• This writing challenge is focused on writing 1,000 words every day for two weeks. If you’re looking for a community of writers all focused on the same ch...

    1,000 Words Per Day Writing Challenge

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    Started by author Jami Attenberg in 2018, this writing challenge is focused on writing 1,000 words every day for two weeks. So, if you’ve been sitting on a writing project for a while or don’t know where to dive into writing, this 1,000 words a day challenge is going to be a great fit for you. You can complete this writing challenge at any point on your own, but if you’re looking for a community of writers all focused on the same challenge, Jami Attenberg’s real-time challenge starts May 31, 2021, and ends June 13. Sign up for Craft Talk,…

  • If you’re feeling uninspired by your character names, this is for you. Here are four ways to choose strong character names: 1.) Base it on the birth year...

    How to Choose Your Character Names

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    When writing fiction, you may not think you need to put too much thought into character names, but using interesting names that lend to your story can be a great way to keep readers engaged. If you can’t think of a good name while you write, use generic names so you don’t lose your pace, but then go back and do a search and replace and change your characters’ names to your final selections during one of your revision rounds. If you’re feeling uninspired by your character names, we can help. Here are 4 ways to choose strong character names:…

  • There are two different camps writers fall into when it comes to how much writing goes into the first draft. There are those who choose a skeleton draft...

    The First Draft: Skeleton Draft or Bulging Draft

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    Just like there are two different types of plotting styles—plotting and pantsing—there are also two different camps writers fall into when it comes to how much writing goes into the first draft. There are writers who choose a skeleton draft, meaning they put the bones of their stories down during the first draft and then use subsequent drafts and rounds of revisions to continue to grow and fill out their manuscript until it’s complete. Other writers aim to put anything and everything down on paper during the first round, which is typically a bulging draft and way over word count.…

  • Use the rest of this month to experiment with some new aspects of writing. Here are 5 writing goals you can still accomplish this month: 1.) T...

    5 Writing Goals to Add to Your List

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    You don’t always have to be working on a “book” to be a writer. Use the rest of this month to experiment with some new (to you) aspects of writing. From research to reading, and everything in between, there are plenty of different activities you can explore that still fall under creative living. Here are 5 writing goals you can still accomplish this month: 1. Search for inspiration. If you’re between writing projects, start researching your next project. Scroll through Pinterest to find character inspiration. Take daily walks and snap photos of objects, buildings, and scenery that inspire you. Sit…