Every work of fiction starts with a novel idea—something so big, so uniquely you, that you have to put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Then comes the real work: crafting characters, plot, subplots, dialogue, setting, and theme. And let’s not forget marketing and author promotion! If this all seems daunting, even monumental, this issue will help you get started and keep you on track… MORE >>

The results are in! After careful deliberation, our honorable guest judge, literary agent Elise Capron, has made her final decisions. Read the winning entries of the Summer 2008 Flash Fiction Contest… MORE >>

Collaborating on any kind of project can be tough, but what about when you’re writing a novel with another author? Not only have author-sisters Stella and Audra Price turned out over fifteen novels, they’ve done so by working almost completely online, since they live across the Atlantic Ocean from one another. Join Allie Boniface as she interviews these two talented and prolific authors and learn… MORE >>

You’ve written a book, congratulations! But now, as you may already know, the real work begins. What are you planning to do about marketing and promotion—those necessary little evils that actually sell your book? Well, don’t fret. Rita Milios provides you with a unique way to promote your book and target your readers by creating quizzes that sell… MORE >>

Are you NaNoing this November? Does the whole concept of writing 50,000 words of a novel in one month sound daunting? It needn't be. With a focused plan, you can pump out a novel and boost your writing skills. Suzanne Pitner has successfully participated in NaNoWriMo twice (going on her third), and shares her fantastic tips for making the most out of… MORE >>

Are you planning to write a novel? Or perhaps you’re in the midst of NaNoing. Then, this Fiction Slam is for you! Beth Daniels helps new fiction writers get started with Preparing To Tell Lies. As a published author of 25 books, Beth shares her secrets in genre writing—whether historical, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, or romance—and provides an overview of how the publishing industry works. And if you are knee-deep in novel writing, you’ll delight at Gayle Trent’s Tips For Making Dialogue Stronger. Gayle shares some wonderful examples from her novels that you can apply right away to your work in progress… MORE >>

Hollis Gillespie is a syndicated humor columnist for Atlanta magazine, NPR commentator, and guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Her writing has been described as "Riotous, raunchy and surprisingly touching," (Miami Herald), and she's at it again with her latest collection of essays: Trailer Trashed: My Dubious Attempts at Upward Mobility (skirt! books, 2008). Join Marcia Peterson as she chats with Hollis about memoir writing… MORE >>

When you set out to write your novel, should you start with an outline or a blank page? A positive in the outlining process includes thorough preparation before you sit down to write. However, one of the joys of the blank-page approach is the sense of discovery. Devon Ellington discusses the pros and cons of both to help you decide… MORE >>

So, what’s the big deal about naming your character? I mean, a name is a name, right? Remember, a name is the first thing your reader will encounter in the story to help him or her identify with your character. Whether you realize it or not, everyone associates names with people they know. Lynda Schab shares her tips to help you decide which names are best for your characters… MORE >>

“What would you be doing today if you only had 37 days to live?” By asking this simple but powerful question every morning, Patti Digh—an internationally recognized diversity expert and mother of two—transformed her life. Get ready to be inspired! Marcia Peterson interviews Patti about the secrets behind her book, Life is a Verb, and living life to the fullest… MORE >>

Give yourself the gift that gives back this holiday season! Find out more about WOW!’s new brand of writer’s markets and how joining the club can help you jumpstart your freelance writing career… MORE >>

With NaNoWriMo just ending, many writers have a novel that now needs to be revised and edited. CanYouProofThis.com is a company that offers high-quality proofreading and copyediting services in a timely and friendly manner. WOW! was lucky enough to interview Cindy Eaton, an editor for CanYouProofThis.com, about the services available, her qualifications, and some helpful tips for fiction and nonfiction writers… MORE >>