Use Specific Language to Energize Nonfiction Writing
Nonfiction writing doesn’t have to be boring. Learn to recognize generalities and replace them with specific, concrete language and vivid sensory details.
December 19, 2024
Grand Openings: Article Leads that Hook the Reader
The lead that opens an article often seems like the most challenging part to write but it can be done. Use these tips for article leads that hook the reader.
December 3, 2024
Finding and Working With a Literary Agent
Finding and securing a literary agent is just as difficult as it is to land a good publisher for your book. Susan Ludwig shows us the way in this post.
November 19, 2024
What Writers Need to Know About Writing a Book Proposal
When writing nonfiction, editors generally want to see a book proposal before the book is finished. Here’s what you need to know about writing a book proposal.
November 5, 2024
Do You Need an Agent or a Publisher for Your Manuscript?
You finished your manuscript. Hooray! Now what? Instructor Susan Ludwig guides us through whether you should look for an agent or a publisher for your work.
October 22, 2024
How to Indie Publish: Part 2
Indie publishing is a broad topic with many nuances. In part 2, Kristin Dawson gives insights on finding an editor, beta readers, and more! Let’s go!
October 15, 2024
How to Indie Publish: Part 1
Wondering how to indie publish your novel? Check out this step-by-step process for self-publishing your book with high-level insights and pitfalls.
September 24, 2024
Alpha and Beta Readers: What Every Author Needs to Know
What is an alpha reader versus a beta reader? We break down everything writers need to know about using alpha and beta readers for your next writing project.
September 10, 2024
Exploring Learning Opportunities for Writers
Looking for back-to-school learning opportunities for writers? Susan Ludwig shares places where you can go back to school yourself and hone your writing skills.
August 27, 2024
A Back-to-School State of Mind
As a writer, you may want to jump on the back-to-school bandwagon. There are an assortment of opportunities for your continuing education in the writing field.
August 13, 2024
Creating Character Voice
Your readers should sense the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between the character voices in the stories you write. Try these exercises today!
July 23, 2024
Finding Your Author Voice
Your author voice has a unique and specific makeup. The way your word choice, writing style, tone, and perspective all make your voice unique to you.
June 25, 2024
Convey Emotions Through Dialogue
Dialogue is a powerful tool for conveying emotions. To write emotional dialogue that rings true, use these pointers from IFW Instructor Victoria Sherrow.
June 11, 2024
Get Started Worldbuilding
Good worldbuilding is an art. Writers must convince readers to live in their world. This writing exercise will help you build a world they won’t want to leave.
May 28, 2024
What is Worldbuilding?
Every story we read will take place in a world and readers need to be immersed in it. Here are the elements of worldbuilding—no matter what genre you write.
May 14, 2024
Showing, Not Telling, Backstory
Backstory may be necessary to fill readers in on the history of a character. Victoria Sherrow shares how to include it in ways that show and don’t tell.
April 30, 2024
How to Show Your Characters’ Emotions
To show emotions, we need words and phrases that help readers feel what the characters feel. This post will teach you how to show your characters’ emotions.
April 16, 2024
Less Filtering = More “Show, Don’t Tell”
When writing fiction, we want to reduce the distance between reader and story. One good way “show, don’t tell” is to eliminate filter words.
April 2, 2024
Revision: Why Writers Need Objective Feedback
If you want to be published, objective feedback is essential for your revisions. Instructor Sue Ford shares different types of feedback to improve your writing.
March 19, 2024
Revision: The Importance of a Critique
We type “the end” and are so excited, but the truth is no draft is perfect. Here’s why getting a manuscript critique is crucial to getting your work published.
March 5, 2024
