Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest magazine is a comprehensive source of writing instruction for writers. Each issue provides advice and insider tips on writing and selling fiction, nonfiction, poetry and scripts.

FROMOURREADERS • WD posed the question to readers on our website: “Which writer or work made you think about point of view in a different way and why?” Readers responded:

From Where I Sit

Writer’s Digest

CONTRIBUTORS

The Beauty in the Bittersweet • Writer and lecturer Susan Cain discusses starting a cultural movement and writing books that readers will relate to.

A Diverse Perspective • Historically, traditional publishing is not designed to support diverse authors. Here is how authors and allies can find industry partners that support their inclusive narratives.

Poetic Asides • No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer’s arsenal.

The Head and the Heart

Second Opinions • The Importance of Beta Readers for Authors

Interviewing 101 • Making sense of the publishing world.

Amanda Jayatissa

Tanya McKinnon

BREAKING IN • Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned, and why you can do it, too.

Is It Memoir, Personal Essay, or Prescriptive? • Understanding how POV differs in these types of personal narratives is crucial to telling the most powerful and effective version of your story.

All About Omniscience • Using an omniscient POV adds perspective and tension to a story, but using it incorrectly can feel contrived and leave readers bored. Here are tips for employing it skillfully.

Plotting With an Unreliable Narrator • Introducing an untrustworthy storyteller into your plot can open up avenues to surprise your readers. Here are five ways to put this strategy to work.

Through the Eyes of the Beast • Including nonhuman POVs in your novel can shed light on the world in new and interesting ways. Here’s what to consider when writing unusual POVs.

Double Duty • Strengthen your novel’s point of view with these five tips for using dialogue to show character change and growth.

A Picture of the Past • The Writer’s Digest 29th Annual Self-Published Book Awards Grand Prize winner celebrates history and keeps it alive for the future in Zara’s Wash Day.

The Winners

Marlon James • The Booker Prize–winning author talks about mythology and world-building in his characterdriven epic Moon Witch, Spider King, the second book in his Dark Star Trilogy.

The Secluded Cabin • THE CHALLENGE: Write a short story of 650 words or fewer based on the photo below.

RESEARCHING YOUR HISTORICAL NOVEL LIKE A HISTORIAN • WRITING TIPS FROM MASTER OF FINE ARTS PROGRAMS AND CANDIDATES

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK • A literary agent’s mostly serious answers to your mostly serious questions.

ALL ABOUT THE PITCH • Covering the tips, tricks, and tactics for capturing the attention of an assigning editor so you don’t get ghosted.

5 Poetry Publications

Managing Point of View (Part 1 of 3): Myth Busting • Advice and tips to boost your writing skills.

On Setting and Mood • Tips for making your story concrete.

The Art of the Picture Book Page Turn • Writing and publishing advice for picture books, middle grade, and young adult storytelling.

CONFERENCE SCENE • Events to advance your craft, connections, and career.

POTPOURRI FOR THE PEN • An aromatic blend of writerly diversions.