4 NaNoWriMo Principles for the Rest of Us

4 NaNoWriMo Principles for the Rest of Us

We’re now knee-deep in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), the ambitious writer’s one-month sprint to 50,000 words.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of writers take on the challenge, and thousands succeed, saying adios to November with a first draft of a shiny new novel in tow.

It’s a truly amazing feat. But it’s not for everyone.

4 Writing Tips From a Former Creative Writing Major

4 Writing Tips From a Former Creative Writing Major

For a year and a half, I studied as a creative writing major at a tight-knit private university. I wrote poetry under the guidance of a published poet, learned how to develop a narrative arc, and attended readings by local authors.

Now, I’m a professional freelance writer and English major at a different school. But as I look back on my creative writing studies, I see many mistakes that I made (and that other students made, too).

The Best First Line of Your Novel

The Best First Line of Your Novel

Happy Day Three of NaNoWriMo 2015! How’s that word count so far? I’m allowed to ask that, because this year I’m actually participating. I’ve written a book in four months before, but one month? Insanity, but here is what I’ve learned and struggled with so far: the beginning and getting started.

10 Tips to Write an Essay and Actually Enjoy It

10 Tips to Write an Essay and Actually Enjoy It

Writing an essay may not be easy. It may not come to you naturally. After all, writing is a skill, and skills take practice, whether it’s playing a sport, performing an instrument, or playing video games.

But writing an essay can be fun, if you have the right attitude.

With that in mind, here’s an infographic with ten tips to write an essay without hating every moment of the process.