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Our community has suffered a huge loss. Editorial Director Therese Walsh beautifully eulogizes a powerhouse advocate for writers, today at WU.

submitted 17 hours ago • 1 comment

“Are writers uniquely vulnerable to scams?” The co-founder of Writer Beware, author Victoria Strauss, answers one her most-asked questions, today at WU.

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Sure, names can convey a lot about our characters. But why and how? Author and former linguistic analyst Kristin Hacken South explores “the importance of thoughtful naming at the cellular level of sound,” today at WU.

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“[A] growing number of people are embracing artisanal products…I wonder whether producing titles with the type of workmanship & artistry that was once the norm might help bring people who love books, reading, & writing closer together…” Author Emilie-Noelle Provost poses a worthy query, today at WU.

submitted 5 days ago • 0 comments

Are you familiar with the term “autogolpe”? Does it matter if a commentator translates it to “self-coup,” a mishmash of English and French? Author Elizabeth Huergo reflects on the state of literacy and the language of politics, today at WU.

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Prolific fantasy author Juliet Marillier has been a contributor for WU since 2007. Author Vaughn Roycroft considers her latest to be one of her most relevant and important books. He explores the reasons why, today at WU.

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Twists that shatter readers’ expectations can lead to bad reviews. Author and writing coach Kathryn Craft explains how “genre shading”—providing clues that subtly shape expectations—can overcome the issue, today at WU.

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Your monthly chance to Flog a Pro is back! Ray Rhamey brings you another very hot book to blindly judge. Would you read past page one? Today at WU.

submitted 11 days ago • 0 comments

Selecting a title for your book is obviously a vital decision. As is changing one. Author Barbara Linn Probst explores titles, and when and why they end up being changed, today at WU.

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Are you in it for the long haul? Writers endure long years of uncertainty as they persevere. Editor Dave King has watched writers in various stages of their careers for decades. He provides tips and encouragement, today at WU.

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In times of chaos and despair, it can feel difficult to keep the words flowing. Author Juliet Marillier was struggling until she stumbled across her hope, rekindled by beautiful words and music. Reconnect with your hope, today at WU.

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For Valentine’s Day, author David Corbett seeks to “broaden our understanding of love as it pertains to the stories we write, and why we write them.” Today at WU.

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When it comes to word count goals, we have to be realistic while still challenging ourselves. Author Greer Macallister provides helpful tips, today at WU.

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We all know that openings are tricky, that a lot is riding on them. Author Kathleen McCleary says we “have to EARN [our] opening.” Stop by and find out how, today at WU.

submitted 19 days ago • 0 comments

“Readers may recognize threads that run through an author work. Do writers recognize those same threads when they look back over their work? Do writers necessarily repeat themselves in a long career? Is that a strength or a weakness?” Author Virginia Pye muses about how we change, today at WU.

submitted 20 days ago • 0 comments

If you’re not a plotter, but don’t feel like pantsing is what you do, either, perhaps there’s another term that best describes you. After 8 years of struggling to define her style, Author Densie Webb found the perfect fit. Stop by and see. Who knows? You might discover yourself, today at WU.

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In this edition of her Up Close interview series, author Grace Wynter introduces us to the amazing Ann Michelle Harris—an attorney by day, author of speculative fiction by night. An inspiring conversation, today at WU.

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Has the publishing industry pushed a trend of ever-heightening pace? If so, is it due to declining attention spans? Is it merely a trend? Returning contributor Kelsey Allagood explores the issue, today at WU.

submitted 25 days ago • 1 comment

“[A] hazy blending of good and bad, right and wrong, weak and strong, may feel realistic to the writer, but for the reader the result is low impact. What can help?…lt starts with understanding the [story’s] primary purpose.”—Don Maass Do you know your intent? Stop by and make sure, today at WU.

submitted 26 days ago • 1 comment

So much is expected of writers these days. Writing can among the least stressful of them. Author and writing coach Cathy Yardley says we’re all too vulnerable to a sly and subversive threat: burnout. She diagnoses and offers remedies, today at WU.

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What is the value of community? How, in a post-pandemic world, do we create or grow our communities? Author Keely Thrall shares her impressive experience, today at WU.

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In an era of ever-increasing distraction, author Diana Giovinazzo reminds us to put the writing first. She provides tips and encouragement, today at WU.

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It seems the publishing game is growing more attuned to younger players. Soon-to-debut author Milo Todd makes the case for debuting older. Is there an advantage to publishing young? For starting older? Stop by and age yourself, today at WU.

submitted 32 days ago • 0 comments

Sometimes a new book can make us feel like a rookie. Particularly if it’s in a new genre or style. Author Therese Anne Fowler shares her latest daunting edition of starting over, today at WU.

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Have you been struggling to sit and write? Procrastination is born of many things, all of which are more prevalent than ever. Author Barbara O’Neal names our demons and provides the path back to our work, today at WU.

submitted 34 days ago • 0 comments

Are you interested in doing an audiobook, but putting it off? Whether it seems too complicated or expensive, author Vaughn Roycroft is here to encourage you to wade in anyway. Today at WU.

submitted 35 days ago • 0 comments

We’re Messy. Our Characters Should Be Too: https://buff.ly/4goePXX By Sarah Callender @writerunboxed.bsky.social #wkb1

submitted 41 days ago • 0 comments

During the darkest days, our work can feel pointless. Author Liz Michalski was feeling that way when she set out on a pointless hike in a blizzard. What she found changed the way she feels about her work. You can seek it, too, today at WU.

submitted 38 days ago • 0 comments

Do you dislike the metaphor, “killing your darlings”? Do you remember the children’s story, “Stone Soup”? Whether you do or not, Author Kristin Hacken South tells us how this metaphor stews a better manuscript, today at WU.

submitted 39 days ago • 0 comments

There’s no disputing the importance of community to the writing life. Stop by and meet Harper Ross, WU’s newest contributor, as she reveals her tips on building community, today at WU.

submitted 40 days ago • 0 comments

How do we achieve unique and engaging “voice” in our work? Editor Dave King says that word choice and character quirks in dialogue provide a start. He provides examples and puts us on a path to discovery, today at WU.

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Today is our 19th anniversary! When did you first discover WU? How long have you been writing? Stop by and help us commemorate the occasion, today at WU.

submitted 42 days ago • 2 comments

Sunrise, sunset. A beginning and an ending. A loss and a fresh start. Author Natalie Hart poignantly discusses patterns in repeat, today at WU.

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Are you a good judge of openings? Ever think that bestsellers have weaker openings than unknowns? Ray Rhamey is back, providing the chance to prove your theories. Come and blind-judge a bestseller, today at WU.

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Have you ever incorporated poetic devices into your work? Author Julie Christine Johnson shares her experience at an Irish retreat that included a session led by the poet who inspired her, today at WU.

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The devestation in LA is a stark reminder that we all have cherished items we would hate to lose. What are those items for your characters? What do they say about them? How would their loss affect your story? Author Therese Walsh explores the issue through the lens of personal stakes, today at WU.

submitted 48 days ago • 0 comments

Even if our work is infused with our beliefs, It’s always a fraught decision for writers and artists to share their political beliefs outside of their work. Utilizing input from fellow writers, Author Randy Susan Meyers provides her guidelines for sharing her truth online, today at WU.

submitted 49 days ago • 0 comments

Do you believe you will face opposition in regard to your creative output in the future? If not, Author David Corbett advises us to think again. He outlines the form and potential means of the threat, and asks the critical question: “How will you tell your truth?” An important piece, today at WU.

submitted 52 days ago • 0 comments

Opening your novel with a line of dialogue can be tricky. Quotation marks raise expectations. Author, editor, and teacher Kathryn Craft says most manuscripts she receives fail the test. She provides examples that succeed and tips for your success, today at WU.

submitted 53 days ago • 0 comments

What is the truth, and how do we strive for it? Author Rachel Toalson argues that we writers are more than truth-tellers—we are also leaders. She exhorts us to get in the fight, today at WU.

submitted 54 days ago • 0 comments

Ever use the phrase, “I’m too old for this sh*t?” Author Yuvi Zalkow wisely (and hilariously) advises us to rethink the mindset as we all inevitably age. Today at WU.

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Even if we don’t make resolutions, we all have hopes for the writing year ahead. Author Greer Macallister offers up five wishes that perfectly frame the aspirations for a rewarding year, today at WU.

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Have you considered going back to school for your writing? There are lots of options these days. Longtime contributor Kristan Hoffman shares her experience, today at WU.

submitted 59 days ago • 0 comments

Sarah Callender is right on the money. The world is full of things to inspire your #writing if you’re paying attention. Via @writerunboxed.bsky.social

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The Beauty of Small Press: https://buff.ly/3NyPzBQ by Jillian Forsberg @writerunboxed.bsky.social #wkb88

submitted 60 days ago • 0 comments

Even the people we think we know best can surprise us. Which begs the question: do we really know our characters? To some extent, no one is truly knowable, but author Sarah Callender makes the case for continually striving, today at WU.

submitted 60 days ago • 0 comments

Do you tend to tell stories of fate or stories of destiny? Not sure which or why it matters? Author, agent, and teacher Don Maass helps you to start the new year right by asking the definitive questions, today at WU.

submitted 61 days ago • 0 comments

Writer Unboxed will be on its annual holiday break for the next week. Wishing you all happy holidays and happy writing. Hope to see you in the new year.

submitted 69 days ago • 0 comments