writing

Writing to Speaking: How Reading Work Aloud Can Be Validating

It can be daunting to put yourself out there in a normal situation. It can be even more daunting as a writer sharing your work, but trust me, it’s so worth it in the end.…

May 3, 2024

A writer in a black sweater with square, rimmed glasses peers over his latest manuscript, glowing with a nefarious green light. In the faded background, a puppet sits and stares at him with an enthusiastic look on its face, twisted in the disturbing tone which belies only the most horrible fantasies.

The Life and Process of R.L. Stine

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

What best-selling children's horror author R.L. Stine can teach up-and-coming writers through his professional process.…

April 22, 2024

Read Between the Lines: The Problem With the Goodreads Challenge

Havilah Sciabbarrasi, Florida State University

Does Goodreads make reading more work than fun? How to approach the reading challenge without sacrificing the joy of literature. …

January 14, 2024

How to Write an Essay: Tips From An English Major

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

Get ready to face your next college paper with confidence.…

December 19, 2023

A stack of books, with fresh tropes ready to be read

Writing Tropes We Need More Of

Kirsten Kalebich, Arizona State University

Tired of seeing the same old story? Try exploring some of these books that feature fresh ideas and bold new takes.…

November 23, 2022

A figure is illustrated holding notebooks and wearing a name tag that reads "Hello, my name is: Writer."

The Precariousness of Taking On a Name

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

When can you call yourself a 'writer'? Or an artist? Or anything else?…

August 15, 2021

Writers and Lovers deals with creativity, love and grief.

‘Writers & Lovers’ by Lily King Is a Hopeful Portrait of the Starving Artist

Olivia Wisse, Hofstra University

The author's realistic fiction novel captures how easy it is to give up on lifelong dreams, among other conundrums that are all too familiar to writers.…

July 19, 2021

Book Competitions Can Help Writers Gain Recognition

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

So, you've written your novel. Now what? Getting an agent and publishing deal the traditional way is harder than ever these days. Luckily, there's a solution for that.…

May 23, 2021

How Self-Publishing Is Beginning To Thrive In an Ever-Changing Industry

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

Thanks to markets like Amazon that have made it easier than ever to access books, authors no longer have to wait to be given a green light.…

April 25, 2021

Common Creative Writing Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

Because this type of writing is unlike anything you'd typically find in professional or academic settings, it can be difficult to get the hang of. Here are some tips to help your writing process.…

April 20, 2021

In an article about writing your memoir, an open blank notebook

Why You Should Write Your Memoir Now

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

They aren’t only for those who have lived their whole lives. Start yours now.…

February 5, 2021

Creative Writing Classes and Online Learning Aren’t a Great Fit

Katie Klear, Columbia College Chicago

As schools convert many courses to web-based video chats due to COVID-19, writers perhaps suffer the most.…

September 1, 2020

Emma Lord’s Debut Novel, ‘Tweet Cute,’ Is the Perfect Gen-Z Romance

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The book is full of social media, insane baked goods and a love story you can’t help but root for.…

August 24, 2020

Book Lovers Need To Check Out These 3 Literary Blogs

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

Surfing the internet might take time away from your beloved books, but these blogs are the perfect companions to your favorite novels.…

August 20, 2020

Illustration by Sid Estelle in article about journaling

4 Journaling Techniques That Will Help You Put Pen to Paper

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

Have you always wanted to start a journal, but didn't know where to begin? Try one of these simple techniques to get started on your daily journaling journey.…

August 12, 2020

A letter to the past, and a letter to the future, both addressed to "you"

Two Letters You Need To Write Before the Summer Ends

Tess McGrinder, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

These days we need to remind ourselves that there will be a future. Get to it. Once you start writing, the words will simply come to you.…

August 5, 2020

‘All About Love’ by bell hooks Proves That Love Is a Timeless Weapon

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

It is more important than ever to remember the teachings of renowned Black feminist scholar as we consider empathy in our own communities.…

July 8, 2020

illustration for article about black artists by Amy Young

5 Black Artists Whose Legacies Have Transcended Time

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.…

June 24, 2020

Why Can’t Authors Leave Their Successful Series Alone?

Ailun Shi, UC Berkeley

All good things must come to an end. By constantly amending their works, authors like J.K. Rowling risk ruining their books — and stunting the growth of young fan fiction writers.…

June 16, 2020

Writing for diversity: book spines arranged by color to resemble a rainbow.

Making Your Writing Inclusive, Even If It’s Outside Your Own Experiences

Katie Klear, Columbia College Chicago

In attempts to combat the lack of diversity, writers from non-marginalized communities often miss the mark when writing about groups they don’t identify with.…

June 15, 2020

In an article about Murakami and running, a person reading while walking up a hill

Haruki Murakami Sees a Common Thread Between Running and Writing

Cathleen Luo, Columbia University

The acclaimed novelist writes that, much like writing, running requires deliberate practice, even when you don't feel completely passionate about it.…

June 12, 2020

Anna Todd and Wattpad Made It Easier To Dream of a Career in Writing

Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

Using the small publishing platform, the 'After' author was able to make a name for herself — and at the same time, raise the possibility that others could do the same.…

June 9, 2020

In an article about writing fan fiction, and person sitting and writing in a journal outside

Fan Fiction Is the Perfect Outlet for Aspiring Writers and Creatives

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

It's time people start taking the genre seriously.…

May 30, 2020

The author explores her own passions to become a writer with Lorrie Moore's "How To Become A Writer."

‘How To Become A Writer’ Highlights the Struggles of Young Writers

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The Lorrie Moore short story, told in second person, is a powerful statement about not giving up on your ambitions.…

May 22, 2020

The New York Times Learning Network Is a Writer’s Best Friend

Katherine McLaughlin, The New School

Polished lesson plans and real-world examples from the prestigious paper of record will give anyone the skills they need to become better at writing.…

May 9, 2020

Writer Jon Vreeland Teaches the Importance of Experience and Struggle

Brian Anderson Gil, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

His work 'The Taste of Cigarettes' demonstrates that writing is borne of personal toil — whatever form that may take.…

March 25, 2020

Tyler Perry Desperately Needs an Actual Writers Room

Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

He values quantity over quality and it's getting old, really fast. If he had a diverse team of writers to help out, his career might have many good years ahead.…

March 23, 2020