Scott Oldford Site

Category: Craft

  • 16 Writing Challenges to Inspire Your Craft

    16 Writing Challenges to Inspire Your Craft

    Writing can get kind of lonely sometimes. 

    Not only that, but it can get stale. Sometimes we fall into a formula when we write books, or we can’t get ourselves past the first few chapters of an idea, or we’re stuck in the dreaded middle section of our novel for what feels like forever. It can feel a little like getting stranded, and it’s no wonder some writers jump ship on their projects. 

    But it doesn’t need to be so lonely, nor does it need to be boring! Participating in a writing challenge might be your ticket out of that sticky spot. 

    What are Writing Challenges?

    Writing challenges are exactly what they sound like. They’re challenges created for writers with the intent of getting writers to, well, write! These aren’t writing contests—there often isn’t a cash prize or publication prize for people who participate in writing challenges. 

    If there isn’t a prize, why should you bother?  

    Why Should I Try a Writing Challenge? 

    Writing challenges do a few excellent things for their participants. First and foremost, they connect a participant to a community of writers participating in the same challenge. This sense of community helps writers amp each other up—it’s a team dynamic we don’t often get to experience as writers, and it can make the world of difference powering through a first draft or a difficult round of revisions. 

    Writing challenges also encourage writers to practice, often every day. Of course, you don’t need to write every single day to be a “real” writer, but just like athletes do marathons, writers can get a lot out of a good challenge. You can flex your writing muscles, maybe try something new, and have some fellow participants to commiserate with. What more could you need? 

    For me, personally, writing challenges often feel a little bit like writing camp. You get to stay in the comfort of your own home, but you’re meeting people online, you’re working on a new project, and the whole enterprise has that fun, novel feeling you get at summer camp. The momentum might not last forever, but you don’t need it to! The goal is to have fun and make something. 

    If you’re looking to try something new, power through a difficult draft, or just crank out words, writing challenges might be worth checking out. And lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of some writing challenges you can participate in! 

    Here are Sixteen Writing Challenges to Enter:

    1. NaNoWriMo

    “National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists.”

    NaNoWriMo is perhaps the best-known writing challenge, and it’s a doozy. Contrary to popular belief, the challenge isn’t really to write an entire novel in a month—it’s to write 50,000 words of a novel, which is not a whole lot less difficult. It’s got a built-in social media system to connect with other writers working in similar genres, a word count tracker that measures your progress, and rewards you with badges as you complete milestones throughout the month. Here are some other ways to set yourself up for success, too.

    If NaNoWriMo happens at a bad time of year for you (for example, I could barely do this challenge in college, since it was exactly when my classes started heating up), check the website for Camp NaNo and other challenges that happen throughout the year. 

    2. Write NonFiction in November Challenge (WNFIN) 

    “During the Write Nonfiction in November (WNFIN) Challenge, also known as National Nonfiction Writing Month (NaNonFiWriMo), you are personally challenged to start and complete a work of nonfiction in 30 days. This can be an article, an essay, a book, a book proposal, a white paper, or a manifesto.”

    This challenge is intended as an alternative to NaNoWriMo for Nonfiction writers. Instead of using a word count and word goal to keep track, this challenge encourages the honor system, and the intent is to complete any work of nonfiction. 

    3. EBookWriMo

    “Your mission (should you choose to accept it): Write an ebook for your audience in 30 days, from November 1 to November 30.” 

    This challenge encourages its participants to complete a polished ebook in thirty days. The premise is simple: novels are huge, and ebooks are generally smaller. This challenge takes you through actionable steps to write and polish an ebook, with the goal being to have a completely finished ebook for your audience by the end. 

    4. StoryADay

    “StoryADay is a creativity challenge:

    Write (and finish) a short story every day during May and/or September.

    (or on your own schedule!)

    StoryADay exists to promote creativity, not to teach you how to ‘be a published writer’.

    (And sometimes we do it all over again in September.)”

    If novels aren’t your bag, or the thought of working on a single project for a month feels too daunting, StoryADay might be for you! StoryADay challenges you to write a story every day during May or September—you don’t have to post or publish it, and they give you prompts each day to keep your gears turning. There are a handful of ways that writing stories can make you a better writer, so don’t sleep on this one.

    5. 12 x 12 Challenge 

    “12 x 12 is a year-long writing challenge where members aim to write 12 complete picture book drafts, one per month, for each 12 months of the year.

    A draft means a story with a beginning, middle, and end—NOT a submission-ready piece. Founded by picture book author Julie Hedlund, 12 x 12 has been supporting, encouraging, and educating writers since 2012.”

    12×12 is a great resource for picture book authors. One of the biggest perks of this challenge is its community—participating in this will connect you to lots of other authors, as well as resources for writing, revising, and submitting your work. 

    6. Chapter Book Challenge 

    “The Chapter Book Challenge, otherwise known as ‘ChaBooCha,’ was created by Rebecca Fyfe and first ran in 2012. It runs every year in the month of March. The challenge is to write one completed first draft of an early reader, chapter book, middle grade book or YA novel in the month of March, starting on the 1st of March and finishing on the 31st of March.”

    During the month, you’ll find a helpful community to engage with, original articles from published authors and successful agents, and giveaways throughout.

    7. Yeah Write Super Challenge 

    “The Super Challenge is typically run in two rounds. During each round, we’ll release the prompt on Friday at 10pm US Eastern time. That’s right—you don’t have to stay up all night to get your prompt! Writers then have 48 hours to write a story or essay responsive to that prompt.

    Once the writing phase is complete, our judges go to work. Each piece is scored and given positive and critical feedback by each judge. Writers will receive their feedback 12-24 hours before we announce who will advance to the next round. For more information about this phase of the challenge, check out our FAQ.

    Roughly ten writers from the first round of competition advance to the second round to compete for first, second and third place prizes.”

    If you’re looking for a writing challenge with a little incentive, look no further! This challenge uses prompts to get writers in a variety of different genres competing for cash. This takes place once a quarter and lasts for six weeks, so check in every now and again to see if they’re running a challenge that looks like it’s for you! 

    8. 365 Writing Challenge 

    “What is 365 Writing Challenge?  It’s an organized group of writers who encourages and supports each other as they try to write consistently for a calendar year.”

    This challenge is a subgroup of the 10 Minute Novelists group—just link up with their Facebook page to join! For this one, you and your fellow novelists can cheer each other on as you work a little every day on your novel. Momentum can really build after a while, and this challenge can have you cranking out hundreds of thousands of words by the end of the year. 

    9. Writer’s Games 2024

    “The Writer’s Games is a two-month, challenge-based competition that can seem daunting until you dive in. It’s not your ordinary writing competition for several reasons. First, all participants must register in advance to participate. Second, competition writing begins only after Events are announced. Third, Events are kept secret until the start of the Event. Fourth, every entry submitted on time receives honest, unbiased feedback from a team of future editors, professors, and literary agents, regardless of placement!”

    If you want a challenge with a little pizzazz, here’s your pick! This is another prize-winning option. Find the prompt on their site, take a look at the core concepts, and respond with a short story within their parameters (750-6,000 words) for a chance to win! 

    10. Scribophile

    Scribophile is a vibrant online writing community that offers a plethora of writing challenges and opportunities for writers of all levels to hone their craft. With a user-friendly platform designed for constructive feedback and collaboration, Scribophile hosts various writing challenges throughout the year, catering to diverse genres and writing styles.

    Writers can participate in themed contests, flash fiction challenges, or even set personal writing goals within the supportive environment of Scribophile’s community. These challenges not only encourage writers to explore new ideas and techniques but also foster connections with fellow writers, providing invaluable support and encouragement on the journey toward literary excellence.

    Whether you’re looking to flex your creative muscles, receive feedback on your work, or simply connect with like-minded writers, Scribophile offers a dynamic space where writers can grow and thrive.

    11. The Writer’s Workout

    The Writers’ Workout is an engaging online platform that provides a range of writing challenges and competitions tailored to writers seeking to enhance their skills and creativity.

    With monthly challenges designed to prompt writers to explore different genres, styles, and themes, The Writers’ Workout offers a supportive environment where participants can push their boundaries and experiment with new techniques. From flash fiction contests to poetry challenges and everything in between, writers can find a variety of prompts and exercises to spark their imagination and inspire their next literary masterpiece.

    With opportunities to receive feedback from peers and professional writers, The Writers’ Workout encourages writers to develop their craft, build confidence, and ultimately become more proficient storytellers.

    12. The Poetry Marathon

    The Poetry Marathon is an exhilarating annual event that invites poets from around the world to embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey of creativity and expression.

    Held over the course of 24 hours, participants endeavor to write 24 poems, each within a designated hour, pushing the boundaries of their imagination and poetic prowess.

    With prompts provided throughout the marathon and a supportive online community rallying behind them, poets have the opportunity to explore diverse themes, experiment with various forms and styles, and delve deep into the art of poetry.

    The Poetry Marathon not only fosters a sense of camaraderie among poets but also encourages personal growth, resilience, and the celebration of the written word.

    13. Writer’s Digest

    Writer’s Digest is a renowned resource for writers of all levels, offering a wealth of information, advice, and inspiration to help them navigate the world of writing and publishing. In addition to its comprehensive collection of articles, workshops, and writing guides, Writer’s Digest also hosts various writing challenges and competitions throughout the year.

    These challenges cover a wide range of genres and formats, including short stories, poetry, memoirs, and more, providing writers with opportunities to showcase their talent, receive feedback from industry professionals, and even win prizes. Whether it’s the annual Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition, themed contests, or prompt-driven challenges, Writer’s Digest offers a supportive platform for writers to hone their skills, gain recognition for their work, and connect with a vibrant community of fellow writers.

    With its longstanding reputation as a trusted resource for writers, Writer’s Digest continues to inspire and empower writers to pursue their literary aspirations and achieve their writing goals.

    14. Reedsy

    Reedsy is a dynamic online platform dedicated to supporting writers on their creative journey, offering a range of resources, tools, and opportunities to help them thrive in the world of writing.

    Among its offerings, Reedsy hosts a weekly series of writing prompts and challenges designed to spark creativity and encourage writers to explore new ideas and styles. These prompts cover various genres and themes, providing writers with a steady stream of inspiration and opportunities to flex their creative muscles.

    With a supportive community of writers and editors, Reedsy’s writing challenges offer a space for writers to experiment, improve their craft, and connect with fellow creatives.

    15. Jerico Writers

    Jericho Writers is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to empowering writers with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in their writing journey.

    Amongst this, Jericho Writers hosts monthly writing challenges designed to inspire writers, encourage creativity, and provide opportunities for growth.

    These challenges cover a wide range of genres, styles, and themes, allowing writers to explore new ideas, experiment with different techniques, and hone their craft in a supportive and collaborative environment.

    Jericho Writers’ writing challenges offer writers the chance to connect with peers, receive constructive criticism, and push themselves to new heights of creativity and excellence.

    16. NYC Midnight

    NYC Midnight offers a great platform for writers to engage in creative challenges and showcase their storytelling prowess.

    Through their writing challenges, participants are assigned prompts within specific genres and have a limited time frame to craft compelling stories or screenplays.

    These challenges provide a wonderful opportunity for writers to test their skills under pressure, explore diverse genres, and receive feedback from peers and judges.

  • 205 Trigger Words: Ultimate Guide for Writers

    205 Trigger Words: Ultimate Guide for Writers

    When it comes to powerful copy, few elements hold as much sway as the aptly named ‘trigger words.’

    These potent tools wield the power to evoke emotion, spur action, and forge a deeper connection with readers, making them indispensable in the arsenal of any writer.

    From the persuasive prose of a seasoned copywriter to the captivating narratives of a storyteller, trigger words help breathe life into written content, transforming passive readers into active participants.

    This guide aims to demystify the concept of trigger words, offering writers of all disciplines a comprehensive overview of how to harness their power to enchant, persuade, and engage.

    What are trigger words?

    Trigger words are linguistic catalysts, meticulously chosen to provoke a psychological or emotional response.

    They are the secret ingredients that make headlines irresistible, calls to action compelling, and stories unforgettable. In essence, trigger words tap into our deepest desires, fears, hopes, and dreams, pulling at the heartstrings or stoking the flames of curiosity.

    Their power lies not just in the emotional stir they create but in their ability to motivate readers towards a specific reaction or action.

    Whether it’s to inspire joy, ignite a sense of urgency, or build trust, the strategic use of trigger words can significantly enhance the impact of your writing.

    By understanding the underlying emotions and motivations of your audience, you can select trigger words that resonate on a personal level, making your content not just seen, but felt.

    Nine types of trigger words for every situation

    Let’s begin our process of exploring different types of trigger words.

    For your convenience, we’ve arranged these trigger words into nine distinct categories. We’ll offer guidance on the purpose of each category along with an extensive list of trigger words and what they mean.

    Let’s begin with trigger words that provoke an emotional response.

    Emotional trigger words

    Let’s look at words that trigger an emotional response.

    What are emotional trigger words?

    Emotional trigger words are powerful tools that tap into a wide range of human emotions, from joy to fear.

    These words have the unique ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level, evoking specific feelings that can significantly enhance the resonance and impact of your writing.

    Whether it’s to inspire, comfort, motivate, or challenge, using emotional trigger words effectively can transform your content into a more engaging and memorable experience for your audience.

    35 emotional trigger words

    1. Joyful: Creates a sense of happiness and delight.

    2. Fearless: Inspires bravery and overcoming challenges.

    3. Tragic: Evokes feelings of sadness and compassion.

    4. Euphoric: Generates a sense of extreme happiness or elation.

    5. Infuriating: Provokes anger or strong annoyance.

    6. Heartbreaking: Induces deep emotional pain or sadness.

    7. Invigorating: Refreshes, energizes, and revitalizes.

    8. Lonely: Conveys feelings of isolation or solitude.

    9. Optimistic: Inspires hopefulness and confidence in the future.

    10. Panic: Triggers a sudden sense of fear or anxiety.

    11. Riveting: Captures intense interest or attention.

    12. Soothing: Offers comfort, calmness, or relaxation.

    13. Terrifying: Evokes extreme fear or horror.

    14. Vulnerable: Expresses openness to emotional harm or attack.

    15. Whimsical: Relates to light-hearted or playful spontaneity.

    16. Empowered: Gives a sense of strength and confidence.

    17. Despair: Conveys a deep sense of hopelessness.

    18. Thrilled: Produces intense excitement or pleasure.

    19. Betrayed: Feels deceived or let down.

    20. Nostalgic: Evokes sentimental longing for the past.

    21. Overwhelmed: Gives a sense of being overcome with emotions.

    22. Anxious: Causes worry, nervousness, or unease.

    23. Curious: Inspires a desire to learn or know more.

    24. Frustrated: Expresses feelings of dissatisfaction or annoyance.

    25. Hopeful: Indicates optimism or a desire for a certain thing to happen.

    26. Inspiring: Motivates or influences positively.

    27. Melancholic: Relates to deep, pensive sadness.

    28. Outraged: Expresses strong anger, shock, or indignation.

    29. Peaceful: Conveys tranquility and serenity.

    30. Rejuvenated: Feels refreshed or revitalized.

    31. Sympathetic: Shows feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune.

    32. Wistful: Has a feeling of vague or regretful longing.

    33. Zealous: Shows great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.

    34. Content: Expresses satisfaction or happiness.

    35. Enraged: Describes intense or violent anger.

    Incorporating a diverse range of emotional trigger words thoughtfully into your content can dramatically amplify its emotional depth and resonance.

    By carefully selecting words that align with the desired emotional tone and response, you can craft narratives that not only inform and persuade but also emotionally engage and connect with your readers.

    Action-oriented trigger words

    It’s time to explore trigger words designed to make your reader take a specific action.

    What are action-oriented trigger words?

    Action-oriented trigger words are crafted to prompt immediate action or decision-making.

    These dynamic words serve as catalysts, propelling readers from passive consumption to active engagement.

    Ideal for calls to action in marketing, sales copy, or any scenario where a writer aims to induce a reader to take a specific step, these words can significantly boost conversion rates and reader response.

    30 action-oriented trigger words

    1. Act: Encourages immediate response.

    2. Buy: Direct call to purchase or invest.

    3. Click: Invites to follow a link or button.

    4. Discover: Promotes exploration or revelation.

    5. Download: Suggests obtaining digital content.

    6. Enter: Invites participation or entry.

    7. Join: Calls to become part of a group or community.

    8. Learn: Encourages gaining new knowledge or skills.

    9. Play: Suggests engaging in an activity or game.

    10. Read: Invites to delve into content.

    11. Register: Calls for signing up or enrolling.

    12. Save: Promotes cost-saving or resource-preserving actions.

    13. Start: Initiates beginning of an action or process.

    14. Submit: Requests provision of information or materials.

    15. Try: Encourages testing or sampling.

    16. Visit: Invites to go to a place or website.

    17. Watch: Suggests viewing a video or presentation.

    18. Claim: Encourages taking possession of an offer.

    19. Compare: Invites analysis or evaluation.

    20. Donate: Calls for charitable giving.

    21. Upgrade: Suggests moving to a better version or level.

    22. Share: Encourages dissemination of information.

    23. Schedule: Invites planning or arranging a time.

    24. Review: Requests feedback or evaluation.

    25. Access: Suggests obtaining entry or rights.

    26. Choose: Encourages making a selection.

    27. Get: General call to obtain or receive.

    28. Sign up: Requests registering or subscribing to a service.

    29. Unlock: Offers access to more content or features.

    30. Explore: Invites investigation or discovery of something new.

    By strategically incorporating these action-oriented trigger words into your content, you can effectively guide your readers toward the desired action.

    These powerful words can transform passive interest into active engagement, enhancing the overall impact of your communication.

    Trust-building trigger words

    Trust is invaluable, and trigger words have a big role to play in building it. Let’s look at how.

    What are trust-building trigger words?

    Trust-building trigger words enhance your credibility and foster trust with your audience.

    These words are vital in creating a sense of reliability and assurance, crucial in all forms of writing but especially in areas where trust is a key factor in the reader’s decision-making process, such as in financial advice, health information, and product reviews.

    25 trust-building trigger words

    1. Authentic: Signals genuine quality or origin.

    2. Backed: Offers support or endorsement from a credible source.

    3. Certified: Indicates approval or validation by an authoritative entity.

    4. Dependable: Suggests reliability and consistency.

    5. Endorsed: Shows support or approval by a respected figure or institution.

    6. Guaranteed: Provides assurance of satisfaction or effectiveness.

    7. Honest: Conveys straightforwardness and integrity.

    8. Legitimate: Signals lawful or genuine status.

    9. No-risk: Promises no danger or loss in engagement.

    10. Official: Indicates formal authorization or recognition.

    11. Proven: Demonstrates effectiveness or validity through experience or testing.

    12. Reliable: Suggests dependability and trustworthiness.

    13. Safe: Conveys freedom from harm or risk.

    14. Secure: Indicates protection from danger or loss.

    15. Tested: Shows that something has been examined and proven effective.

    16. Transparent: Suggests openness and honesty in operations or intentions.

    17. Trusted: Indicates being dependable and reliable.

    18. Unbiased: Shows lack of prejudice or favoritism.

    19. Verified: Confirms accuracy or authenticity through examination.

    20. Warranted: Provides a formal promise, often related to quality or durability.

    21. Accurate: Ensures correctness and precision.

    22. Confidential: Promises privacy and secrecy.

    23. Ethical: Suggests adherence to moral principles.

    24. Fair: Indicates impartiality and justice.

    25. Privacy: Guarantees protection of personal information.

    Incorporating trust-building trigger words thoughtfully within your content can greatly enhance your audience’s confidence in your message.
    These words help to establish a foundation of credibility and reliability, essential for building lasting relationships with your readers.

    Curiosity-Inducing trigger words

    Never underestimate the power of curiosity. Here are trigger words that allow you to leverage exactly that.

    What are curiosity-inducing trigger words?

    Curiosity-inducing trigger words are designed to spark the reader’s interest, driving engagement and exploration.

    By promising new knowledge, hidden information, or untold stories, these words leverage the natural human desire to learn and discover.

    They are particularly effective in headlines, email subject lines, and introductions, where capturing attention is critical.

    25 curiosity-inducing trigger words

    1. Secrets: Suggests hidden or exclusive knowledge.

    2. Discover: Promises new information or experiences.

    3. Reveal: Indicates uncovering or disclosing information.

    4. Uncover: Suggests bringing to light previously hidden details.

    5. Behind the Scenes: Offers a glimpse into hidden aspects or processes.

    6. Mystery: Implies something unknown or to be solved.

    7. Exclusive: Signals access to privileged information.

    8. Hidden: Suggests concealed or not easily found information.

    9. Forbidden: Implies knowledge or areas typically off-limits.

    10. Banned: Suggests something prohibited, increasing intrigue.

    11. Unveil: Promises the revealing of something new or exciting.

    12. Insider: Implies access to confidential or privileged information.

    13. Unlock: Offers the promise of accessing something valuable.

    14. Confessions: Suggests revealing personal or secretive information.

    15. Untold: Indicates stories or information not previously shared.

    16. Private: Suggests exclusivity or restricted access.

    17. Sneak Peek: Offers a quick, exclusive look at something new.

    18. Breakthrough: Implies a significant discovery or achievement.

    19. Unexplored: Suggests something not yet investigated or known.

    20. Exposed: Reveals something hidden, often scandalous or controversial.

    21. Unravel: Promises to clarify or solve a mystery or complexity.

    22. Little-known: Indicates information not widely known or recognized.

    23. Rare: Suggests something uncommon or infrequently encountered.

    24. Unprecedented: Indicates something never done or seen before.

    25. Classified: Implies restricted or highly confidential information.

    By weaving curiosity-inducing trigger words into your content, you can effectively pique the interest of your readers, compelling them to seek more information.

    These words act as a magnet, drawing readers into your narrative and keeping them engaged through the promise of learning something new or exclusive.

    Urgency-creating trigger words

    Urgency is one of the most powerful forces in compelling a response from your readers. Here are the words you need.

    What are urgency-creating trigger words?

    Urgency-creating trigger words are crucial for conveying time sensitivity, encouraging quicker decision-making.

    These words prompt readers to act swiftly, often in scenarios where a limited offer, deadline, or opportunity is at stake.

    Perfect for sales, promotions, and calls to action, urgency-triggering words help to increase the perceived value of an offer by highlighting its temporary nature.

    20 urgency-creating trigger words

    1. Now: Implies immediate action is necessary.

    2. Limited: Suggests availability is restricted.

    3. Hurry: Encourages quick action.

    4. Deadline: Specifies a final date or time for action.

    5. Expires: Indicates an offer is ending soon.

    6. Last Chance: Suggests a final opportunity.

    7. Immediately: Urges instant action or response.

    8. Closing Soon: Indicates a nearing end or conclusion.

    9. While Supplies Last: Suggests limited stock or availability.

    10. Today: Implies action should be taken within the day.

    11. Final: Indicates the last opportunity or offer.

    12. Countdown: Suggests a limited time before an event or offer ends.

    13. Rush: Urges to act quickly or with haste.

    14. Urgent: Indicates a need for immediate attention or action.

    15. Flash Sale: Suggests a very short-term discount or offer.

    16. Offer Ends: Specifies when an offer will no longer be available.

    17. Don’t Miss Out: Warns against losing an opportunity.

    18. Act Fast: Encourages quick decision-making.

    19. Ending Soon: Suggests a nearing deadline or conclusion.

    20. Time-Sensitive: Indicates an offer or opportunity is not permanent.

    Incorporating urgency-creating trigger words into your writing can significantly influence the reader’s decision-making process, encouraging them to act more quickly than they otherwise might.

    These words are especially effective in promotional content, where creating a sense of scarcity and immediacy can drive conversions and engagement.

    Value-offering trigger words

    Make sure your readers see the value in your content with this type of trigger word.

    What are value-offering trigger words?

    Value-offering trigger words highlight the benefit or value proposition of an offer, making it more attractive to the reader.

    These words are crucial in communicating the advantages or positive outcomes of a product, service, or piece of content, helping to outline what the reader stands to gain by engaging.

    They are particularly useful in marketing and sales copy, where showcasing the value directly impacts the reader’s decision to take action.

    20 value-offering trigger words

    1. Free: Suggests no cost or risk to the reader, enhancing appeal.

    2. Bonus: Indicates additional value beyond what is expected.

    3. Exclusive: Suggests unique benefits not available to everyone.

    4. Premium: Implies superior quality or service.

    5. Gift: Offers something extra without expectation of return.

    6. Limited Edition: Suggests unique value due to limited availability.

    7. Discount: Indicates a reduced price, enhancing value.

    8. Deal: Suggests a favorable bargain.

    9. Prize: Offers a reward or win for engagement.

    10. Value: Emphasizes the worth or usefulness of an offer.

    11. Savings: Highlights financial advantage or cost reduction.

    12. Win: Suggests receiving something of value through luck or competition.

    13. Advantage: Indicates a beneficial factor or superiority.

    14. Enhanced: Suggests improved features or benefits.

    15. Upgrade: Offers an increase in value or function.

    16. Profit: Indicates financial gain or benefit.

    17. Reward: Offers a return or benefit for action taken.

    18. Solution: Suggests a means of solving a problem, adding practical value.

    19. Gain: Indicates obtaining something beneficial.

    20. Best: Suggests superior quality or advantage over others.

    Utilizing value-offering trigger words effectively in your content can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your offer, clearly communicating the benefits and rewards that await your audience.

    By emphasizing what readers stand to gain, you motivate them to take the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or engaging with your content.

    Exclusivity-suggesting trigger words

    As humans we find the idea of something exclusive and special hard to resist. These trigger words will help you inspire that feeling in your readers.

    What are exclusivity-suggesting trigger words?

    Exclusivity-suggesting trigger words create a sense of limited access or special privilege, making offers more desirable by tapping into the reader’s desire to be part of an elite group.

    These words are powerful in marketing and promotional content, where creating a feeling of scarcity and exclusivity can drive immediate action and enhance perceived value.

    15 exclusivity suggesting trigger words.

    1. Members Only: Limits access to a select group, increasing desirability.

    2. VIP: Suggests premium status and exclusive benefits.

    3. Limited Access: Implies restrictions in availability, enhancing value.

    4. Exclusive Offer: Signals a special deal not available to the general public.

    5. Private: Indicates selective access or confidentiality.

    6. Elite: Suggests a superior status or quality reserved for a select few.

    7. Secret: Implies hidden or privileged information.

    8. Rare: Highlights scarcity and uniqueness.

    9. Invite-Only: Limits participation to those who are specially chosen.

    10. Restricted: Implies limited availability or access.

    11. Selective: Suggests a careful choice, adding to the sense of value.

    12. Insider Access: Offers privileged information or opportunities.

    13. First Look: Gives early access or a preview before the general release.

    14. Exclusive Rights: Suggests unique access to use or engage with something.

    15. Limited Release: Indicates availability for a short time or in limited quantities.

    Incorporating exclusivity-suggesting trigger words into your writing can dramatically increase interest and urgency, as readers are often driven by the fear of missing out on something special or unique.

    By presenting your offer as exclusive or limited, you not only enhance its perceived value but also motivate your audience to act promptly to secure their place or advantage.

    Safety-assuring trigger words

    The need for safety is incredibly powerful. This set of trigger words can help your readers feel safe.

    What are safety-assuring trigger words?

    Safety-assuring trigger words convey security, safety, and reassurance, crucial for overcoming objections, especially in transactions or commitments.

    These words play a vital role in alleviating fears and building trust, by assuring readers that their decision to engage is free from risk or harm.

    They are particularly important in sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where concerns about safety and privacy are paramount.

    15 safety-assuring trigger words

    1. Protected: Ensures defense against harm or loss.

    2. Secure: Implies safety from external threats.

    3. Guaranteed: Offers assurance of reliability or promised outcomes.

    4. Risk-Free: Suggests engagement without potential for loss.

    5. Safe: Indicates absence of danger or risk.

    6. Privacy: Assures confidentiality and protection of personal information.

    7. Refundable: Implies the possibility of getting one’s money back if not satisfied.

    8. No Obligation: Suggests freedom from forced commitment or consequence.

    9. Insured: Indicates coverage against potential loss or damage.

    10. Certified: Verifies approval by authoritative entities for safety or quality.

    11. Encrypted: Suggests protection of digital information from unauthorized access.

    12. Money-Back Guarantee: Offers reimbursement as assurance of product satisfaction.

    13. Secure Checkout: Assures safe and protected online purchase transactions.

    14. Confidential: Guarantees that information is kept private.

    15. Verified: Confirms authenticity or credibility, enhancing trust.

    By skillfully weaving safety-assuring trigger words into your content, you can effectively address and mitigate the concerns and hesitations of your audience.

    These words serve to reassure readers, fostering a sense of trust and security that can significantly impact their willingness to take the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or sharing personal information.

    Power trigger words for storytelling

    Great storytelling is already immensely powerful – this set of trigger words levels up that power even further.

    What are power trigger words for storytelling?

    Power words for storytelling enhance imagery, emotional depth, and engagement in narrative writing.

    These words captivate the reader’s imagination, drawing them deeper into the story.

    They are essential for writers looking to create vivid, memorable narratives that resonate with their audience on an emotional level.

    20 power trigger words for storytelling

    1. Epic: Conveys grandeur and awe-inspiring scale.

    2. Heartwarming: Evokes feelings of kindness and comfort.

    3. Tragic: Implies deep sadness or disaster.

    4. Triumphant: Suggests victory or success after effort.

    5. Mysterious: Invokes curiosity and intrigue.

    6. Forbidden: Suggests something prohibited, enhancing curiosity.

    7. Haunting: Leaves a lasting, profound impression.

    8. Riveting: Captures and holds attention tightly.

    9. Breathtaking: Indicates overwhelming beauty or impact.

    10. Gripping: Holds interest tightly, compelling continued engagement.

    11. Spellbinding: Captivates in a seemingly magical way.

    12. Harrowing: Describes distressing or agonizing experiences.

    13. Enchanting: Captures charm or delight, often magical.

    14. Devastating: Conveys extreme emotional or physical impact.

    15. Exhilarating: Produces excitement or thrill.

    16. Surreal: Indicates an unreal, dream-like quality.

    17. Chilling: Suggests fear or horror, a spine-tingling effect.

    18. Electrifying: Imparts a sense of thrill or excitement.

    19. Poignant: Evokes a keen sense of sadness or regret.

    20. Whimsical: Conveys playfulness or fanciful imagination.

    Incorporating power words into your storytelling can transform simple narratives into immersive, emotionally charged experiences.

    These words help to paint more vivid pictures, evoke stronger emotions, and create a more compelling read.

    By carefully selecting power words that align with the tone and direction of your story, you can significantly enhance the impact and memorability of your writing, engaging your readers on a deeper level and leaving a lasting impression.

    Now that we’ve explored the vast landscape of trigger words across various categories, let’s conclude our comprehensive guide with practical advice for integrating these powerful words into your writing effectively.

    How to use trigger words in writing

    Integrating trigger words into your content should feel natural and seamless.

    To avoid making your writing appear forced or overly salesy, sprinkle trigger words throughout your content where they naturally enhance your message without overpowering it.

    The key is subtlety; let these words amplify your voice rather than overshadow it.

    How to choose the right trigger words for your readership and purpose

    Understanding your audience is crucial when selecting which trigger words to use.

    Consider the emotions, desires, and needs of your readers, as well as the context of your content.

    For instance, urgency-creating words might be more appropriate for a promotional email, while trust-building words could be vital for a service description.

    Aligning trigger words with your audience’s expectations and your writing goals will ensure they resonate more deeply and elicit the desired response.

    How to refine your use of trigger words

    The effectiveness of trigger words can vary greatly depending on their context and usage.

    Conduct A/B testing in your marketing materials to see which trigger words drive more engagement or conversions.

    Pay attention to analytics and feedback to understand how your audience reacts to different words, and be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly.

    Over time, you’ll develop a keen sense for which words work best in various situations, allowing you to craft more compelling and effective content.

    Are you ready to put your knowledge of trigger words into practice?

    Trigger words are a powerful element in the writer’s toolkit, capable of transforming passive reading into active engagement.

    By understanding and using these words thoughtfully across different types of writing, you can enhance the impact of your content, whether you’re aiming to persuade, inform, or entertain.

    As you begin to use these trigger words in your writing, don’t lose sight of the importance of having a meaningful message to share.

    When you combine purposeful writing with trigger words, you stand a much greater chance of having the effect you desire.

  • Tone Words – Ultimate Guide for Writers

    Tone Words – Ultimate Guide for Writers

    Tone words are essential elements of your writing skillset, pivotal in shaping the reader’s perception and emotional response to your text.

    These words carry the capacity to subtly influence a narrative’s atmosphere, character dynamics, and overall message, making their selection crucial in writing.

    This guide is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of tone words, detailing their types, uses, and effects to empower you to craft more nuanced and engaging content.

    We’ll delve into how these words can fine-tune the voice of a narrative, affect mood, and enhance the connection with your readers.

    Let’s get started!

    What are tone words?

    Tone words express a writer’s attitude toward their subject matter or audience.

    They are the subtle cues that signal our stance, whether it’s skeptical, enthusiastic, solemn, or amused.

    Their role extends beyond decoration; they are fundamental in conveying the emotional and informational content of our writing.

    By carefully choosing tone words, you can guide readers through a spectrum of feelings and thoughts, making your writing more immersive and compelling.

    Tone words are categorized not just by emotion but by their function in your writing.

    Tone words can:

    1. Elicit specific emotional responses in your reader, helping your words resonate on a personal level.
    2. Highlight your perspective as a writer on a topic, offering insight into your views, values, and beliefs.
    3. Shape your narrative voice, whether it be authoritative, informal, ironic, or earnest, influencing the way in which your readers engage and respond.

    Understanding tone words also involves recognizing their versatility and impact.

    A single word can shift the mood of a sentence, alter the perception of a character, or change the direction of a dialogue.

    This is why your choice of tone words should be a deliberate one, requiring you to consider the nuances of your purpose and the desired reaction from your reader.

    To harness the power of tone words effectively, you need to be attuned to the subtleties of language and emotion. This involves a mix of creativity, sensitivity, and precision—qualities that are honed over time and with practice.

    Now that you have a solid understanding of what tone words are, and the impact they can have, let’s take a look at different categories of tone words, some examples, and how to put them into practice.

    Positive tone words

    positive tone words represented by a happy reader on a bench

    Positive tone words do more than just convey happiness or satisfaction; they infuse your writing with an uplifting spirit, capable of transforming your reader’s mood and perception.

    Whether used to highlight the strengths of a character, the hopeful aspect of a situation, or the joyful climax of a story, positive tone words are vital tools in your arsenal for crafting compelling and emotionally resonant text.

    Examples of positive tone words

    1. Optimistic: Reflecting a hopeful and positive outlook on the future.

    2. Jubilant: Expressing joy, especially as a result of success.

    3. Enthusiastic: Showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

    4. Hopeful: Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.

    5. Serene: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.

    6. Cheerful: Noticeably happy and optimistic; inducing feelings of happiness.

    7. Affectionate: Demonstrating fondness or tenderness; warm-hearted.

    8. Energetic: Possessing or exhibiting vitality and vigor.

    9. Inspiring: Having the effect of inspiring someone; motivational.

    10. Grateful: Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received.

    How to use positive tone words

    To understand how to use positive tone words in your writing, let’s take a look at three in action.

    1 – Optimistic

    “The team was optimistic about their chances of winning, despite the odds.”

    Here, “optimistic” sets a tone of hope and confidence, influencing the reader to feel a sense of anticipation and possibility.

    It suggests resilience and a positive mindset, key traits that can endear characters to readers and make narrative outcomes feel rewarding.

    2 – Jubilant

    “After hearing the news of their victory, the crowd erupted in jubilant celebration.”

    The use of “jubilant” vividly conveys the intense joy and triumph felt by the crowd.

    It’s a powerful word for creating a vivid, emotionally charged scene that can uplift and engage the reader, drawing them into the shared experience of success.

    3 – Enthusiastic

    “Her enthusiastic response to the challenge was contagious, inspiring her team to push forward.”

    “Enthusiastic” not only characterizes the individual’s attitude but also acts as a catalyst within the text, spreading energy and motivation.

    This word demonstrates how positive emotions can be infectious, affecting the dynamics between characters and the overall mood of your writing.

    Negative tone words

    negative tone words shown by someone reading a book in a sad setting

    While positive tone words weave narratives of joy and hope, negative tone words are equally crucial, crafting writing with depth, tension, and realism.

    These words help portray conflict, sorrow, fear, and frustration, offering a counterbalance that can make your writing more relatable and compelling.

    Examples of negative tone words

    1. Melancholic: Expressing a deep, pensive sadness.

    2. Angry: Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.

    3. Pessimistic: Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

    4. Foreboding: Implying that something bad is going to happen.

    5. Gloomy: Dark or poorly lit, especially so as to appear depressing or frightening.

    6. Bitter: Showing anger, hurt, or resentment because of bad experiences or a sense of unjust treatment.

    7. Anxious: Experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness.

    8. Morose: Sullen and ill-tempered; gloomily or sulkily sad.

    9. Hostile: Showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly.

    10. Resentful: Feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

    How to use negative tone words

    Let’s get specific and explore three examples of negative tone words in action.

    1 – Melancholic

    “The room fell silent, the atmosphere turning melancholic as the news was shared.”

    “Melancholic” in this sentence sets a tone of deep sadness and reflection.

    It gives the sentence a somber depth, influencing the reader to feel the weight of the characters’ emotions, enriching the text with a sense of empathy and understanding.

    2 – Angry

    “His words were sharp and angry, cutting through the tension like a knife.”

    Using “angry” characterizes the speaker’s emotions as intense and charged, highlighting a moment of conflict.

    This word not only describes the speaker’s mood but also escalates the narrative tension, inviting readers to explore the underlying causes and potential resolutions.

    It’s a powerful choice for moments that aim to reveal character traits or drive home the impact of a situation.

    3 – Pessimistic

    “She viewed the proposal with a pessimistic skepticism, convinced it would fail.”

    “Pessimistic” here colors the character’s outlook, establishing her attitude toward future events as doubtful and negative.

    This tone word serves to create a sense of anticipation in the reader, wondering whether this pessimism is justified and how it will affect the plot’s development.

    It adds complexity to the narrative, challenging characters and readers alike to confront the potential for failure and disappointment.

    Neutral tone words

    neutral tone words represented by a woman sitting in a neutral room with books

    Neutral tone words stand out for their ability to convey information, observations, or descriptions without a strong emotional charge.

    These words are essential for creating a sense of objectivity, clarity, and balance in writing.

    They are particularly valuable in contexts where the goal is to inform, describe, or present facts without influencing the reader’s emotions in one direction or another.

    Neutral tone words can also provide a respite from emotionally charged narratives, offering readers a moment of reflection or a clearer understanding of the facts at hand.

    Examples of neutral tone words

    1. Reflective: Engaged in, involving, or conducive to deep thought.

    2. Informative: Providing useful or interesting information.

    3. Matter-of-fact: Concerned with factual content rather than style or expression.

    4. Impartial: Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.

    5. Observant: Quick to notice or perceive things.

    6. Unbiased: Showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial.

    7. Descriptive: Serving or seeking to describe.

    8. Factual: Concerned with what is actually the case rather than interpretations.

    9. Straightforward: Uncomplicated and easy to do or understand.

    10. Detached: Separate or disconnected, in particular.

    How to use neutral tone words

    The purpose of neutral tone words is best understood by analyzing their usage. Here’s three sentences featuring neutral tone words as well as some insight into the impact they have.

    1 – Reflective

    “The documentary took a reflective approach, inviting viewers to consider the impact of technology on society.”

    “Reflective” suggests a thoughtful, contemplative tone, encouraging an introspective response from the audience.

    It signals a shift from mere presentation of facts to a deeper exploration of implications and meanings, making the content more engaging without directing how the viewer should feel.

    2 – Informative

    “The report was informative, covering all aspects of the event in detail.”

    Using “informative” emphasizes the comprehensive and educational nature of the report.

    It prepares the reader for a factual and thorough exploration of the topic, highlighting the writer’s intent to enlighten rather than persuade or entertain.

    3 – Matter-of-fact

    “Her account of the incident was matter-of-fact, devoid of any emotional undertones.”

    The phrase “matter-of-fact” conveys a straightforward, unembellished recounting of events.

    This tone word is effective for establishing credibility and reliability, focusing the reader’s attention on the facts and actions rather than the emotional reactions or biases of the narrator.

    Persuasive tone words

    persuasive tone words represented by someone holding out money in a room full of books

    Persuasive tone words are the secret ingredient in writing that aims to convince, motivate, or influence the reader.

    They are particularly prevalent in argumentative essays, persuasive speeches, and advertising, where the goal is to sway the audience toward a particular viewpoint or action.

    These words carry the power to engage the reader’s emotions and intellect, making the argument more compelling and the call to action more irresistible.

    Using persuasive tone words effectively requires a delicate balance, ensuring that the message is assertive without being overbearing, and convincing without resorting to manipulation.

    Examples of persuasive tone words

    1. Compelling: Capturing interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.

    2. Persuasive: Good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.

    3. Convincing: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.

    4. Urgent: Requiring immediate action or attention.

    5. Encouraging: Giving someone support or confidence; supportive.

    6. Assertive: Having or showing a confident and forceful personality.

    7. Influential: Having great influence on someone or something.

    8. Reasonable: Based on good sense.

    9. Credible: Able to be believed; convincing.

    10. Motivating: Providing a reason to act in a certain way.

    How to use persuasive tone words

    Persuasive writing is as much of an art as it is a science. Let’s take a practical look at the role three persuasive tone words serve in sentences.

    1 – Compelling

    “The article presented a compelling argument for environmental conservation.”

    “Compelling” here suggests that the argument is not only strong and persuasive but also captures the reader’s interest in a way that makes them want to engage with the cause.

    It’s effective in demonstrating the urgency and importance of the issue at hand.

    2 – Persuasive

    “Her persuasive speech convinced the committee to approve the funding.”

    The use of “persuasive” emphasizes the speaker’s skill in influencing the committee’s decision through logical reasoning and emotional appeal.

    It highlights the power of carefully chosen words to effect change.

    3 – Convincing

    “Despite initial skepticism, the evidence presented was convincing enough to change his mind.”

    “Convincing” implies that the evidence was so strong and well-presented that it overcame objections, leading to a change in opinion.

    It underscores the importance of substantiating arguments with solid, believable information.

    Humorous tone words

    humorous tone words represented by a laughing couple reading a book

    Humorous tone words are effective at injecting wit, irony, or light-heartedness into writing.

    They can disarm readers, foster a sense of camaraderie, and make complex or sensitive topics more approachable.

    Humor, when used appropriately, can be a powerful tool for engaging and retaining attention, breaking the ice, or providing relief in tense narratives.

    However, deploying humor requires a nuanced understanding of the readers and context you are writing in to ensure that it enhances rather than detracts from your message.

    Examples of humorous tone words

    1. Witty: Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.

    2. Humorous: Causing lighthearted laughter and amusement; comic.

    3. Sarcastic: Marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt.

    4. Playful: Fond of games and amusement; lighthearted.

    5. Ironic: Using or characterized by irony.

    6. Sardonic: Grimly mocking or cynical.

    7. Whimsical: Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

    8. Lighthearted: Cheerful and carefree.

    9. Amusing: Causing laughter or providing entertainment.

    10. Clever: Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent and humorous.

    How to use humorous tone words

    Whether or not you consider yourself to be naturally funny, using humour in your writing is a learnable skill. Here are three examples of humorous tone words in sentences to boost your understanding.

    1 – Witty

    “His witty remark lightened the mood of the meeting.”

    “Witty” implies a level of intelligence and humor that not only entertains but also serves to diffuse tension, making the environment more conducive to open discussion and collaboration.

    2 – Humorous

    “The author’s humorous anecdotes made the biography a delight to read.”

    By describing the anecdotes as “humorous,” this emphasizes their role in adding enjoyment and relatability to the biography, demonstrating how humor can enrich storytelling and connect with readers on a personal level.

    3 – Sarcastic

    “Her sarcastic comments during the debate were both cutting and surprisingly insightful.”

    “Sarcastic” here is used to convey a biting humor that challenges or critiques, showing that humor can also serve as a tool for critical observation and engaging readers in a deeper examination of the topic at hand.

    Are you ready to enhance your writing with tone words?

    Mastering the art of using tone words is a process requiring both knowledge and practice.

    You now have the knowledge you need – so are you ready to put it into practice?

    Experiment with the tone words explored in this guide, integrating them into your writing projects with an awareness of their impact.

    Remember, the goal is not only to inform or entertain but to connect with your reader in meaningful and memorable ways.

    Few things are as powerful as great writing, so use these tone words to make your next project the best it can be.

  • Negative Tone Words – Ultimate Guide & 77 Examples

    Negative Tone Words – Ultimate Guide & 77 Examples

    Are you familiar with the concept of negative tone words?

    The mood and emotion conveyed through writing is a key component of what makes it effective, and tone words are a powerful tool at your disposal.

    This guide focuses exclusively on one type of tone words – negative tone words.

    These are words that convey a sense of pessimism, criticism, or dissatisfaction, allowing you to infuse your writing with complex emotions and attitudes.

    Mastering negative tone words will enhance your ability to connect with readers on a deeper level by conveying your intended mood and emotion.

    This guide to negative tone words includes:

    1. What are negative tone words?
    2. Examples of negative tone words
    3. What is the impact of using negative tone words?
    4. When should writers use negative tone words?
    5. Examples of when to use negative tone words
    6. Examples of when to avoid using negative tone words
    7. How to use negative tone words in your writing
    8. What are alternatives to using negative tone words in writing?

    Let’s begin with a definition of negative tone words.

    What are negative tone words?

    Negative tone words are words that carry a critical or pessimistic connotation, adding depth and authenticity to your writing.

    They are are a type of language that help convey emotions such as sadness, frustration, or disapproval.


    Examples of negative tone words

    Read on to discover examples of negative tone words, providing a comprehensive list of 77 examples to expand your writing repertoire:

    1. Abandonment: Deserting or leaving behind. “The abandonment of the project was disappointing.”
    2. Accuse: Blaming someone for wrongdoing. “She accused him of stealing her ideas.”
    3. Aggravate: Make a situation worse. “His comments only aggravated the tension.”
    4. Alienation: Feeling isolated or estranged. “His actions led to a sense of alienation.”
    5. Anguish: Intense emotional suffering. “She cried out in anguish.”
    6. Annoyance: Mild irritation or displeasure. “His constant tapping became an annoyance.”
    7. Apathetic: Lack of interest or enthusiasm. “His apathetic response surprised everyone.”
    8. Betrayal: Breaking trust or loyalty. “The betrayal left deep scars.”
    9. Bitterness: Strong resentment or hostility. “Bitterness filled her heart.”
    10. Blame: Holding someone responsible. “He placed the blame squarely on her.”
    11. Bothersome: Annoying or troublesome. “The noise from the construction site was bothersome.”
    12. Brutal: Extremely harsh or cruel. “The criticism was brutal.”
    13. Censorious: Highly critical or fault-finding. “She was censorious of his every move.”
    14. Coldness: Lack of warmth or emotional connection. “His coldness hurt more than his words.”
    15. Condemn: Express strong disapproval. “They were quick to condemn his actions.”
    16. Contemptuous: Showing disdain or scorn. “His contemptuous tone was hard to ignore.”
    17. Criticize: Express negative judgments. “She didn’t hesitate to criticize his work.”
    18. Cruelty: Willful infliction of pain or suffering. “The cruelty of the situation was unbearable.”
    19. Cynical: Doubtful or distrustful of human sincerity. “Her cynical outlook was disheartening.”
    20. Damaging: Harmful or detrimental. “His damaging remarks left lasting scars.”
    21. Dark: Lacking light or hope. “Dark thoughts clouded her mind.”
    22. Defeat: Overcoming or losing to an opponent. “They accepted defeat with grace.”
    23. Defiance: Open resistance or disobedience. “His defiance only worsened the situation.”
    24. Dejected: Depressed or disheartened. “He looked dejected after the loss.”
    25. Delusional: Holding false or irrational beliefs. “His delusional ideas were concerning.”
    26. Depressing: Causing sadness or low spirits. “The news was undeniably depressing.”
    27. Derogatory: Insulting or belittling. “His derogatory comments were hurtful.”
    28. Despair: Feeling of hopelessness. “Despair overcame her.”
    29. Detest: Strongly dislike or loathe. “She couldn’t help but detest him.”
    30. Disapproval: Negative judgment or disfavor. “Their disapproval was evident.”
    31. Discomfort: Feeling of unease or physical discomfort. “His presence caused discomfort.”
    32. Disconcerting: Upsetting or unsettling. “The sudden change in plans was disconcerting.”
    33. Discontent: Dissatisfaction or unhappiness. “Their discontent was palpable.”
    34. Disgust: Strong feeling of revulsion or repulsion. “His actions filled her with disgust.”
    35. Dismal: Depressing or bleak. “The future looked dismal.”
    36. Displeasure: Unhappiness or annoyance. “His actions caused immense displeasure.”
    37. Disrespect: Lack of respect or courtesy. “His disrespect was unacceptable.”
    38. Distrust: Lack of trust or confidence. “Distrust lingered between them.”
    39. Disturbance: Upsetting or interruption of peace. “The disturbance disrupted their conversation.”
    40. Doubtful: Uncertain or skeptical. “She remained doubtful of his intentions.”
    41. Embarrassment: Feeling of self-consciousness or shame. “The embarrassment was unbearable.”
    42. Envy: Feeling of jealousy or resentment. “Her envy was hard to hide.”
    43. Exasperation: Feeling of frustration or irritation. “Exasperation crossed her face.”
    44. Fretful: Anxious or worried. “He grew fretful in her absence.”
    45. Frustration: Feeling of being thwarted or unable to achieve a goal. “Frustration gnawed at him.”
    46. Gloomy: Dark or pessimistic. “The weather was undeniably gloomy.”
    47. Grim: Serious or gloomy in appearance or demeanor. “The situation appeared grim.”
    48. Harsh: Unpleasantly rough or severe. “His words were harsh and unforgiving.”
    49. Hatred: Intense dislike or loathing. “Hatred festered in his heart.”
    50. Hostile: Unfriendly or antagonistic. “The atmosphere turned hostile.”
    51. Hurtful: Causing emotional pain or distress. “Her hurtful comments stung.”
    52. Ignorant: Lacking knowledge or awareness. “His ignorant remarks were off-putting.”
    53. Impatience: Restlessness or intolerance of delay. “His impatience was evident.”
    54. Indifference: Lack of interest or concern. “His indifference hurt more than anger.”
    55. Insecurity: Feeling of uncertainty or vulnerability. “Insecurity plagued her thoughts.”
    56. Insensitive: Lacking sensitivity or empathy. “His insensitive remarks were hurtful.”
    57. Intolerant: Unwilling to accept differences or others’ opinions. “Her intolerant attitude was concerning.”
    58. Irritating: Annoying or provoking. “His behavior became increasingly irritating.”
    59. Jealousy: Feeling of envy or covetousness. “Jealousy consumed her.”
    60. Loneliness: Feeling of being alone or isolated. “Loneliness was her constant companion.”
    61. Malice: Intention to harm or cause suffering. “Malice lurked behind her smile.”
    62. Misery: State of great unhappiness or suffering. “Their misery was palpable.”
    63. Neglect: Failure to care for or pay attention to. “Neglect fueled their resentment.”
    64. Nervousness: Feeling of unease or apprehension. “Nervousness crept in before the performance.”
    65. Offend: Cause to feel upset or insulted. “His words were intended to offend.”
    66. Painful: Causing physical or emotional pain. “The memory was too painful to discuss.”
    67. Pessimism: Negative outlook or expectation. “Pessimism colored their future.”
    68. Prejudice: Preconceived opinion or bias. “His prejudice was unmistakable.”
    69. Regret: Feeling of sorrow or remorse. “Regret weighed heavily on her.”
    70. Rejection: Act of refusing or dismissing. “Rejection was hard to accept.”
    71. Resentment: Feeling of bitterness or indignation. “Resentment festered between them.”
    72. Ridicule: Mocking or making fun of someone. “Their ridicule was hurtful.”
    73. Sarcasm: Use of ironic or mocking language. “His sarcasm was thinly veiled.”
    74. Scorn: Contempt or disdain. “Scorn filled her eyes.”
    75. Selfishness: Concern for one’s own interests without regard for others. “His selfishness knew no bounds.”
    76. Sorrow: Feeling of deep sadness or grief. “Sorrow overwhelmed her.”
    77. Suspicion: Belief that someone may be guilty of wrongdoing. “Suspicion tainted their relationship.”


    These examples of negative tone words, along with their definition and usage, should provide you a clearer insight into this particular writing technique and how its used.

    What is the impact of using negative tone words?

    Negative tone words can wield a considerable influence over how your writing is perceived.

    However, it’s essential to recognize that not all negative tone words are created equal. They vary in their degree of negativity, ranging from mild to severe

    Understanding these nuances is crucial for a writer seeking to convey precisely the right emotions or attitudes.

    Here are some key nuances that showcase the varying degrees of negativity:

    • Mild Negativity: Words like “discomfort” or “annoyance” express minor irritation or displeasure.
    • Moderate Negativity: Terms such as “frustration” or “discontent” convey a stronger sense of unhappiness or dissatisfaction.
    • Strong Negativity: Words like “hatred” or “contempt” evoke intense negative emotions, often associated with deep-seated resentment.
    • Extreme Negativity: “Malice” and “despair” represent the most severe degrees of negativity, denoting malevolence and profound sadness.

    Understanding these nuances allows you to fine-tune your writing and create precisely the desired impact.

    When should writers use negative tone words?

    In the realm of writing, the judicious use of negative tone words can be a powerful tool, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

    The appropriateness of employing such words depends on the context and the message you wish to convey.

    Sometimes, they can enhance the emotional resonance of your writing, while in other situations, they might backfire or be considered insensitive.

    Let’s delve into when it’s appropriate and when it’s best to avoid negative tone words.

    Examples of when to use negative tone words

    Here are situations where it is appropriate for you to use negative tone words in your writing:

    • Expressing genuine emotions: When you want to authentically convey emotions like anger, sorrow, or frustration in a story or personal narrative.
    • Creating realistic characters: In fiction, negative tone words can help develop complex characters with flaws and depth.
    • Critiquing or analyzing: In analytical or critical writing, using negative tone words may be appropriate to evaluate shortcomings or weaknesses.
    • Highlighting issues: When discussing societal or systemic problems, negative tone words can draw attention to pressing concerns.
    • Expressing strong disagreement: In persuasive or argumentative writing, they can emphasize your stance when you strongly disagree with a point.
    • Evoking empathy: In personal essays or memoirs, they can help readers empathize with your experiences.
    • Creating tension: In creative writing, negative tone words can add tension and conflict to a story.

    Examples of when to avoid using negative tone words

    There are also situations where you should avoid making negative tone words part of your writing, such as the following:

    • Professional communication: In formal or professional writing, negative tone words should be used sparingly to maintain a respectful tone.
    • Sensitive topics: When discussing sensitive subjects like illness or personal loss, be cautious with negative tone words to avoid causing unnecessary distress.
    • Positive messaging: When your intent is to inspire, motivate, or provide positive guidance, negative tone words may undermine your message.
    • Audience sensitivity: Consider your audience’s sensitivity; if they might be easily offended or upset, use negative tone words with care.
    • Cultural sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences that might affect how negative tone words are perceived.
    • Ineffective persuasion: In persuasive writing, overusing negative tone words can alienate readers rather than convince them.
    • Avoiding stereotypes: Be cautious not to reinforce stereotypes or perpetuate biases through negative tone words.

    Understanding the appropriate and inappropriate contexts for using negative tone words will help you navigate the fine line between effective communication and unintended offense in your writing.

    How to use negative tone words in your writing

    Now that we’ve explored the nuances of negative tone words and their appropriate usage, let’s dive into practical tips for incorporating them effectively into your writing.

    Here are seven guidelines for using negative tone words:

    1. Balance is key: Maintain a balance between negative and positive tone words to achieve the desired emotional impact.
    2. Context matters: Always consider the context in which you’re using negative tone words to ensure they align with your message.
    3. Clarity first: Prioritize clarity in your writing; don’t sacrifice it for the sake of using negative tone words.
    4. Avoid overuse: Use negative tone words sparingly to avoid overwhelming your readers with negativity.
    5. Emphasize specificity: Be specific in your choice of negative tone words to precisely convey your intended emotions.
    6. Consider your audience: Keep your target audience in mind; their sensitivity and expectations should guide your use of negative tone words.
    7. Edit and revise: After writing, review your work to ensure that your use of negative tone words enhances your message rather than detracts from it.

    What are alternatives to using negative tone words in writing?

    While negative tone words can be potent, there are alternative ways to convey similar sentiments.

    These alternatives provide a more positive approach that achieves a similar effect:

    • Use neutral language: Instead of saying “hate,” say “dislike” to tone down the negativity while expressing your preference.
    • Opt for positive phrasing: Rather than “unpleasant experience,” say “challenging situation” to maintain a more positive tone.
    • Frame critique constructively: Instead of “criticize,” use “offer feedback” to emphasize improvement over fault-finding.
    • Highlight solutions: Shift the focus from problems to solutions by saying “addressing the issue” instead of “dealing with the problem.”
    • Emphasize empathy: Show understanding and empathy by saying “I understand your concerns” instead of “I know your complaints.”
    • Employ diplomacy: Replace “blame” with “responsibility” to encourage accountability without assigning negativity.
    • Choose neutral descriptors: Instead of “disgustingly dirty,” use “exceptionally messy” to convey the same idea without intense negativity.

    By incorporating these alternatives into your writing, you can maintain a more positive tone while effectively conveying your message.

    Are you ready to use negative tone words in your writing?

    As you embark on your writing journey, armed with the knowledge of negative tone words, their nuances, and their appropriate use, remember that words are your tools of creation and connection.

    Harness them thoughtfully, always considering your message, your audience, and your intent.

    Strive to strike a balance between authenticity and respect, and never underestimate the power of a well-chosen word.

    With these insights in mind, go forth and craft your tone, knowing that you have the tools to engage, connect, and resonate with your readers on a deeper level.

  • 34 Inspiring Writing Podcasts to Subscribe to Right Now

    34 Inspiring Writing Podcasts to Subscribe to Right Now

    In the last decade or so, podcasts have exploded in worldwide popularity.

    From celebrities like Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey from “The Office” to your 15-year-old nephew, everyone seems to have a podcast.

    There’s a reason podcasts are so popular. Their versatility, accessibility and ability to transport, educate and empower is hard to beat.

    For writers looking to bust writer’s block, hone their craft or spice up a boring commute, there’s no shortage of podcasts from amateurs and experts alike. 

    But writer beware: You might find yourself binge-listening for hours.

    Subscribe to these writing podcasts

    Here, we’ve compiled 34 writing-related podcasts worth subscribing to.

    1. Self-Publishing School Podcast

    Self-Publishing School’s Podcast aims to help people write and publish their first book, and how to use that book to grow their business, brand, or following. They’ve had many guests in the past episodes to talk about how to achieved success with this strategy: Robert Kiyosaki, Gary Vaynerchuk, Nick Stephenson, Hal Elrod, and Michael Hyatt (And many more upcoming names).

    A great place to start: One of our favorite episodes is featuring Gillian Perkins. She tells us about using YouTube to sell more books and grow her business, how she monetize her channel; and how she’s been making $5k/month just from ads since 3 months after starting.  “0 to 450k Subscribers In 3 Years – Using YouTube To Grow Your Business & Sell More Books with Gillian Perkins”

    2. The Writer Files

    Hosted by Kelton Reid, The Writer Files is a long-running podcast that delves deep into habits and habitats of famed writers. Reid interviews writers from a broad spectrum, giving each listener a chance to see into the mind of an accomplished wordsmith within their genre or interest.

    3. A Way With Words

    This National Public Radio (NPR) program discusses language examined through the lens of history, culture and family. The podcast is rich with detail and exciting storytelling and typically runs for about an hour. You’ll hear upbeat conversations about the language of current events, new words and slang, semantics and other topics that will make you go, “Hmm.”

    A great place to start: A fascinating episode, “Hidden Treasures,” dives into old Civil War Letters for a vivid portrait of the everyday lives of enlisted men and how ordinary people spoke back then.  Another great is “Goody Two-Shoes,” which walks you through how to write a fitting epitaph for someone you love.

    4. Writing Excuses

    Writing Excuses is hosted by a group of writers who provide quick tips for writing techniques. This fast-paced podcast runs about 15 minutes per episode, with the fun tagline “Fifteen minutes long, because you’re in a hurry, and we’re not that smart.” Previous seasons have covered genre, structure, and character amongst other topics. 

    5. I Should Be Writing

    This award-winning podcast is hosted by the always honest Mur Lafferty. Length varies, but episodes typically feature an interview with an author who has a new book. The episodes often provide encouragement to “would-be” writers to believe in themselves and get writing.

    A great place to start: One episode  all writers should take a listen to is “What does “No” mean?” Lafferty talks about how a rejection in the publishing industry might not be a hard-stop.  In “Tuckerization Dangers,” Mur talks about the complications of naming a character after someone who’s still alive. 

    6. Dead Robots’ Society

    Dead Robots’ Society is a fun podcast by aspiring writers, for aspiring writers. Inspired by Mur Lafferty’s podcast, the hosts share writing insights typically related to writing novels.

    A great place to start: The hosts talk about the process of writing a book from word choice to sequels and series in the episode “From Word To Series.” In another great episode titled “Gods and Monsters,” Terry and Paul get lost in the details of the difference between gods, monsters and villains.

    7. Portfolio Life by Jeff Goins

    Well-known author Jeff Goins hosts this podcast about life, collective work and artistry. Goins is known for his inspirational messages, and his podcast is no different. This podcast is all about finding what you were born to do, and getting started creating a portfolio of your dreams.

    A great place to start: In an inspirational episode, Goins talks about “Getting Paid to Pursue Your Passion in 48 Hours or Less.” Goins discusses his own passion-focused experiment and how it worked out for him. In another top episode “The 3 Stages of an Artist’s Work: Transaction, Compromise, Gift,” Goins offers insight into the phases of the writer’s journey and how necessary each stage is to better understand your purpose as a writer. 

    8. The Creative Penn Podcast

    Author Joanna Penn covers many topics related to writing, including publishing, developing your craft and where to find inspiration. Penn also interviews many professionals in the field.

    A great place to start: Steal pitch techniques from Penn’s interview with successful, best-selling author Kate Harrison in  “How To Pitch Your Book To Agents, Publishers And Readers With Kate Harrison.” Another episode titled “Writing Tips: How Character Flaws Shape Story With Will Storr” is a great listen and explains the science of storytelling and offers practical tips on creating characters with unique flaws.

    9. The Story Grid Podcast

    This podcast is hosted by two writers, veteran author Shawn Coyne and self-proclaimed struggling writer Tim Grahl. Their goal? Help writers create great stories. The twist? These hosts put their own work up for critique. Coyne also offers many practical tools to help writers craft a story that works.

    A great place to start: “The Must-Haves of Big Idea Nonfiction,” where the hosts teach how to apply the principles of storytelling to nonfiction. They also discuss the ways “Sesame Street” can help you be a better nonfiction writer. In “Scene 1, Book 2” Coyne critiques the first scene of Grahl’s latest work-in-progress. 

    10. Beautiful Writers Podcast

    Beautiful Writers Podcast features conversations with some of the most well-recognized writers in the world. Host and writer Linda Sivertsen interviews best-selling authors like Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry McMillan, Dean Koontz, Glennon Doyle Melton, Cheryl Strayed, Brené Brown and many more. Episodes are typically in-depth and include personal anecdotes from creatives in the business.

    A great place to start: The interview with Gretchen Rubin, where she chats about habits that spark creativity. In another interview well worth a listen which is  titled “Joy Harjo: Poet Laureate of the United States,” Harjo talks about being the first Native American to hold this position, and she even reads an unfinished piece for her new memoir — you get to hear her editing it in real-time! 

    11. StoryCorps

    In this NPR podcast, hosts gather stories from Americans across the country. Although not a traditional podcast for writers, this podcast offers inspiration for excellent storytelling.

    A great place to start: Hear the difficult conversations that one family is having as they deal with the recurring threat of deportation in the episode “On The Brink Of Separation.” In “A Little Bit Of Kindness,” listeners hear stories about how a bit of kindness (like delivering groceries to elderly neighbors) can go a long way. 

    12. The Literary Salon

    In host Damian Barr’s The Literary Salon, authors read excerpts from their books — all in front of a live audience in glamorous locations.

    A great place to start: In a popular episode, Okechukwu Nzelu reads from his second book, The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney. In “EXCLUSIVE: new reading from You Will Be Safe Here,” Damian Barr gives an exclusive new reading from his powerful debut novel, You Will Be Safe. 

    13. Helping Writers Become Authors

    Award-winning author K.M. Weiland hosts this podcast that offers mentorship and advice to aspiring writers hoping to publish their own novel someday. Weiland offers practical advice on many topics related to storytelling and story structure.

    A great place to start: “4 Steps for How to Turn an Idea Into a Story That Rocks” is a practical podcast chock-full of helpful advice about setting up personal systems within your creative discipline. Weiland shares how to control and cut down on distractions to reclaim your full creative capacity in “Creativity vs. Distraction: 13 Tips for Writers in the Age of the Internet.”

    14. Writing Class Radio

    This podcast offers an invitation into a writing class, where you’ll hear and be inspired by insight and advice from experts. Hosts Allison and Andrea love telling stories, and through their writing class listeners get the chance to learn and grow in their own storytelling.

    A great place to start: In “Get Out of Your Way and Write” Allison and Andrea talk about the power of truth-telling in finding your voice. In another wonderful episode titled, “An Insider Conversation with a Literary Agent,” the hosts plow literary agent Barbara Poelle with important questions: Is now a good time to query? How do I find an agent? Is there such a thing as a dream agent?

    15. Happier by Gretchen Rubin

    Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin hosts a podcast on ways to practice happiness and how to find a more fulfilling everyday life. Although this podcast isn’t specifically for writers, it features many well-known bestsellers who share helpful habits that have made them successful. It also includes co-host Elizabeth Craft, Gretchen’s sister, a TV writer living in Los Angeles.

    A great place to start: A fun and light-hearted episode with bestseller Dan Harris talks about memories and meditation. In “A Little Happier: Can You Call Spirits from the Vasty Deep? Sure, No Problem,” Gretchen points out that getting your words into the world is one thing, while getting a response may not be as easy.

    16. Ditch Diggers

    In this Hugo Award Finalist, veteran podcaster Mur Lafferty and co-host Matt Wallace offer advice to writers with deadlines. The purpose of Ditch Diggers isn’t to offer information on honing the writer’s craft, but on pressing through tough deadlines and helping writers pay their bills through writing. This is an explicit show, you’ve been warned.

    A great place to start: Spend an afternoon with “Kameron Hurley and Writing THAT Story.” In this hour-long podcast, the award-winning author and hosts  discuss how to write a story that goes viral and polarizes people widely. Plus, learn some tips about what to do if publishers you’re affiliated with behave harmfully or problematically. In a fun episode titled, “What’s Publishing Doing?” Matt and Mur talk about the effectiveness of marketing genre books, publisher vs. author responsibility for marketing books and much more. 

    17. Mythcreants Podcast

    A weekly podcast for writers to geek out over science fiction and fantasy writing. Podcast hosts are Oren Ashkenazi, Chris Winkle, and Wes Matlock.

    A great place to start: In a podcast episode titled “Multiple POVs Revisited,” hosts discuss the merits of multiple points of view: What are they for? Should authors use them?. In “Making Conflict Matter,” hosts go through a handy checklist of reasons why you might be having trouble making conflict matter, then explain what you can do about it. 

    18. The Copywriter Club Podcast

    In this vibrant community for copywriters and would-be copywriters, experts in the field offer inspiration, encouragement, and concrete advice on advancing in this ever-growing writing niche. Copywriters Kira Hug and Rob Marsh host the show and offer many resources on their site.

    A great place to start: In the episode titled “Building a Healthy Copy Career with Darren Hanser” an expert copywriter offers insight into building a solid copywriting business. In an episode with Melissa Burkheimer, the conversion designer and sales page specialist talked about why copywriters and designers don’t always see eye-to-eye and how to remedy those situations..

    19. The Drunken Odyssey with John King

    A podcast about creative writing and literature, The Drunken Odyssey is hosted by writer and literary reviewer John King. The purpose of this podcast is to discuss the writing life and foster a sense of community amongst writers.

    A great place to start: Take a listen to the episode “Deirdre Coyle,” to hear this fiction writer and essayist cut extraneous words from her manuscripts, and why she thinks fantasy can be more real than realism. Another of the best episodes is with “Jazon Z. Morris”  and features an interview with a professor and author who shares how to structure a novel and learn the confidence to write one.

    20. Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach

    Hosted by writing coach Ann Kroeker, this podcast is designed to help writers hone their talent through practical tips and inspiring insight. Episodes are typically under fifteen minutes, and are meant to offer quick solutions to many different topics.

    A great place to start:  In “Next-Level Writer: Where Are You Now?” Ann poses 10 questions that will help you evaluate your writing world so you can identify your starting point. In a practical episode titled “How to Sort and Stack Your Ideas and Tasks to Transform as a Writer and Person,” teaches listeners how to save and implement ideas, solutions, tools, and tips so you don’t lose what you learn. 

    21. Minorities in Publishing

    The brain child of publishing professional Jenn Baker, this interview-based podcast discusses the lack of diversity in the book publishing industry with other professionals working in-house as well as authors and those in the literary scene. Listeners are encouraged to be more attuned to the impact of not just what they read and write, but also, what they don’t.

    A great place to start: In “Interview with Bria Kiara,” the Day Dreamers literary journal creator highlights the nitty-gritty details of starting your own print journal and “the balance to maintain it as a unique vision for those included and who it represents.” In an episode titled, “Interview with Renée Watson,” the host and her guest have a candid discussion about writer’s block and imposter syndrome, and how much Renee’s stories for Black girls continue to showcase range & beauty.

    22. Between the Covers

    A literary radio show and podcast hosted by David Naimon, Between the Covers features long-form in-depth conversations with writers from all kinds of genres and backgrounds. The podcast is usually an hour or more, and it delves into the creative process behind impactful books to provide listeners advice and inspiration. 

    A great place to start: In “Diane Williams: The Collected Stories of Diane Williams,” gain wisdom from an experienced editor and best-selling writer. Check out this episode with Rebecca Makkai to learn the important but underappreciated aspect of story craft, the flip side of point of view, and the point of storytelling. 

    23. You’re Wrong About 

    Fact-checking is a must when writing, well, anything, and this podcast will make sure you understand why it’s important to do so. Journalists Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes cover people or events that’ve been miscast in the public imagination. From pop culture stories to murder mysteries, fiction writers will enjoy these interesting tales and the reminder to triple-check your stats before considering something “done.” 

    A great place to start: The “Kitty Genovese and “Bystander Apathy”” episode is sure to capture your attention. In, “The Disappearance of Chandra Levy,” tackles the topic of a nationwide obsession and whether it’s “disingenuous to think you can turn the story of someone being murdered into anything else.”  

    24. The Writing University Podcast

    The Writing University’s Eleventh Hour podcast highlights recordings of talks from distinguished writers, novelists, poets, essayists who present at the Eleventh Hour Lecture Series during the University of Iowa’s Iowa Summer Writing Festival.

    A great place to start: The “Mixed Feelings” episode explores the idea that nothing conveys emotional truth more powerfully than mixed feelings. To learn how to write good dialogue book editors and agents won’t gloss over, listen to “Better Talky Talky – The Art and Craft of Strong Dialogue – Kelly Dwyer”

    25. So You Want to Be A Writer?

    With 250+ episodes, So You Want To Be A Writer is a free weekly podcast hosted by journalists and authors Valerie Khoo and Allison Tait. This versatile podcast will give you a bit of everything you need to navigate the publishing world — whether you love the creative inspiration of Elizabeth Gilbert, need writing opportunities and updates on publishing trends, or writing tips to help you grow, you’ll find it here.

    A great place to start: In an episode with Kirsten Alexander, author of Riptides, the hosts and their guest share scientifically proven ways to beat writer’s block. Khoo and Tait have some excellent and insightful advice on writing funny books for kids in “Meet B.G. Hilton, author of ‘Champagne Charlie and the Amazing Gladys.’”

    26. First Draft: A Dialogue On Writing

    Mitzi Rapkin produces and hosts this literary podcast that’s been around since 2015. Each week the 30- to 50-minute podcast features an in-depth interview with a fiction, non-fiction, essay, or poetry writer who shares their journey with messy first drafts. Equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work, this podcast regularly hosts notable authors like Celeste Ng and Ann Patchett. 

    A great place to start: In her interview, writer and editor Sahar Mustafah talks about how she explores her heritage in her fiction. Another episode you can’t miss is “First Draft – Ann Napolitano,” where she discusses her novel, Dear Edward.

    27. StoryADay

    The StoryADay challenge “exists to help you learn how much you’re capable of writing in a month.” Presented by Julie Duffy, the podcast version helps you figure out how to keep that commitment up for the rest of your life. In bite-sized, 10- to 15-minute episodes, listeners can get creativity challenges, writing prompts, and regularly published posts on the craft of writing.

    A great place to start: Get your feet wet with “Stop Procrasti-learning and Start Writing” to find out if listening and reading hold you back from finishing stories. Also, Duffy talked about the importance of celebrating every win in your writing life in, “Triumph! Make a Habit of Celebrating Your Writing Wins.” 

    28. Write-minded

    This podcast is all about providing weekly inspiration for writers. Hosted by Brooke Warner of She Writes and Grant Faulkner of NaNoWriMo, each theme-focused episode of this podcast features an interview with a writer, author, or publishing industry professional. There’s always a takeaway at the end of each episode, too, kind of like this: Everyone is a writer, and everyone’s story matters. 

    A great place to start: “Exploring the Real World Through Fiction, featuring Nic Stone” takes listeners through the ways writers mine the real world for inspiration and answers in fiction. To soak up the goodness of indie publishing, listen to “In Celebration of Indie Publishing, featuring Angela Bole.”

    29. The Writing Life Podcast 

    If you write (anything), this podcast is for you. Every week, this podcast, presented by the National Centre of Writing, interviews writers about their writing journeys and techniques, from early-career debuts to self-publishers and narrative designers.

    A great place to start: Writer Sara Collins talks about representation in literature in “Improving Representation in Fiction.” Plus, learn how to create and develop characters in a recent episode titled, “Creating Characters With Michael Donkor.” 

    30. Create If Writing

    According to host Kirsten Oliphant, this podcast is the place for you if you’re a writer, blogger, or creative who wants to build an online platform without being “smarmy.”  

    A great place to start: Check out “Marketing for Authors Who Hate Marketing” to reframe your idea of marketing and learn simple ways to get it done. Also, Oliphant tackled “How to Avoid Bad Author Collaborations” to teach listeners what to consider to avoid the perils of a bad match. 

    31. The Segilola Salami Show

    Segilola Salami is a mom, author, freelance writer, blogger, and the host of her podcast that focuses on books and publishing. Aimed to be entertaining and educational, this show welcomes guests from all walks of life to share how they’ve gotten from point A to B with their published novels.

    A great place to start: In “Will Dean: How to Get Published,” an intriguing conversation takes place about getting published and living off-grid. Also worth checking out, is when Salami held a thorough interview with an author about cliffhangers in the episode, “Sofia Hällgren: How to Write a Cliffhanger.” 

    32. The Subtext 

    The American Theatre is the nation’s only general-circulation magazine devoted to theatre. Its podcast is home to playwrights who want to talk about the things usually left unsaid. “In a conversation that dives into life’s muck, we learn what irks, agitates, motivates, inspires and — ultimately — what makes writers tick.”

    A great place to start: Dive into “The Subtext: Adam Szymkowicz on Redefining Success” to hear a reminder all writers need: There’s no tangible way for success and the concept itself means something different for each writer. After that, try out an episode titled, “The Subtext: Will Arbery’s Guilt Traps” to learn the difference between love and empathy. 

    33. The Career Author 

    Zach Bohannon and J. Thorn co-host this podcast that began with the belief that their conversations about self-publishing, writing, craft, and marketing could help other aspiring writers. Since 2018, the podcast has been listened to more than 100,000 times, so they must be saying something right. 

    A great place to start: You don’t want to miss “The Mentorship Model for Authors,” where you’ll discover different types of mentorship and why authors need them. In an episode titled, “Peer-to-Peer Feedback,” Bohannon and Thorn discuss why feedback is important as well as the etiquette involved. They even provide guidance on how to ask for feedback and how to give and receive it. 

    34. Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

    Every writer looking to improve their knowledge of the English language should bookmark this podcast. With helpful and insightful tips on grammar and storytelling, Mignon Fogarty’s widely popular podcast is sure to help you improve your writing skills.

    A great place to start: A popular episode from this podcast is “Top Ten Grammar Myths” Take a listen to an intriguing recent podcast titled “4 Tips for Staying Motivated on Long Writing Assignments.“ 

    Your turn: What are your favorite podcasts for inspiration or writing tips?

    The original version of this story was written by Brianna Bell and updated by Farrah Daniel. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

    Photo via Rawpixel.com/ Shutterstock 

  • ProWritingAid Review: How to Improve Your Writing With This Editing Tool

    ProWritingAid Review: How to Improve Your Writing With This Editing Tool

    Your writing could always be better.

    It’s an unfortunate reality of this job: No matter how long you do it or how much you learn, everything you write has room for tweaking to get a little closer to elusive perfection.

    You could go cross-eyed re-reading a piece before submitting it. Eventually most of us get used to biting the bullet and sending something that’s — ugh — good enough.

    In search of a way to submit articles and manuscripts with a little more confidence than that, I enlisted a virtual writing coach.

    ProWritingAid is a web editor and plugin for Google Docs, MS Word and other writing tools (excluding Mac’s Pages) that will help you spot errors in grammar, spelling, style and word choice in your writing. They let me try out the tool and write this ProWritingAid review for The Write Life.

    You can think of it like a preliminary writing coach or editor. The tool won’t replace a human editor (I can’t not say that, as an editor myself…), but it can help you polish your writing and strengthen your writing habits.

    ProWritingAid will analyze your document and point out grammar and spelling errors — but it goes way beyond that. It’ll also root out passive verbs, lengthy sentences, hidden verbs, unnecessary adverbs, repeated words and phrases and more common enemies of clear, concise writing.

    [twl_reusable_block post_id=41455]

    Founder Chris Banks originally created ProWritingAid to help his own writing after making the transition from financial analyst to fiction writer. He taught himself to code and wrote a simple program to identify common pitfalls new writers face.

    At first, the tool focused on fiction writing, but now it lets you note whether you’re analyzing academic, business, technical, creative, casual or web writing — because what makes one kind of writing good doesn’t always apply to another!

    How ProWritingAid works

    ProWritingAid has three price points, each of which come with their own set of features and functions. Full details of which can be found below.

    Free

    • $0 per month
    • Basic writing suggestions, everywhere you write
    • 500 word count limit
    • 10 rephrases per day
    • 3 AI Sparks per day
    • Grammar, spelling, punctuation
    • Word explorer and thesaurus
    • Document type setting
    • 100% data security and privacy

    Premium

    • $10 per month
    • Write and edit like an expert. No word limits
    • Everything in Free
    • Unlimited word count
    • Unlimited rephrases
    • 5 AI Sparks per day
    • Advanced style improvements
    • Custom style guide
    • Snippets
    • 25+ writing analysis reports
    • Customisable suggestions
    • Terminology management
    • Author comparison
    • Citations
    • Collaboration
    • Unlimited document storage
    • 1 Critique per day

    Premium Pro

    • $12 per month
    • Unlock extended AI features to spark ideas
    • Everything in Premium
    • 50 AI Sparks per day
    • 3 Critiques per day

    Once you’re in, you can work in your own word processor, or upload or copy and paste your document into the ProWritingAid web editor. It’ll read your writing and use color-coded underlining to call out suggestions.

    Here’s how that looks on one of my recent posts for The Write Life:

    Hover over a phrase to see the suggestion. For example, for my passive phrase above, “writing can be edited,” ProWritingAid suggested I rewrite to use an active verb, such as “We can edit writing.”

    It also catches potential filler or hedging words, including “totally” and “actually” in my selection above. 

    You’ll probably get some suggestions you don’t want to follow or that don’t fit the style of the publication you’re writing for, so read them carefully before clicking to accept suggested changes. You can choose to disable a “rule” if you don’t want to see that kind of suggestion — for example, I disabled suggestions to rewrite split infinitives, because I’m a rebel like that.

    You can also pull up a summary that takes a higher level view of your writing. This includes a ton of information about your writing, from word count to reading level to variety of sentence length.

    Pay attention to this report to learn about — and improve — your writing habits. My reports consistently show I’m a little generous with adjectives…like “consistently” earlier in this sentence. I’ll need to work on that if I want to write something to Stephen King–esque standards.

    See a sample report from ProWritingAid


    Who is ProWritingAid for?

    We all have access to grammar and spelling checkers for free with word processors. And our writing will often go through an editor before publication. So why should you pay for editing software?

    ProWritingAid is best for cleaning up a draft before sending it to the next step. Instead of trusting your aunt or a generous friend to read your writing and tell you “it’s fine,” use this tool to give it an x-ray look and spot clunky wording before an editor does.

    It’s worth the investment for:

    • Authors: Polish your manuscript before self-publishing or submitting to agents.
    • Freelance writers: Tighten your copy before submitting articles (editors will love you!).
    • Students: Get a virtual second eye on your papers before turning them in.
    • ESL writers: Use the tool to improve diction and discover filler words and awkward wording.
    • New editors: Use it to train your eye to hone writing.

    If you regularly work with an editor, for example, as a staff writer in a newsroom or other organization, the tool probably isn’t worth your money. It’ll largely do the job your editor is already being paid to do.

    Things you should know about ProWritingAid

    The free version of ProWritingAid is nice if you just want to check out an occasional bit of your writing. 

    If you want to use it regularly, though, I recommend the Premium version so you can use the tool with your existing word processor. ProWritingAid’s web editor doesn’t offer the kind of tracking changes or collaboration you’ll get with Google Docs or MS Word. Without the integration, you’ll probably duplicate work.

    Also note, you need to connect to the internet for the tool to work, so you can’t do any checks while you’re offline. Kind of a bummer if you like those undisturbed writing hours on a flight or in your own Walden Pond. You might have to leave revisions until you return to civilization.

    Bottom line of our ProWritingAid review: ProWritingAid can’t replace a human editor’s touch, but it’s one of the best grammar checker tools, ideal for polishing your writing while you self-edit.

    It’s a simple and affordable way to uncover your writing habits and ensure you make the best possible impression on every editor or agent when you’re ready to submit your work.

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

    Photo via Zofot/ Shutterstock 

  • Scrivener Review: Why Writers Love This Book-Writing Software

    Scrivener Review: Why Writers Love This Book-Writing Software

    As a writer, you’re creative. You have notebooks full of scribblings in every room. You have sticky notes you can’t even read. Your computer? It’s a mess of bookmarks and files stored in a random collection of folders. 

    It doesn’t matter if you’re a freelance writer or a novelist working on the next epic masterpiece, chances are you could use a little help keeping your magic organized. 

    This is a common problem; lots of writers are creative but struggle to stay organized! 

    That’s why, if you spend time in the online writing community, you’ll hear writers raving about Scrivener.

    In The Write Life Facebook group, for example, we saw this comment from Brooklin Devine: 

    “If there were Scrivener gods, I would pay tribute to them (JK…but mostly serious). It has transformed the amount of writing I do. It is hands down the best thing I have ever purchased for my writing. I think the first day I bought it, I was sold because almost instantly, I was able to import all my work over (which I thought was going to be an incredible hassle). Amazing.”

    So what exactly is this magical tool Scrivener, and how are writers using it?

    What is Scrivener?

    Scrivener is a book-writing software program developed by a British teacher and aspiring writer, Keith Blount, who was frustrated by trying to keep all of his notes together. 

    In fact, he was so frustrated that he learned how to code and create a software dedicated to helping writers get and stay organized. That was Scrivener 1.0 in 2007. In the intervening years, Scrivener has become a major player in the writing software market published by Blount’s company, Literature and Latte. 

    Scrivener is a software program that you pay for once and download. Then, you simply have it on your computer forever. No annual subscription needed. 

    Scrivener is available for Windows, Scrivener for Mac, and is also compatible on both iPhones and iPads. 

    Who uses Scrivener?

    There isn’t a genre that Scrivener can’t handle, so don’t worry about that. 

    If you write novels, short fiction, essays, memoir, or even obituaries, you could make great use of Scrivener. However, if you like things simple, just a screen on a page, it may not be for you. 

    When you put your money down for Scrivener, you’re paying for all of the organizational bells and whistles. You’ll either love them or you won’t. If you’re not sure where you stand, try the Scrivener free trial first.

    Scrivener review: What I like about this book-writing software

    On first impression, you’ll notice that Scrivener is a program stacked with options. You can do a lot with it to help your writing. 

    This is a word processor, file cabinet and editor all rolled into one. About the only thing it doesn’t do is make coffee. 

    Here are some of the most popular Scrivener features.

    Write offline

    Once you’ve downloaded Scrivener, you don’t need to be online to write with it. I find this keeps my distractions to a minimum.

    Never lose your writing

    Scrivener autosaves constantly. Not every ten minutes or even five. When you stop writing, you can stop worrying. It’ll be there the next time you open up.

    Oh yeah, when you open your document up, you’ll start out exactly where you left off. Nice.

    Organize your notes

    The corkboard is where you can compile your notes on digital note cards and put them in order. Chapters, subheads, whatever they may be. Move them around. Do whatever you need to, it’s easy. 

    This feature makes Scrivener amazing as novel writing software. You can see your whole plan laid out in front of you.

    Here’s what that looks like:

    Writers rave about this feature for making progress on big projects, as you can see in this tweet:

    https://twitter.com/jemifraser/status/1166865695268855808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

    Templates for every kind of writing

    Scrivener templates galore. If there is a type of project you want to write, there is a template for it. In Scrivener itself, when you start a new project, you can choose from a variety of options, including:

    Fiction

    • Novel
    • Novel (with parts)
    • Short Story

    Non-Fiction

    • Non-fiction with subheads
    • Research proposal
    • Undergraduate humanities essay

    Scriptwriting

    • BBC radio scene style
    • BBC taped drama
    • Comic script
    • Screenplay
    • Stage play (UK)
    • Stage play (US)

    Miscellaneous

    • Persuasive lecture
    • Recipe collection

    Don’t see what you need? Just Google it and someone has made a Scrivener template for it. 

    Writer and host of the “Helping Writers Become Authors” website and podcast, K.M. Weiland created her own fiction template. “There are many reasons I love Scrivener, but ultimately the reason I use it is that it puts all my documents for a single story in one place,” she says.

    Export to nearly any file type

    You can export from Scrivener to PDF, DOCX, RTF, TXT, directly to your printer, and other formats. You can even export to Amazon’s EPUB or MOBI for quick publishing.

    With one click your piece of work with all of its various parts is compiled into one file. 

    The downsides of using Scrivener

    I mentioned that Scrivener comes with a lot of really cool bells and whistles, right? 

    The downside to getting all of those features is that it can be a little difficult to sift through everything to find what you need. This tool can be overwhelming when you open it up for the first time! 

    To help yourself nail this steep learning curve, make good use of Scrivener’s tutorials. Or cut right to the chase and invest in a course like Learn Scrivener Fast, which will teach you everything you need to know to become a master of the tool. 

    Don’t try to wing it. You’ll waste a lot of time that could be better served by writing.

    How much does Scrivener cost?

    Scrivener isn’t free, but honestly, it’s not expensive either. 

    Here’s the company’s pricing:

    Standard License for Windows: $49.99

    Educational License for Windows: $42.49

    Standard License for Mac: $49.99

    Educational License for Mac: $42.49

    IOS Products: $23.99 

    Don’t use the same computer all of the time? No problem. When you buy your Scrivener subscription, you can download it to any computer in your household that runs on the same platform. If you need it for a Mac and for Windows, you’ll have to buy those programs separately. 

    If you want to try this book-writing software before you buy, Scrivener offers a 30-day free trial. 

    The bottom line on this book-writing software

    Scrivener has become one of the most used — and most copied! — writing programs on the market for good reason. It has a plethora of tools for helping you stay organized and improving your writing efficiency. 

    The only hitch is you need to commit a little time to learn what the tool has to offer before jumping in head-first. If you are serious about writing, taking the time to learn how to use Scrivener should pay off.

    If you’re a Scrivener lover (or hater!), we’re keen to hear from you in the comments! What’s your experience with the tool?

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

    Photo via Peshkova / Shutterstock 

  • Writing Prompts: 52 Places to Find Them When You Need Inspiration

    Writing Prompts: 52 Places to Find Them When You Need Inspiration

    If you feel like you are stuck in your writing, writing prompts might be just what you need to get out of your rut.

    Whether you’re experiencing writer’s block or you’re tired of your own voice, style or subject-matter, writing prompts can give you a creative jolt to help you begin something new. 

    In addition to being a writer and editor, I teach writing in public schools and in a nearby detention center. This means I regularly use writing prompts with students of all ages. 

    What is a writing prompt? 

    A writing prompt is a brief image or topic that can help writers generate new ideas. Writing prompts can be a great way to inspire ideas in any genre of writing. 

    They can also take a huge variety of forms. Whether you’re inspired by news headlines, objects, one-word prompts, detailed questions or reading a poem or full work of prose, writing prompts can help you explore a particular topic, engage in a “conversation” with other writers or get through writer’s block. 

    Writing prompts can also help you make new or unusual connections between things. I was once asked to write an essay that incorporated a dog, a wristwatch and scuba diver. This prompt resulted in an essay that was published in a magazine.

    Where to find writing prompts

    Writing classes can be wonderful places to encounter interesting prompts, but the internet is also swimming with more prompts than you can ever use. 

    The following list is a collection of some of the resources that can help you generate new work no matter what genre you’re working in.

    While these prompts are grouped in categories, many of the websites offer prompts in multiple genres. Remember that a genre-specific prompt can often be used to generate interesting ideas or connections in other genres, too.

    Here’s where to find writing prompts.

    Fiction writing prompts and creative writing prompts

    1. Poets & Writers: The Time is Now

    Poets & Writers Magazine publishes a new fiction prompt online every Wednesday. These prompts are typically a paragraph in length and they encourage ideas through a series of questions and suggestions.

    2. Self-Publishing School: 400+ Creative Writing Prompts to Find Your Next (Best) Book Idea

    These prompts are aimed at inspiring plot and character development and are meant to generate the sparks needed to fuel writing a book. Sets of prompts are grouped into genres of fiction writing such as mystery, dystopian, fantasy, and more. Each group of prompts is also accompanied by a series of tips for how to write in a particular genre.

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    3. 12 Nature-Inspired Creative Writing Prompts

    Nature writing typically brings to mind nonfiction writing, but this list of prompts encourages nature- and place-based storytelling. The prompts contain detailed visual descriptions to help you jump into a particular place or scene. 

    4. Writer’s Digest Creative Writing Prompts

    These prompts are posted weekly and help to generate specific scenes or ideas you can expand on. Most of the prompts are a series of questions to help generate details about plot and character development.

    5. 21 Writing Prompts to Help You Finish an Entire Novel This Summer

    These short prompts offer a topic, scenario or structure broad enough to build a book around. Each prompt is accompanied by a gif that works as an additional prompt for people who are inspired by visual imagery.

    6. Plot Prompts for Fiction: Writer Igniter

    This simple but innovative website offers digital flashcards to help writers explore character, situation, prop, and setting. Four specific cards are offered to the writer and when you finish (or if you want a different idea) you can just press the “shuffle” button and get an entirely new combination to write about. 

    7. Creative Writing Now: Fiction Writing Prompts

    The heart of any story often involves a character’s internal or personal journey. These prompts offer a full paragraph to flesh out a particular character and the personal or relational challenges they are facing.

    8. Creative Writing Now: 44 Short Story Ideas

    Designed for shorter works of fictions, these short story prompts offer brief scenarios for inspiration. Each set of ideas comes with a writing challenge, and you are encouraged to mix and match ideas from each of the prompt lists. There’s even one set of prompts that helps you brainstorm personal fears and habits and helps you fictionalize them. 

    9. ServiceScape Fiction Writing Prompt Generator

    Scroll through a list of fiction sub-genres, such as “utopia,” “space opera,” “science fiction romance,” or many other sub-genres, to pull up a carousel of prompts. Each prompt is about a paragraph long to set the scene and situation—perfect for any fiction writer who just needs a nudge to get them off and running. 

    10. Fiction Prompts on StoryADay with Julie Duffy

    The prompts provided on StoryADay often ask writers to imagine a momentous moment and dive right into the action. These prompts can be great for helping writers craft plot. Each prompt is paired with a photograph, too, which can be another boon for anyone who derives inspiration from imagery. 

    11. The Writer: Writing Prompts

    Writers looking to combine mundane, everyday life with secrets, mysteries, or other strange twists will likely find these prompts intriguing. Paired with colorful and engaging images, these prompts are updated weekly on Fridays.

    12. 40 Short Story Prompts You Can Write in a Day

    If all you need is a scenario, these prompts should do the trick. Each prompt sets up the situation, and it’s up to you to provide the story! 

    13. Random Story Prompt Generator

    Click a button and receive a few random prompts! These work well for writers who just need a handful of objects and archetypal characters for inspiration to strike. And for even more random story prompts, check out the links to other story generators below the prompt box. 

    14. Giant Golden Buddha & 364 More 5-Minute Writing Exercises

    For fiction writers who need inspiration for how to begin, these prompts are detailed and focused enough to help you zero in on an opening paragraph, a brief scene, or a vivid description of a character.

    Flash Fiction Prompts

    15. Laurie Stone’s Flash Fiction Prompts

    The prompts on this website are creative and include sentence fragments, excerpts of poems, and sentences with fill-in-the blank spots. The variety makes these prompts unusual and great for experimentation. 

    16. Bookfox: 50 Flash Fiction Prompts

    Designed for fiction 1,000 words or under, these prompts will likely spark ideas for short stories or even novels. The prompts are grouped by category and each prompt introduces the main character and the tension for a writer to run with. 

    17. 62 of the Best Flash Fiction Story Prompts

    This list of prompts is perfect for fiction writers who want to try their hand at writing flash fiction. Steph Fraser provides an overview of flash fiction and tips for how to write flash stories successfully. This introduction is followed by prompts which are grouped by sub-genres such as “horror” and “romance.” 

    18. 99 Days of Flash Fiction Prompts

    If you need a little more to go on than a few words, but don’t need a full paragraph, these prompts provide brief dialogue and just enough sensory detail to spark a flash story idea.

    19. 100 Days of Fun Flash Fiction Prompts

    These brief prompts created by Eva Deverell are designed to keep you writing every day, but can be used at random, too. As a bonus, her website offers a number of other free writing resources, too! 

    Nonfiction writing prompts

    20. Submittable Prompts

    Writers who submit work to literary magazines are likely familiar with Submittable — but did you know their blog has an archive of writing prompts? Each blog post is accompanied by an image that relates to the theme of the prompts. There are 8-10 prompts focused on a particular idea or theme. Most of these prompts can easily be used for other genres. 

    21. Poets & Writers: The Time is Now

    Poets & Writers Magazine publishes a new nonfiction prompt every Thursday. Writers can also subscribe to the Time is Now weekly e-newsletter to receive prompts for nonfiction as well as fiction and poetry.

    22. The New York Times Learning Network: 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

    Not only are these prompts grouped in easy-to-navigate categories, but each prompt is linked to background information, a brief summary of someone’s story as it pertains to the topic, and a series of questions aimed at helping a writer think through the various aspects of a particular prompt. This is a great option for writers who need more than one-word prompts!

    23. Bad-Ass Writing Prompts to Kick-Start Your Creativity

    Each of these prompts lays out a brief scenario and asks a question aimed at self-discovery or introspection. These would be particularly useful for personal essayists or memoirists who are trying to find a way into writing about their bad or regrettable behaviors. 

    24. 10 Ways to Inspire Personal Writing with The New York Times

    Writers with years of expertise and a keen eye for structure and tone will benefit from these advanced writing prompts. Each prompt provides loose guidelines for modeling a piece on the writing published in particular sections of The New York Times. The prompts include links to published work writers might reference as good examples.

    25. Creative Nonfiction Prompts

    The 50 prompts on this list are pulled from Melissa Donovan’s book, “1200 Creative Writing Prompts.” The list is made up of strings of questions that ask writers to recall various types of memories, or to engage with emotional or intellectual responses to music, art, and media. 

    26. Bookfox: 50 Creative Nonfiction Prompts Guaranteed to Inspire

    Most memoirists and personal essayists explore relationships in their writing and this list of prompts is bound to jog particular kinds of memories. Most of the prompts relate to childhood or family relationships, but some prompts focus on other types of relationships, too.

    27. Event: 30 Non-Fiction Writing Prompts

    While some people prefer a word or phrase to spark an idea, others benefit from paragraphs and series of questions, and some enjoy reading a full essay or article before beginning to write. This list of prompts offers all three options for each of the 30 ideas. Some prompts suggest a straightforward retelling, but others suggest looser associations and experimental nonfiction writing.

    28. 11 Strange Fiction/Nonfiction Prompts

    Derived from the quotes of renowned writers, these prompts ask writers to dig deep and consider the connections between small, detailed moments and larger themes or events. The prompts can easily be used for either fiction or nonfiction. 

    29. 10 Easy Writing Prompts to Get Your Life Story Started

    It can be difficult to write about your complex life story in a clear way. Each of these ten prompts provides a frame so that you can dive into one aspect of your life story that will likely illuminate larger themes as you keep writing. 

    30. Writing Class Radio

    Perfect for people who prefer a minimalist approach, Writing Class Radio provides daily prompts of one or two words. The website also hosts a nonfiction writing podcast that features writers sharing work and discussing craft.

    31. Writing Our Lives Personal Essay Prompts

    Writer Vanessa Martír posts prompts weekly. Each prompt invites writers to reflect deeply on a particular memory or set of memories and most prompts include a quote from a book or movie that connects to the topic. Many of the prompts are focused on reflection and healing. 

    32. Journal Writing Prompts for Beginners: 119 Journal Prompts

    You don’t have to seek publication to be a writer. Writing for yourself counts, too! People who want to journal but aren’t sure where to start or what to write each day (or week) will find this list of prompts to be helpful in sparking ideas for topics.

    33. Bernadette Mayer’s List of Journal Ideas

    For beginners and advanced journalers and nonfiction writers, this list is divided into categories to give you ideas for themed journals, topic ideas, and quote fragments meant to inspire. There are also longer prompts that encourage experimentation with structure, form, and collaboration.

    Flash Nonfiction Prompts

    34. Flash Nonfiction Lessons in Concision and Revision

    As a writing instructor, Zoë Bossiere has a lot of wisdom to share about the various kinds of flash nonfiction and the elements that make flash writing different than longer types of writing. Although this is essentially a lesson plan on Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies, writers can learn a lot about the four main types of flash nonfiction, and gain inspiration for their own flash pieces from the many examples and resources that Boossiere provides. 

    35. Documenting Life, Briefly: Flash Nonfiction Prompts

    In each of these prompts, the writer is invited to approach the truth of the world or themselves from a different angle, whether it’s a memorable phone call or something from the news you just can’t shake. Some prompts walk you through a series of steps, and others offer just a couple of lines to help you begin. 

    Poetry writing prompts

    36. Poets & Writers: The Time is Now

    Poets & Writers Magazine releases a new poetry prompt once a week on Tuesdays. You can access these on the website or sign up to receive the prompts in their weekly writing prompt e-newsletter. These prompts are typically in the form of a paragraph with excerpts of poems or quotes accompanied by a series of questions or suggestions.

    37. Think Written: 101 Poetry Writing Prompts

    If you want to jump right into a poem, these prompts are a great way to start. Each prompt is one short sentence and the list is filled with suggestions that will evoke memories or spark your imagination. 

    38. Writer’s Relief: 125 of the Best Writing Prompts for Poets

    These prompts consist of two words or a short phrase or image meant to evoke life memories. The prompts are grouped in categories like “Momentous Occasions” and “Mysterious Places.”

    39. Creative Writing Now: Prompts for Poetry

    These short prompts are open-ended and each one might be used repeatedly to produce different kinds of poems. Many of the prompts suggest using a set of specific words. Using words you might not use ordinarily can help you stretch creatively as a writer!

    40. Poetry Prompt Generator

    Choose the number of words you want to appear on this page, and the number of challenges. Then decide whether you’d like to draw inspiration from an image, and press the “Get Prompt” button. Voila! You now have a set of instructions, a list of words to try to use in your poem, and an image to get your creative juices flowing. 

    41. The Poetry Writing Society: Poetry Writing Prompts

    Each of these prompts involves a series of instructions or steps. For poets who are feeling particularly stuck or benefit from structure, the prompts here just may do the trick. 

    42. Writing Forward Poetry Prompts

    The 25 prompts on this list are pulled from Melissa Donovan’s book, “1200 Creative Writing Prompts.” Books can be great resources for writing prompts and many authors make some of these printed prompts available online. Many of these prompts suggest writing poems that use a specific set of images or sounds.

    43. 30 Writing Prompts for National Poetry Month

    Take your shoes off, grab the nearest book, or find a recipe: Many of these prompts derive inspiration from the objects and ideas that surround you. 

    44. CAConrad’s (Soma)tic Poetry Exercises

    How do you feel about putting a penny under your tongue before writing? For poets or other creative writers looking for embodied experiences to inspire their writing, these exercises are more than just prompts. Each exercise calls on writers to engage in a particular activity while thinking about particular memories and ideas. 

    Writing prompts on social media (including Reddit writing prompts)

    45. Reddit Writing Prompts

    You can find anything on Reddit — including writing prompts. Most of the prompts on Reddit are for fiction writers, but the search bar will turn up other genres, too. Reddit prompts are great for people who want to write and get feedback in an online community.

    46. Tumblr Writing Prompts: Story Prompts

    Tumblr is a virtual treasure trove of writing prompts of any genre and topic you can imagine. Story Prompts curates prompts from across many different Tumblr accounts, but you can also search for specific blogs or genre types.

    47. Facebook Writing Prompts: Windcatchers

    Windcatchers is one of many writing prompt Facebook groups and it is run by writer Michelle Labyrinth. Prompts are posted about once a week and other articles and resources for writers are posted, too. The prompts are generally targeted to nonfiction writers.

    48. Twitter #Writing Prompts

    Hashtags make it easier than ever to find the kind of prompts you are looking for. #writingprompts generates lots of different kinds of prompts, but there are also Twitter accounts you can follow that are devoted to particular kinds of prompts.

    49. TikTok Writing Prompts

    Obsessed with TikTok? You can find writing prompts there, too! Type “writing prompts” into the search feature and you will find a list of the top accounts posting writing prompts. Some accounts post multiple times a day, and others post less frequently but have an archive of prompts you can scroll through. 

    50. YouTube Writing Prompts

    Do you squander valuable writing time by watching too many cat videos on YouTube? Not to worry—there are tons of writing prompt videos on YouTube. Often, the key to inspiration is looking for it in the places you spend the most time.

    51. Instagram #WritingPrompts

    Like Twitter, you can easily find any kind of writing prompt by searching for a specific hashtag. However, Instagram is ideal for the image-oriented writer; many prompts are accompanied by an image or background that can provide additional inspiration.

    52. Pinterest Writing Prompts

    Pinterest is not the first place most writers would think of when searching for prompts, but like Instagram, it has a wealth of image-oriented prompts across all genres. For people who already spend time on Pinterest, this can be a great way to find writing inspiration, too.

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    Photo via frantic00 / Shutterstock 

  • How to Use Rhetorical Devices in Your Writing to Persuade and Influence

    How to Use Rhetorical Devices in Your Writing to Persuade and Influence

    From ancient Greek amphitheaters to the far corners of bookstores and even the Internet, rhetorical devices have long been a cornerstone of effective communication.

    While often associated with persuasive speeches, the art of rhetoric extends far beyond the podium, weaving its magic through every type of writing, including fiction. Using rhetorical techniques can make any kind of writing compelling, turning simple messages into memorable narratives. 

    Keep reading to explore rhetorical devices, from what it is to the ways you can utilize it in your writing to captivate readers

    101 Creative Writing Prompts
    That Will Get You Excited to Write

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      What is Rhetoric?

      What is rhetoric exactly? It’s is the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of certain techniques known as rhetorical devices. 

      In writing, rhetoric is used to persuade, inform, or entertain the reader. 

      Elements of Rhetoric

      To employ rhetoric, you need to understand the elements needed to make it function effectively. Those elements are as follows: 

      Credibility

      Establishing the writer’s or speaker’s credibility and authority is crucial when it comes to convincing an audience of anything. This can be done by demonstrating expertise or shared values with the audience. In fiction, this could also apply to the main character. More often than not, we need to be able to trust our narrator and believe they have some sort of authority to lead us through their journey. 

      Emotion

      Humans are emotional beings. Appealing to your reader’s emotions will help you connect with them and that connection will make it easier to persuade, convince, or lead. Utilizing this element involves creating an emotional response through anecdotes, descriptive language, and the rhetorical devices we will talk about shortly.

      Logic

      Simply put, things need to make sense to a reader or listener if they are going to listen long enough to be persuaded. Making a logical argument for your stance, or regarding the rules of your world, or your character’s actions will make your story more believable. This entails providing clear reasons, evidence, and logical structure to support the argument (or premise) you are presenting. 

      Meme featuring Keanu Reeves as a teenager from Dazed and Confused. The text says "What if my rhetoric teacher is actually good at rhetoric?" This is a joke about the persuasive nature of rhetorical devices.

      Depending on the type of writing you’re doing, you’ll rely on some of these elements more than others. In non-fiction, logic and credibility are going to be at the forefront of your writing and you’ll want to use rhetoric or a rhetorical device to drive home your knowledge and reliability. You can also use rhetoric to make complicated subjects easier to understand for readers. 

      However, in fiction, emotion is going to play a leading role. While credibility and logic will be important, the rules of your world will need to make sense and readers will need to know which characters to trust. When writing fiction you’ll want to make your readers feel.

      Rhetoric or rhetorical devices can help you do this by helping readers understand a situation more deeply or relate to a character or situation they have no previous understanding of or experience with. 

      How can you do this? By using rhetorical devices.

      Let’s take a look at some different rhetorical devices, the tools you can use you can apply rhetoric to your writing, and how they might help in different types of writing. 

      What are Rhetorical Devices?

      A rhetorical device is a technique used by writers or speakers to convey a message to the audience or to evoke a particular response or emotion. To engage the elements of rhetoric, you can use a rhetorical device. These devices can be used to enhance the meaning of a message, make it more memorable, or make an argument more persuasive. They are used in persuasive speeches, non-fiction, and fiction writing. 

      Here are just a few of the rhetorical devices you could use (because there are a lot).

      Rhetorical Question

      Asking a question not for the sake of getting an answer, but to make a point or draw attention to a topic.

      Examples: “Is the Pope Catholic?” or,  “Are you kidding me?” 

      Alliteration

      The repetition of the same initial sound in a series of words.

      Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”

      Anaphora

      The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

      Example: “I have a dream” from Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech.

      Hyperbole

      Exaggerating for emphasis or effect. 

      Example: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

      Metaphor

      A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, stating that one is the other.

      Example:  “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players,” from Shakespeare.

      Oxymoron

      Combining two contradictory terms. 

      Example: “deafening silence.”

      Personification

      Assigning human qualities or characteristics to non-human entities or abstract ideas. 

      Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”

      Simile

      A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” 

      Example:  “She sings like an angel.” 

      Famous Examples of Rhetorical Devices

      Rhetorical devices have been used throughout literary and oral history to paint pictures, pull an emotional response from an audience or prove a point.  

      Oxymoron 

      From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

      The juxtaposition of “sweet” and “sorrow” captures the complex emotions of love and longing. 

      ​Anaphora

      From Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness….”

      The repetitive “it was” at the beginning of each clause creates a rhythm and emphasizes the contrasts.

      From Martin Luther King Jr’s I Have a Dream Speech: “So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania….” 

      Alliteration

      From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes….” 

      The repetition of the “F” sound is a rhythmic alliteration. 

      These are just a small sample of the examples you can find across literature and of course rhetorical devices are used in movies and modern works as well, even articles, blogs or videos. 

      Why Use Rhetoric in Your Writing?

      Because rhetoric and rhetorical devices are so common and so effective, it can be hard to know when you’re even using them. This might leave you wondering why you should use them. This subtleness shows why we should use them. 

      When an author compares the emotion of a character to an experience or emotion the reader can relate to, it pulls the reader into that emotion so effectively, they don’t even realize they’re being “convinced.” 

      While the average reader might not understand what it feels like to send a loved one off on a quest from whence they may never return, they probably understand the ache that grows in your stomach when you send a child off to their first day of school or even a spouse to train for the military. And even though it’s not directly the same experience, they will start to feel that ache in the moment and may be able to relate more to the character than they did previously. 

      That’s the power of a rhetorical device. So the next time you’re writing, give it a try. Use a rhetorical device to convince your readers they’re feeling an emotion or help them understand a stance you’re making.

      101 Creative Writing Prompts
      That Will Get You Excited to Write

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      • A Win for the Oxford Comma: This Lawsuit Shows Why It’s So Important

        A Win for the Oxford Comma: This Lawsuit Shows Why It’s So Important

        Who cares about the Oxford comma?

        Historically, the answer has been grammar nerds, Strunk & White, and those who follow the infamous Chicago versus AP writing style guide debate.

        And after this lawsuit a few years ago, we added dairy driver to the list.

        That’s because an appellate court ruled in favor of Maine dairy drivers in a labor dispute that hinged on the oft-debated piece of punctuation.

        For anyone who’s ever wondered what all the fuss is about over Oxford commas, the circuit judge’s 2017 opinion says it all:

        “For want of a comma, we have this case.”

        Barron, Circuit Judge

        Let’s get into why the oxford comma can make such a difference

        What is the Oxford Comma or the Serial Comma?

        For those in need of a grammar rules refresh, here’s a quick overview.

        Sometimes called the serial comma, the Oxford comma is a comma placed between the last two items in a series of three or more.

        For example, the Oxford comma falls after “hat” in this sentence:

        “She wore a jacket, hat, and mittens.”

        While some writing style guides do not use this comma, supporters say it’s necessary to avoid potential ambiguity. And if there’s one thing writers can agree on, it’s the importance of clarity. In some cases, an extra comma matters.

        Does AP Style Use the Oxford Comma?

        The short answer: No.

        Many writers, including journalists, live by the Associated Press stylebook. AP style does not use Oxford commas.

        However, Chicago style does require Oxford commas. That’s the Chicago Manual of Style, which is commonly used by book publishers, academics, and trade publications.

        So the decision about whether to use the serial comma relies on what type of writing you’re doing, and which style guide applies to that project.

        If you’re writing for a news site, you probably want to follow AP style and skip the extra punctuation. If you’re writing a novel you plan to submit to publishers, you probably want to follow Chicago style, which does use the Oxford comma.

        An Example to Follow

        Let’s review how the Oxford comma works.

        Here’s an example of a sentence with the Oxford comma:

        “I admire my parents, Gandhi, and Mother Teresa.”

        It’s clear in this example that I admire my parents, as well as Gandhi, and Mother Teresa.

        But remove that serial comma, and the sentence reads, “I admire my parents, Gandhi and Mother Teresa.”

        One could argue that, written this way, the sentence implies that Gandhi and Mother Teresa are my parents. While the average person would know this isn’t likely to be the case, it illustrates how easily a missing comma can change the meaning of a sentence.

        Dictionary.com offers more funny examples

        It was precisely this type of ambiguity that led to the Maine case with the dairy farmers.

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        The Oxford Comma Debate, And A $10 Million Comma

        In this class action lawsuit, drivers for Oakhurst Dairy sued the company over its failure to grant them overtime pay.

        Workers in Maine are entitled to 1.5 times their normal pay for hours worked over 40 per week, according to state law. However, there are exemptions to this rule. Specifically, the law states, companies don’t have to pay overtime for the following activities:

        The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of:

        1. Agricultural produce;
        2. Meat and fish product; and
        3. Perishable foods

        Note the end of the opening line, where there is no comma before the “or.”

        Oakhurst Dairy argued its drivers did not qualify for overtime because they engage in distribution, and the spirit of the law intended to list “packing for shipment” and “distribution” as two separate exempt activities.

        However, the drivers argued the letter of the law said no such thing. Without that telltale Oxford comma, the law could be read to exclude only packing—whether it was packing for shipment or packing for distribution. Distribution by itself, in this case, would not be exempt.

        Without that comma, as the judge maintained, this distinction was not clear-cut:

        If that exemption used a serial comma to mark off the last of the activities that it lists, then the exemption would clearly encompass an activity that the drivers perform. And, in that event, the drivers would plainly fall within the exemption and thus outside the overtime law’s protection. But, as it happens, there is no serial comma to be found in the exemption’s list of activities, thus leading to this dispute over whether the drivers fall within the exemption from the overtime law or not.

        Barron, Circuit Judge

        As a result, the court found in favor of the drivers, costing the dairy an estimated $10 million.

        A Win for the Oxford Comma: This Lawsuit Shows Why It's So Important.

        Comma Rules: To Comma, or Not to Comma?

        As a diehard Oxford comma loyalist, this ruling made my day.

        While many of the sites I write for as a freelance blogger follow AP style, which is sans-serial comma, I still sneak one in when it seems needed to avoid confusion. This case backs up that habit as more than just an old-school tic I haven’t yet let go.

        While the debate may still rage on over whether Oxford commas are necessary all the time, this ruling upholds the practice of using them when they’re essential to ward off ambiguity.

        So, who care about the Oxford comma? The answer, according to the courts, is officially: anyone who’s interested in clarity.

        Take that, AP style!

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        This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

        Photo via Lamai Prasitsuwan/ Shutterstock