for those of us used to writing larger pieces.

When you’re writing a very short story, editing is crucial.

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